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11 Keys to Success for Paris Accessible Travel

By John Sage

Handicapped Accessible Travel to Paris – With so much to see in Paris and such large variation in accessibility, disabled travelers to Paris will need to be sure that they plan their trip carefully. At a minimum, disabled visitors can use the following 10 Keys to Success to make sure they get the most out of their trip.

  1. See Paris from the water – A boat tour on the Seine River is an excellent way to see the city. Daytime 1 hour 15 minute rides cost around 12 euro. For a real treat, consider taking a 2 hour dinner cruise complete with a gourmet French menu (photos on the right show the space for a wheelchair user and the wheelchair ramp at the entrance).
  2. Visit the big attractions – Every handicapped visitor to Paris should visit the main Paris tourist attractions: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. The Louvre and the Notre Dame are separated by a long walk (1 mile or 1.6 km), while the Eiffel Tower is located about 3 miles (4.5 km) further to the west.
  3. Take an accessible bus tour – Taking a handicapped accessible Paris bus tour on one of your first days in Paris will give you an overview of the city enabling you to navigate it easier during the rest of your trip. It is also the easiest way for a disabled tourist to see a large part of the city.
  4. Take a trip out to Versailles – Versailles Palace and the immaculate gardens behind it are some of the best sights that disabled tourists in Paris can visit. Although getting out to the suburb of Versailles takes a little bit of time, it is worth the time for anyone staying in Paris at least 4 days. Some of our Paris accessible travel packages include accessible transportation to Versailles.
  5. Experience Parisian dining – Some of the best restaurants in the world are located in Paris. Whether you want to spend a lot or a little money, dining in Paris should be a priority on your trip.  Most restaurants have a step or two at the entrance. Wheelchair and mobility scooter users should stick with restaurants with outdoor seating that does not require going up a step to get into the restaurant.
  6. Visit the art museums – Paris has some of the top art museums in the world, and even visitors who are not art enthusiasts will at least enjoy a quick visit. The Orsay Museum, the Marmottan Monet Museum, the Rodin Museum, the Pompidou Centre, and the Orangerie Museum are generally wheelchair-friendly and offer a lot to see (crowds around the Mona Lisa are shown on the right).
  7. Do some high fashion shopping – Iconic Parisian fashion is known around the world. Whether it’s on the Champs-Elysées, in a famous department store, or in a boutique, there is something for everyone. Wheelchair users have numerous options for accessible shopping in Paris.
  8. Stay in a fully accessible hotel – Paris is one of the more difficult cities in Europe to find a handicapped accessible hotel. Nevertheless, disabled visitors do not need to compromise and stay in a hotel that does not meet their accessibility needs. There are several fully accessible Paris hotels in handicap friendly neighborhoods. Sage Traveling suggests staying in the neighborhood around the Louvre and the Left Bank neighbhorhood for centrally-located accessible accommodation.
     
  9. Experience the magic of the Left Bank – Paris’ Left Bank is the most charming neighborhood you’ll visit in Paris. The village-like atmosphere here is what most people think of when they envision romantic Paris. Unfortunately, the neighborhood still has some accessibility challenges seen in the narrow sidewalks and slight inclines. Nevertheless, no vacation in Paris is complete without a visit.
  10. Know the accessibility at the tourist attractions before you arrive – Many of the  tourist attractions have an accessible entrance that you may not realize exists if you don’t know in advance.  One example is the gravel ramp up to the Orangerie Museum to get you around the steps commonly used (ramp shown in the image on the right).
  11. Spend some time in the Paris parks – The Luxembourg Gardens, the Tuileries Gardens, and the gardens at Versailles Palace are all great places to take a break from your days filled with sightseeing. Disabled access at all of the gardens is good featuring hard, flat paths.

Want a worry-free, fully accessible vacation?  
Check out our Paris accessible trip planning services

Read more:

Paris Accessible Travel – main page
   Pros and Cons of Paris Disabled Access
   13 Wheelchair Accessible Travel Tips for Paris France
   11 Keys to Success for Paris Disabled Travel
   Paris Accessible Travel Packages
Accessible Walking and Driving Tours in Paris
   Accessible Paris Boat Tour on the Seine River
   Highlights of Paris Accessible Driving Tour
   Classic Paris Accessible Walking Tour
   Wheelchair Accessible Tour of Paris Latin Quarter
   Wheelchair Accessible Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum
   Giverny & Versailles Wheelchair Accessible Tour
Accessible Hotels in Paris
Paris Accessibility Guide by John Sage
Paris Trip Planning by Sage Traveling – Travel with Ease!

 

Contact our Paris accessible travel consultants 

 

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