Paris

 

Attitudes

 

The people of Paris were very helpful and accommodating.  There has been a large amount of progress in accessibility and in activism.  Along our trip, we observed many WU navigating the city independently.

 

Roads/Walkways

 

Roads are mostly paved with crosswalks and crossing signals.  Some of the roads have cobblestone, but they were smooth and maneuverable.  The majority of sidewalks have ramps; however, some of the ramps are steep or are not flush with the street.  Streets are not very clean as the gutter system causes a WU to have to navigate through standing water.

 

Food

 

Most restaurants in Paris have one or two steps at the front, but often staff members are willing to assist with maneuvering the steps.  Eating outside is very popular and easily accessible.  Many restaurants on the Champs-Elysees are accessible.

 

Shopping

 

Most stores in Paris had at least one step at the entrance.

 

Transportation

 

French Taxi:  Unlike London, there are many different varieties of taxis in Paris, but none are accessible to WU.  If a WU is able to transfer to a seat, train/airport/hotel staff can assist in getting a taxi large enough for luggage and a wheelchair.  You are considered priority riders and should move to the front of the line at stations and airports.  If you are unable to speak French, have a piece of paper with the destination address written on it and directions/map to show the driver.  There is a new accessible van taxi service in Paris called G7 Taxi.  According to other websites, the taxis operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  The cost is 2 Euro plus .62 euro per kilometer.  There are extra charges for night service, airport/train service, and luggage.  Call (33-1) 47.39.00.91

www.taxisg7.fr

 

Parisian Bus:  Paris buses are wheelchair friendly and similar to London buses.  Similarly, it is a good practice to signal the driver by waving, so that he/she knows you wish to board the bus.  There is also a button on the exit.  All stops are listed inside the bus and on the bus stop.  If possible, write down your stop name and have a companion/stranger alert the driver.  There is also a service that can plan your travel itinerary via phone.  Ask your hotel to assist with this as the operators often did not speak English.  Be sure to get the travel and return itinerary.

http://www.ratp.fr/

http://www.ratp.info/informer/accessibilite.php (No English version)

 

Attractions

 

La Defense: During our time in Paris, we were unable to find an accessible route to La Defense.  Buses did not go to La Defense because it is located outside of Paris city limits.  Our hotel was told by RATP that the metro stop at La Defense was accessible, but when we attempted to board the metro close to the Arc de Triomphe, we were told that the lift at this station was broken.  If your budget will accommodate, I would suggest taking a taxi to this attraction.

 

Champs-Elysees:  This famous road is probably the most wheelchair accessible of any area in Paris.  Many of the restaurants have spacious outdoor seating and some have ramps.

 

Eiffel Tower:  Locate the ticket line under the Eiffel Tower, but do not get in the line as the railings are narrow and the exit has steps.  Instead, a WU should use the side entrance that is labeled Groups and Guides, open the gate and go up the ramp to the ticket counter.  The ticket attendant will send a guide that will escort your party up the exit ramps to the tower lifts.  The lifts are accessible and large; however, they can often be very crowded.  WU are allowed to visit the first and second floors only. 

http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/

 

The Louvre:  We attempted to enter the Louvre through the garden main entrance, which is not paved.  The garden is very beautiful, but on rainy days turns into a muddy lot that is not wheelchair friendly.  A WU may prefer to stay on the outer walls of the Louvre until they reach the arches, which allow for a more accessible entrance.  Entrance to the Louvre is through the glass pyramid and is free for a WU and companion.  There are two floor lifts that will take a WU and their party to the first floor, where one should pick up a map of accessible routes.  The Louvre exhibits are all accessible by use of many elevators and stair lifts; however, it is easy to get lost.  Stair lifts are quite high-tec with heat activated buttons.  Be sure to ask for help if you get lost as some accessible routes were blocked by a rope or sign and a staff member was needed for passage.

http://www.louvre.fr/ (Select Visit; then Disabled Visitors)

 

Notre Dame:  Notre Dame has one step at the entrance and three steps inside the cathedral.  Admission is free.  The Tower is not accessible to WU.  The park behind the church is accessible from the left side of the cathedral. 

 

Sacre Coeur:  At the base of the hill, facing Sacre Coeur, a WU should travel left until reaching the lift station.  The lift station has a glass roof and two trams going up and down the hill.  Admission is €1.40 each way.  WU may utilize the larger gate to avoid the turn-stiles.  At the top, a WU should cross the street; turn left, and follow the path to the right.  The path is a very rough ride and it is virtually impossible to push oneself due to cobble stone and the severe slope.  At the end of the path, go to the back of the church and press the small button to have the gate unlocked.  There is a step at the gate; however, there was a level car gate to the right and it may be possible to have this unlocked for wheelchair access.  Inside, a guide will direct you to the elevator, which will take you to the cathedral floor.  The dome is not accessible.  Admission is free.

http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/us/

 

Arc de Triomphe:  The underground tunnels that lead to the Arc de Triumphe are not wheelchair accessible.  There are many steps at the tunnel entrance.  If you make it through the tunnel, there is an elevator to the museum.  This was out of order while we were in Paris.  Another travel report had recommended having a taxi pull up to the arch let a WU out, but there was a construction wall up that made this impossible during our stay.  We also tried asking policeman for assistance in crossing the street or in going down the tunnel steps, but they never returned after asking us to wait at the steps.  A street vendor had seen them assist a WU previously, so this may be an option.

 

The Lido:  The Champs des Elyesses is a very accessible street and the Lido is located on the left side, when your back is to the Arc de Trimphe.  There is a small metal ramp at the entrance.  Be sure to alert the staff of any needs upon ticket purchase and arrival.  You may want to arrive early, so that you can be seated first.  If you are unable to maneuver steps, the staff will setup a table at the top of the auditorium.  When ordering, be aware of what menu you are ordering from as the overall price is at the bottom of each page.  Extra drinks and other items are very expensive.  The silverware is also very large and heavy.  It may be useful to bring utensils if you have difficulty with these items.

http://www.lido.fr/

 

Sainte Chapelle:  Sainte Chapelle is accessible only on Monday through Friday.  WU must enter through the car entrance by asking the guards to raise the entrance gate.  Follow the signs to the chapel, but do not go to the visitor entrance as it has steps.  A few yards before the entrance is the tour exit, which is ramped and leads down to the entrance information desk.  Ask the attendant for assistance in getting to the upper chapel.  A guide will lead a WU to the entrance of the Palais du Justice, up an elevator, and then through the King’s private entrance to the chapel.  Be aware that a WU must find their own way back, so pay attention when gong to the chapel.  The lower chapel is also accessible and can be accessed by going back to the information desk.

 

Bateau Parisiens (river cruise):  The Bateau Parisians offers accessible cruises.  When facing the Eiffel Tower from D’iena Road, a WU should go over the river bridge and turn left.  Continue until you see a road that leads down to the river bank, but be very careful as cars use this road.  Do not get on the sidewalk as it is narrow and there are poles in the middle of it.  At the bottom of the road, take a sharp left and head towards the bridge that you crossed earlier.  Your party will need to purchase tickets and then a greeter will escort your party to the ramp for priority seating. 

http://www.bateauxparisiens.com