My mother wants to travel to Paris again but it's been about 30 years since her last trip there and she now has knee problems. She can walk without an issue but stairs are a no go for her. Does the Metro now have escalators and elevators to use reliably?
Thanks!
Lisa
Not all of them. You could use the bus system to get around like the local seniors
Unfortunately, within Paris only line 14 and the RER A and B lines have full step-free access from street level, with lifts and escalators. They can still help you cover some large distances.
But the bus network, while slow, is very good! Navigation is not always easy because of one-way streets, but the maps are very good.
The buses are great and they “kneel” at the stop so that it is easy to ascend. Parisians are very obliging about giving up a seat for the elderly or disabled. Buses and taxis, when necessary, will be kind to her poor knees.
Thanks Everyone! Sincerely appreciate the help!
Must say this message board is one helpful place when planning a trip :-)
Having just gotten back I was struck by how the French perception seems to be that elevators in public areas are generally only for people who are "handicapped" and escalators are viewed as accommodation.
In Lyon a group of women - many of whom were older - were boarding and outbound train with luggage and there was no elevator access to any of the platforms available. After being informed they did divert the train to a platform served by a series of escalators but that was all they could do.
And that's in the big cities - when they arrived at their destination in the little town stop some of them were on cars past the end of the platform and some had to make the climb down to the gravel beside the tracks.
I'm sure the locals are clued into how it works and what to ask for and where to sit etc. but to tourists that's a deeper level of understanding. If you have concerns ask before you go and keeping asking while you're there.
Good luck, have a great trip!
=Tod
