I have the chance of a lifetime to go on a Paris trip in December but have limited mobility . My lodging will be near Euro Disney so I will constantly travel back and forth.
I am really concerned with the steep steps that I am hearing about at the RER. Can you tell me is there another option other than the stairs? Of course, I have to take in account my budget as well.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
There is bus service from airports into Paris and plenty of buses in the city. If you can handle a couple of steps to get onto the bus, you can travel that way. There are some escalators and elevators in the RER/Metro system. If you can get info about which stations have these it might be helpful. I use elevators and escalators whenever they are available, but I don't go looking for them. In your case, it would be important to know in advance which stations to use. Within Paris, taxis would be a not-unreasonable option. Truthfully, Paris is not very well set up for those with limited mobility. I think you may need to use transit other than the RER and Metro for your visit.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2092 posts
Jae, Rick's guidebook, "Easy Access Europe", would probably be useful to you. See Travel Store link above, then "country guides".
After a long flight from the US, I always budget for a taxi from the airport because I am definitely groggy and disoriented! (I'd probably get lost and I'm not aware enough to keep an eye open for pickpockets--not to scare you but we do need to be aware.)
Happy travels!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
By the time RER trains get close to Eurodisney they will be running on the surface rather than underground. So you shouldn't have much in the way of steps to contend with at the station closest to your hotel. I ASSUME that when you arrive in central Paris each day, you will be able to use escalators to get to ground level. (I don't know if all the RER stations on line A have them.)
If you're able to climb on and off buses, using them within Paris might be better while you're exploring the city rather than taking your chances on finding Metro or RER stations that have escalators. When you're ready to return to your hotel you can take the bus to a RER station that you know has escalators.
Posted by
St. Pete, FL
75 posts
I have mobility issues also. Since we haven't been to Euro Disney, I can't comment about the transport from there to Paris, but once you're in Paris, I recommend using the busses and the occasional taxi. Yes, "some" of the Metro stations have escalators/elevators, but they can be hard to find and in many cases aren't working even if you can find them. Walk as much as you are able, get familiar with the bus system (www.ratp.fr) and splurge for the occasional taxi. Try and arrange your sightseeing so that you are in the same general area of Paris each time; i.e., Notre Dame/Sainte Chapelle, Ile St. Louis are all quite near each other. The less you are trying to go from one side of the city to the other, the better off you will be.
You will have a WONDERFUL time in Paris -- it is an awesome place.
P.S. There's no way you can change your accomodation is there? Being IN Paris is a lot easier that coming into the city each day.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
There is a section on Accessible Europe on the Graffiti Wall. Go there to read what others have said on this topic. With determination and planning you can get around and have a great time.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9249 posts
Here is a great website for those who are traveling with wheel chairs. You don't say what your disability is, but just in case, I think there is a lot of good information, especially about flights, public transport, hotels, etc. There isn't anything about Paris or France, but if you write to the guy who does the website, he might be able to help you out with more info.