Using the Paris Metro with blind companion

Two ways: You can reach far enough to stick his ticket in. He can go through while running his had along the top of the middle of the apparatus until he feels the ticket and snatches it. Optionally, he can keep going and you can pick it up when you get yours (you don't need to pull a first ticket out before the next one will work). What might happen is that your ticket will make his fall to the ground and you run the risk of getting bumped while grubbing around on the floor. You can also use the wheel chair gate off to the side of the turnstiles and walk through together. It's always to the right of the stiles as far as I can remember. It's also always attended or there's somebody close by keeping an eye on it so that if you stood there for a second somebody would appear. What I can't remeber is if every station has this provision.

If your husband does not have a collapsible white cane, he should consider getting one. It will be recognized. His travel on the metro and elsewhere will be facilitated. Use the wheel chair entrance as Ed suggests unless directed otherwise.

Anne, using the buses in Paris whenever you can may make it easier for both of you. A good bus map can be had at any metro station.

1 - there are weekly tickets for the Paris mass transit system called Navigo Découverte http://goeurope.about.com/od/parisdiscountpasses/a/navigo-pass-paris.htm saves hassle with the ticket buying (and validating), offers flexibility and usually such type of tickets saves some money. You need a small passport photo and they are for a calendar week (mon-sun). 2- there are even some type of free tickets for elderly and handicapped people Forfaits Améthyste (gratuité) et Emeraude http://www.ratp.fr/fr/ratp/c_22636/forfaits-amethyste-gratuite-et-emeraude/ . If they are available to non citizens I cannot say, my french is way too bad. If you had help from someone with better French ... Emerald is restricted to residents of Paris it seems.
Forfait Gratuité Transport is another concession ticket. the about.com site has more information and links on travel in Paris

I think navigating the metro would be very difficult. There are so many stairs. No way to bring a wheelchair down there. The bus system may be a better choice.

'No way to bring a wheelchair down there' Elevators??? The ones with the wheel chair signs on them???

Not all stations have elevators,, and there can be alot of stairs . Plus frankly, I think that your vulnerable appearence may make you pickpocket bait in a crowded station. My stepmother has lived in Paris, has visited there many many times ( with my father who was born there) and still got pickpocketed once,, while her and my dad were distracted( they were arguing apparently lol) and when my stepmother went through the turnstile some fellow "crowded" right up behind her and got her wallet,, and thing is ,, she realized seconds later what happened, but too late! Thing is , because you are your husband may have issues at the turnstiles you may just be more vulneralbe. Take the buses, you will have the added bonus of being able to enjoy viewing the neighborhoods as you drive through them rather then pass under them . The bus system is good, but yes its not quite as fast as metro,, but seems the trade off would be worth it for you . As noted, yes there are pass throughs for wheelchairs and strollers , and they are supposed to be manned all the time, but they are not,, ( maybe person is on coffee break?) so I have seen people lift strollers over etc

I'm in Paris now and I've been thinking about your issue as I'm moving around. In many places there are no easy alternative entrances. If everything other than vision is working, your husband should be able to easily put in his ticket once you show him but you could always do it first. He could pick his ticket up or you could reach ahead. You could then follow. But, he'll be waiting on the other side of the gate. The gates are definitely designed to prevent hoppers. He will be temporarily cut off from you for 5 to 15 seconds. Personally, I think your biggest issue will be the endless stairs in some of the stations. You may also have some start up issues as you learn how to get to the right line and in the right direction. Take your time and remember that another train will be along in 5 minutes or so. Buses are good but they will take longer in many cases. Definitely consider which method makes the most sense based on where you are staying and going. Pickpockets are everywhere so I've been told. Nobody has gone for my decoy wallet in several days on this trip. However, I have been given the opportunity to buy a "found" gold (?) ring. Carry your valuables in a money belt under your clothes. Keep enough cash for the day in a buttoned shirt pocket if you'll wear the style. It took me years to convince my wife to look for travel clothes with pockets but you can do it. Never, ever carry a purse and assume it will be stolen if you do. The same applies to backpacks and fanny packs. I've personally never have had an issue but I only carry travel books and rain gear when absolutely necessary. Good luck.

|I carry a purse and have for since I was 13,, it is now many many decades later. Carry purse cross wise over your neck across your chest, make sure it has a zippered top, and that the top has a flap that closes securely over that . Carry only one days money,, everything else goes in hotel safe or moneybelt( worn UNDER clothes and never assessed in public) and you will be fine. Tell hubby no wallet in back pocket, and not to carry all the cash|( when two are together split up your stuff)

Hello Anne! I hope you and your husband have an aamzing trip in Paris. There is an amazing book, A Year of Sundays, written by Edward Webster. The premise is he takes his wife who is seeing impaired to Europe for a year and about their experiences and adventures. It is a treasure, written with humor and embellished with details. Their successful adventures gave my family the courage to pack up and travel the world. He has much advice about museums, transporation and the like in his book, and you can even contact him personally, if you google, you can find his email. As for the metro, here is a lunk to a website that offers advice and information to travelers with disabilities: http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-map/disabled-people-access-transports/public-transport-accessibility/ I wish you safe and peaceful travels!