Paris wheelchair accessibility, getting around the city

It's going to be very tough. Only certain métro stations have elevator access and only some hotels have a larger elevator - perhaps somewhere modern in La Défense will be easiest.

On the RATP website, after you enter the journey info you can select ”Favourite Mode of Transport” and that will take you to a screen where you can select bus.

You can also go to the map and select bus to see the bus routes.

Unfortunately, I can’t advise on the elevators.

One more thing. You might also check the Sage Travel website for information:
https://www.sagetraveling.com/paris-accessible-travel
https://www.sagetraveling.com/Paris-Accessible-Transportation

Sorry Alexander, that's Metro14. I edited it. We have our accommodation already..

Thanks Laura! I’ll look for the info again on Sage Travel in case I missed it. Excellent that the RATP website has that option.

This post might be helpful:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/handicap-accessibility-in-paris

If you click on the five lines at the top left of the webpage, it will open a Search feature. If you type in Paris accessibility there are a few posts.

Traveling internationally with mobility issues sure gives me an appreciation for the ADA.

Well now I feel silly. Yes, I had seen that Laura🤦🏻‍♀️, but busses aren’t a choice.

Have you looked at https://www.ratp.fr/en/accessibilite? It might provide useful information. This article might also be useful. I don't think there are attendants on Line 14. I have read that the entire Line 14 system can be accessed without assistance. Here you can find the real time status of elevators when you are in Paris and if you put in the name of the station, it gives you a rought idea you where the lift is located at the station. Another way to find the lift locations is to do research in each metro station (I know it's a huge pain). For what it's worth the lift at Madeleine is near 22 Place de la Madeleine above ground and is at exit 2 within the station.

Thanks JHK! That’s very helpful!

Yes, Lisalu, it greatly complicates travel. There aren’t many accessible metro stations in Paris.

I’m all set I believe. I found that Google Maps does allow bus as a choice. We’re good to go.😀 Thanks all!

In the CityMapper app, when you put in your destination and origin points, you have a choice if you scroll down to the bottom of the screen to choose “Step-Free,” with a wheelchair symbol. Then the app shows you the step-free ways you can get to your destination.

We use the 14 line a lot when we stay in Batignolles and it is very accessible with elevators -- In the stations we have used, they were pretty well signed.

I am sorry to say that provisions for people with reduced mobility are woefully inadequate in Paris 😔. Metro line 14 is theoretically accessible but elevators do break down from time to time. RER A and B have several accessible stops in Paris as well, with the same caveat (and I am not sure that B trains guarantee gap-free access from platform to train). Buses all have electric wheelchair ramps, but 15-20% of stops aren't wheelchair accessible, and sometimes traffic will prevent buses from coming next to the curb. Hotel rooms that claim to be accessible might not be fully so - don't book without requesting details from the hotel!

These are merely my observations as someone who does not need such services. Successful travel to Paris is definitely possible regardless, but research (perhaps with the help/contact of an association or specialized travel agency on the ground?) will be needed to make your trip, if not hassle-free, as smooth as possible.

I've even had the discussion with her that I wonder how people with mobility issues get around cities like Paris because from what I see it would be very difficult.

It's called PAM75, a van service for residents with mobility concerns. Most if not all buses are equipped with special entry/exit ramps for those in wheelchairs.