Finding a public toilet in Paris can be a daunting task for some travelers. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including unfamiliarity with the city or a fear of encountering unusual toilet types. Thankfully, Paris has come a long way in recent years, making bathroom breaks less of a stressful experience.
A Toilet Revolution in Paris
The past decade has seen a significant shift in Paris’s sanitation infrastructure. Previously, many public toilets required payment, but today they are mostly free of charge. While some may still have a tip jar for the attendant who keeps them clean, it is never mandatory.
Deciphering Toilet Terminology
It is crucial to understand the language used when searching for a bathroom in Paris. “Bathroom” or “restroom” are not common terms, as these spaces rarely contain a toilet. Look for “Toilettes” or “W.C.” instead. Be mindful of the word “lavabo,” which means “washbasin” and should not be confused with “lavatory.”
The Turkish Toilet: A Sight to Behold
You may encounter the infamous “elephant feet” or “Turkish toilet” in Paris, especially in older buildings. These squatting toilets, while less common now, can be a source of confusion and discomfort. If you find yourself facing one, you might need a little guidance on how to use it properly. Thankfully, the internet is a treasure trove of information, including visual aids, to help you navigate this unique toilet experience.
Flushing with Caution
It’s important to note that flushing a Turkish toilet can be a bit of a wild ride. The water often bursts out with considerable force, potentially splashing onto the floor and anything in its path.
Paris’s Toilet Police: The Brigade des Incivilités
The “Brigade des Incivilités” are Paris’s dedicated public order police force. While they are known for tackling public urination, they also enforce other regulations like illegal dumping, dog waste disposal, and littering. Although I’ve seen my fair share of public urination in Paris, it’s always a cringeworthy sight and smell. One memorable encounter involved a man seemingly withdrawing money from a bank while relieving himself on the wall. Needless to say, I’ve been avoiding that ATM ever since!
Finding Relief: Helpful Tools and Resources
Finding a toilet in Paris has become much easier with the emergence of new resources.
The Paris Toilet Website
The Paris Toilet Website ( ) is a fantastic resource for finding “sanisettes,” modern, self-cleaning public toilets strategically placed throughout the city. I recommend bookmarking this website on your smartphone before arriving in Paris. While the website is in French, it is easy to use. Simply enter your address or “arrondissement” (district), and it will display the nearest sanisettes.
The Paris Toilet App
The ” ” app, available on iOS and Android, is another useful tool for finding toilets. While its accuracy can be inconsistent, it offers a wider range of options than the website, including restaurants, cafes, and other facilities. The app pinpoints a potential toilet location on a map, but doesn’t provide specific details about its exact location.
The Sanisette: Paris’s Modern Toilet Solution
Paris has over 400 “sanisettes” scattered throughout the city. These self-cleaning toilets, once pay-per-use, are now completely free thanks to the Paris City Council. Since 2009, the council has been replacing outdated pay toilets with these sleek new designs, which boast eco-friendly features and luxury amenities when fully operational.
Designed to resemble a tree trunk, the sanisette features:
- Renewable energy utilization
- Automatic disinfection and cleaning after each use
For a glimpse inside the world of Paris’s self-cleaning toilets, check out this video.
Important Note: Sanisettes are typically out of service between 10pm and 6am due to their technical nature and potential for malfunctions. Additionally, it is recommended that children under ten be accompanied by an adult when using a sanisette, as reports have been made of the cleaning cycle initiating while young children are inside.
Fast Food Refuges
While fast food chains like KFC and McDonalds may seem like a guaranteed toilet haven, there’s a twist. More often than not, a receipt from a purchase is required for access. You may need to present it to a security guard at the door or enter a code from your receipt into a touchpad.
Cafes and Restaurants: A Friendly Toilet Stop
Most cafes and restaurants offer toilet facilities. It’s generally considered polite to purchase a drink or a small snack before venturing into their restrooms. However, many travelers successfully “pass” as patrons by simply strolling in from the street, avoiding eye contact, and heading straight for the restrooms. These are often found at the back of the restaurant or downstairs in a dimly lit, basement-like area.
Monumental and Mall Relief
Finding a toilet in or around popular monuments and shopping malls in Paris is usually a breeze. Malls like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, So Ouest, and the underground shopping mall at the Louvre are excellent places to locate a free toilet.
Enjoy Your Toilet-Free Parisian Adventure!
Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the world of Parisian toilets. With these tips and resources, you can rest assured that finding a bathroom in Paris will not disrupt your sightseeing adventures. Bon voyage!
