Toilets in Paris, mai oui!

The online map on my iPad showed them - I brought up Paris, zoomed in on the area I’m interested in, then searched ‘Restrooms Search Nearby’. I was glad to find that out myself.

Looking back at previous threads on this subject might be helpful- We’ve never had any problem finding facilities in Paris or other European cities. Just stopping at a restaurant for lunch or beverage works well.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/bathroom-facilities-in-paris

A great walking city Paris has automated toilets everywhere
https://en.parisinfo.com/practical-paris/useful-info/public-toilets

Seem to recall an article about urinals doubling as planters on the street, found this: https://archive.curbed.com/2017/2/7/14527722/paris-pee-smell-public-urination-uritrottoir

Being a cosmopolitan world city, I believe they can be used by both sexes.

OK, Paul. Can you help me see how a female can use one of the planter pee pots? The most delightful (not) facilities I’ve used were in China but even those were manageable.

Yes, how on earth can a female use that planter urinal?? No self-respecting woman would. Even as a child growing up in Paris i always thought the public (disgusting) urinals on sidewalks all over Paris were extremely sexist. I still do. They make it easy for men on the street but women are on their own to find a real bathroom.

My first rule is always use one before leaving a place that has one. My second rule is go to the best hotel around. The better hotels (especially 5-star) will never refuse you and often it's a treat just to see the fancy toilets and the lobbies too.

This topic reminds me (and I hope my memory is right) that on one side of teh Madeleine Church (which is worth seeing in itself) is a below-ground toilet that is beautiful.

OK, Paul. Can you help me see how a female can use one of the planter pee pots?

Well, I was speaking purely from an equality point of view, they are there to use, when you gotta go, you gotta go. I guess I have confidence in the agility of French women, and though I have no practical experience at this, the famous words of Ginger Rogers come to mind (paraphrased) she "did it the same way as Fred, but only backwards and in heels" ; )

Progress?

https://www.connexionfrance.com/French-news/French-start-up-Madame-Pee-installs-urinals-for-women-in-Paris-beach

(snip)

French start-up installs urinals for women in Paris

New female urinals created by a French start-up have been installed in Paris in a bid to cut long waiting times for women at public toilets.

there are a number of devices used by hiking and camping women which may help with street relief...

Good news Robert, thanks!

I am always amused by his question as there are virtually no public toilets in American cities -- a few, but darn few. Paris is much better equipped with toilets in major parks like the Tuilleries and the Luxembourg Gardens as well as the freestanding toilet booths here and there throughout the city. (very slow -- if there is a line, find a cafe). And of course cafes are everywhere where the cheap price of a stand up espresso coffee at the bar you can use the head, whether you drink the coffee or not. And with panache you can sometimes just walk in and use the facilities without buying although that is rude.

Well, I do have one of those "adapters" women can use while hiking, etc. (it was a gag gift a few years back; my friends all know I have no qualms about saying "turn around, I'm gonna drop my drawers and squat just off the trail" but I think in Paris I'd need to forgo panties and wear a skirt! Sorry if TMI.

I'm gonna be laughing every time I need to potty in France; we'll be there in May!

I am pretty sure that lovely art decco toiilet underground near Madeleine is no longer functioning which is too bad -- it was very nice.

McDonalds. Buy a drink. Get a code for a clean toilet.

Sadly, the beautiful public toilets beside the Madelaine were closed about 10 years ago. ;^(

Toilets Paris - Restroom Paris App available for .99 cents.

Thanks for all the great advice! Jazz: I was able to download the website onto my phone, a major accomplishment for me! I'm sure this will prove quite helpful while out and about in Paris. I agree with Chani about always using the facilities whenever possible before leaving any location. Much like one might do with a 2 or 3-year-old: are you sure you don't have to go? Just try anyway. I'm a believer. Paul: I would be happy to use a planter pee pot if I can find one in figure out how to use it! Thanks Robert. I will look up Madame Pee and her urinals. And yes, there always seems to be a café even on the outskirts.

"
Well, I do have one of those "adapters" women can use while hiking, etc. (it was a gag gift a few years back; my friends all know I have no qualms about saying "turn around, I'm gonna drop my drawers and squat just off the trail" but I think in Paris I'd need to forgo panties and wear a skirt! Sorry if TMI."

no need to wonder why your screen name is "goanywhere"! :)

Oh my, yes, goanywhere has several interpretations!

Those automated toilets scare me. I’m always afraid the door will open when it shouldn’t when i’m in there!

So sad about the toilets beside the Madeleine.

Hi there! I have Crohns so this was something that I was originally a little nervous about too but be reassured that 100% you will be just fine. There is literally a cafe every 10 feet where you can duck in, grab a coffee for basically nothing and use the bathroom. Cafes are nicer than the public restrooms but there are tons of those around as well if you absolutely get into a bind.

Little tip though, pack a little bit of toilet paper in your purse, some bathrooms weren't stocked as well as in the US.