Wahoo. Relief in sight.

Good news, Bets! A great 2fer! And always good to know about another public toilet in Paris!

I'll never forget the look on my mother's face many years ago (1981) when she entered by the lady's stairs, I entered by the men's stairs, and we met face to face at the bottom....

For finding toilets anywhere in the world, Organic Maps has a button. Madelaine aren't listed yet, but I bet they will be next update.

Simon, that is hilarious!!

@Simon - can you share a link to this Organic Maps? tyia!

https://organicmaps.app

I really like the app. You download the maps for where you're going to be over WiFi, then you don't need a data plan, just a phone with GPS. The app doesn't track you or try to sell you stuff, it's based on OSM so it's very detailed and totally up to date - maps are updated mid - month. It's also aimed as much towards pedestrians and cyclists as it is to motorists, and it does metro.

All you need to do to find a WC is hit the ? Button and select "toilets"

Ohhhhh who can’t resist 2€ for a gander at Art Deco finery. And I didn’t know they were charging 3€ for the facilities at Gallerie Lafayette. I was last there in 2019 but I guess I didn’t visit that part of the store then. The last time I did it was about 1€, gladly paid.

EDIT: I wonder if they installed an Art Deco card swipe or I have to carry 3 heavy coins with me? Thanks for the map link too. Maybe they indicate which public toilettes are coin and which are card, that would be helpful.

Hahah...good to know Bets! Thanks for everyone for toilette info....always good to have!

Locating on map....now figuring out when!

The App Toilettes Paris used to be free, now its .99 cents.

That is great. I always thought it was sad that such a beautiful convenience was closed. They ban photography as it was becoming a tourist gawking spot. Can't remember if there was a fee then -- I remember sneaking a photo.

There was always a "dame pipí" directing traffic and keeping an eye on cleanliness. In the early days, they doled out the toilet paper a few sheets at a time.

oh, I'll feel so much more comfortable..... better now. Thx

I was in the Galeries in Dec 2021 and there was no charge ...

I can't remember which department store it is -- but one of them has a VERY expensive boutique restroom as well as free public restrooms. I was directed to the ridiculously expensive one when I asked a few years ago.

I was also next door at Printemps because someone was busy shopping, and I probably used their loo too. They are almost always located near the restaurants and I can't imagine they would charge.

Here's an article in the Guardian with some photos of the Madeleine toilets

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/18/restored-paris-art-deco-public-loo-worth-every-penny-of-2-charge?CMP=share_btn_fb&fbclid=IwAR2DKFgQdBqreRkVUksh765130MP9X1Q-4uhtLmKoWulg-8EfpNbQrnFc7c

Within the article, it links to tweets by the Paris deputy mayor, which include some video footage around and photos from the inauguration “ceremony” — held on Valentines Day 🤣🤣

The idea of a public lavatory was inspired by those in London introduced in the 1880s. The underground facilities were intended to be not only useful but beautiful and luxurious. Only six such toilets still exist in Paris, one of which is on the Champs-Élysées.

The Lavatory de la Madeleine will reopen to the public on Monday and remain open between 10am and 6pm every day. The €2 charge is to cover the cost of an attendant and cleaning. Paris city hall says there are 435 other free public toilets in the city.