Paris: Wheelchair Accessible Apartment

You asked for feedback re the location. The VRBO info states the property is in the rear of a building whose address is on Place des Vosges. That puts it in a very good neighborhood, well located for visitors to Paris.

Thank you, Kent. Your reply would indicate that you might have feedback regarding something other than the location. I would be interested in anything you have to say seeing as you are always so helpful and well informed.

Jami: Thanks for the kind words. I know nothing about the specific property and thus don't have an opinion on the property itself or how accessible it is (I think I read that the accessibility of the property is addressed in the VRBO description). In general, Paris is less accessible than comparable locations in the US, they're working on it but behind us on that. But I can say that Place des Vosges is one of the prestige addresses in Paris, I guess that's the right wording. And it's right around the corner from one of the great Paris restaurants, the Michelin 3-star l'Ambroisie (tres expensive).If you have the exact street address (I didn't see the exact street address in the VRBO description), you could use Google Earth or Google Maps or Maps.Live.com to go to the address and get an aerial visual on the building and neighborhood.

Gotcha! My mom is in a wheelchair and this will be her first time to Europe. I have found several websites that specifically deal with accessibility in Paris and understand that the bus system is generally more wheelchair friendly that the metro system.

My feeling is that even if she can't do or see everything that there is to do or see in Paris - she will still do or see more that she would at home. So we are planning an itinerary to allow for flexibility and looking forward to an exciting week in Paris. Thanks again!

http://www.globalaccessnews.com/parispasserelleswheelchair03.htm

Thought this an interesting article. I also recall a Paris apartment rental company based here in the States. If you searched the archive I'm sure you'd find the name and then be able to contact them with your inquiry.

I commend you for taking your Mom!

Jami,
I have used VRBO many times and have had great experiences. I looked at the apartment you mentioned in your question. There is great feeback on that particular apartment! I say go for it. Not every apartment has this much positve feedback or for that matter feedback at all. I have rented places with no feedback before and had wonderful experiences! Go for it and enjoy your experience. I never stay in hotels anymore, just apartments! They offer so much more space and the ability to feel like a real Parisian!

Happy Travels!

Dear Jami:

A disabled Parisian woman rents an accessible apartment that might work for you. Check my web site link to see if it suits your needs.

http://www.globalaccessnews.com/paris_apartment%2007.htm
Marti
Global Access News
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/

I don't know if you are still looking but I just returned from 12 nights in this apartment.

I do not have any wheelchair experience but it would seem to be accessible given the elevator and the lack of any stairs at the rear entrance of the apartment (the front entrance to the beautiful Place des Vosges has a huge old door with a big step to navigate). As others have written, the apartment itself is very good, and the location superb. There are bus stops very close by. If you write to the owner, Olivier, he can inform you where they run to. He is very helpful.

There are a number of good restaurants and coffee shops within 100-200 meters. We were extremely happy with the location. With all the cobblestone roads and old buildings, however, I do not think Paris is the most wheelchair-friendly of cities. Good luck!

YOU MIGHT AS WELL FIND THIS INFORMATION USEFUL FOR YOU :
WWW.globalaccessnews.com/paris_apartment%2007.htm

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT A WHEEL-CHAIR APARTMENT APARTMENT IN PARIS , PLEASE WRITE TO :

dira75014@hotmail.com

Thanks ,
Lea

I am handicapped and use an electric scooter when I travel in Europe. I can walk a bit, which helps a lot.

In looking for an apt., you are doing it the right way, looking for handicapped accessible. When You find a place, contact them to find out their definition of accessible. Also, do not figure you can use the Metro. Only one line -14-has elevators to the surface, if they are working. So, do as you planned and use the bus system. On the bus system, some lines do NOT have handicapped access. Those buses have poles in the middle of the back door and a wheelchair will not fit. Handicapped buses have a ramp that come out from under the bus for you to load at the rear door. There is a ticket validator there and you should validate your ticket -either Paris Viste or a ticket from a carnet of 10 that you have already purchased from a ticket stall -after loading. You will usually be surrounded by small children in strollers as you travel. I usually strike up a conversation with the children and their parent. Look at a bus map of Paris and be sure where you are staying has access to a bus line that is handicapped accessible. See here and look halfway down the page on a list of accessible bus routes. http://goparis.about.com/od/gettingaround/f/Paris_accesible.htm

If I can be of more help, email me.

Marti,

That web link does not work.

I just went to: http://goparis.about.com/od/gettingaround/f/Paris_accesible.htm

and it worked fine.