France and the Disabled

Dennis - what you've heard is true. France and Paris in general are not wheelchair friendly. There isn't an equivalent of the ADA, and even popular tourist attractions can be difficult to maneuver or will include stairs (without an elevator alternative). Most public transportation (especially the Metro) would be out of the question, so renting a car would be necessary, and then you have the issue of transporting the electric wheelchair. I would imagine that somewhere out there is a resource dedicated to this and hopefully someone reading this will be able to point you in the right direction. Bonne Chance and Bonne Courage!

Hi Dennis, This website might be helpful to you... www.sagetraveling.com.

I have been to Paris 5 times now. The last 3, I used an electric scooter. Metro is not an option. You will have to walk, or use the bus. The bus system is extensive and most routes have a bus that has a ramp in the back door of the bus that a scooter/wheelchair can access. Look at a bus map and it will indicate handicapped accessible buses. Once in the bus, there is a place for wheelchairs to stay until you want to leave. You then push the handicapped button (blue with wheelchair sign) on it. You will need to buy a carnet of tickets to use. Drivers do not always take them, but be ready if they do. Can you walk at all? If not, then a lot of stuff will not be accessible to you. Most, but not all, places have at least 1-3 steps to enter. Some have ramps in the back (your assistant needs to go ask about handicapped entrance) but have steps inside the building. You can see some of the place, but not always all. Some places- like the Louvre, have free access for handicapped and their helper and have elevators to get you around the different floors. There is a map that they will give you showing you where the elevators are hidden. Most of the department stores have a way for wheelchairs to enter. They want your money. Etam is on the side of the building, and has elevators inside the building. Pretempts and others have access and elevators. Les Hales (sp?) the underground mall is accessible, as are the gardens above it. A lot of restaurants have steps to enter, but that is not an issue, as long as it is not raining or really cold. You can eat outside at a table and the waiters will move chairs so you can be placed at a table. If I can be of help, message me.