Paris, a city brimming with history and charm, is often hailed as the “City of Lights.” However, navigating its cobblestone streets and historic buildings can pose a challenge for travelers with mobility needs. But fear not! Paris is making strides towards inclusivity, and with a bit of planning, you can experience its wonders without limitations.
Getting Around Paris
Transportation is key to exploring any city, and Paris offers diverse options for accessible travel.
Taxis are a convenient choice, with G7 Taxi providing a large fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Simply call +33 1 41 27 66 99 to request a ride. For families, child car seats can also be arranged in advance.
Public buses are another great option. Every bus is equipped with a wheelchair ramp, making them a more accessible choice than the metro, which often has stairs. To plan your bus itinerary, utilize the “Transport Modes” section on the public transportation website, selecting “BUS” for convenient routes.
Bus tickets cost €2 if purchased from the driver, but these are not transferable. For a better deal, purchase a “carnet” – a booklet of 10 tickets available for €14.90 at designated points of sale. These tickets can be used on multiple buses within 90 minutes. Regardless of your ticket type, remember to validate it after boarding the bus.
Navigating Paris’s Sights
While Central Paris is generally flat with wide, paved sidewalks, some areas, like the 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements (especially Montmartre), are hilly and challenging to navigate. Consider taking a taxi to these areas.
Exploring the City:
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Île de la Cité: This island is a fantastic starting point, offering easy access to the accessible Notre Dame Cathedral (excluding the towers). The surrounding area boasts smooth sidewalks along the Seine, though it can be crowded.
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Latin Quarter: Cross the Seine and head towards Saint-Michel Boulevard to discover the Jardin du Luxembourg, a beautiful park accessible via a gentle slope.
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Jardin des Plantes: On the left bank, this flower-filled green space offers full accessibility and is surrounded by natural history museums and a lively menagerie (zoo).
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Rue Montorgueil: On the right bank, near the Les Halles shopping center, this bustling pedestrian-only street is perfect for enjoying a “verre” (drink) and people watching. Many cafés are directly accessible from the street.
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Jardin du Tuileries & Place Vendôme: Near the Louvre, these areas offer wheelchair-friendly access with ramps and smooth surfaces.
Accessible Tours and Museums
To experience Paris at your own pace, consider joining a private Paris Muse tour led by trained guides who are adept at accommodating travelers with wheelchairs and strollers. These guides can also help you borrow a free wheelchair at the Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, and Pompidou museums, simply using your ID.
Explore these renowned museums:
- An Introduction to the Treasures of the Louvre
- The Age of the Impressionists at the Orsay
- Masterpieces of Modern Art at the Pompidou Center
For families with children ages 6-12, there are accessible family tours designed to accommodate strollers.
Remember: Many museums have size limitations for checking folded strollers.
Accessibility in Paris: Tips and Resources
Accessibility needs: Inform us of your accessibility needs when booking tours online or by contacting us directly at [email protected].
Restaurants: Parisian restaurants often have restrooms located downstairs. We recommend these accessible restaurants with ground floor restrooms:
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Le Pain Quotidien (Near the Louvre and Palais-Royal): 5 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002
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Le Dante (Near Notre Dame in the Latin Quarter): 2 rue Dante, 75005 Paris
Additional Tips:
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Wheelchairs: Pharmacies offer wheelchair rentals.
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Service Dogs: Service dogs are permitted at the Louvre and Orsay museums (documentation may be requested).
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Hotel Rooms: Request a room on the ground floor (rez-de-chaussée) to avoid stairs.
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Travel Agencies: We often work with SAGE Traveling, experts in accessible travel in Europe.
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Paris Accessibility Guide: For more accessibility tips, visit the city of Paris’s accessibility guide.
Essential French Phrases:
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Where is the handicap entrance? Où est l’accès pour les personnes handicapées ?
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Where is the wheelchair entrance? Où est l’accès pour les fauteuils roulants ?
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Where is the restroom? Où sont les toilettes ?
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Is there an access ramp for persons with reduced mobility? Est-ce qu’il y a une rampe d’accès pour les personnes à mobilité réduite?
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I am a wheelchair user. I need to order a taxi with an access ramp. Je suis une personne en fauteuil roulant. Je veux commander un véhicule équipé d’une rampe d’accès.
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Are there many stairs? Est-ce qu’il y a beaucoup de marches ?
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How many steps are there? Il y a combien de marches ?
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Could you help me? Pouvez-vous m’aider ?
With some planning and awareness, you can enjoy a truly enriching and accessible experience in the City of Lights.
