In the city of Paris, wheelchair accessibility is a tad more challenging than most big European cities. This is because there are many old buildings in the city center and the major tourist attractions are separated by a long distance from each other. Regardless, the city is worth a visit, and you will love the time exploring it despite the challenges. At any case, there are many Wheelchair Accessible Things To Do In Paris.

Here Are Some Of The Best Wheelchair Accessible Things To Do In Paris: 

Go for the Eiffel Tower instead of Arc de Triomphe

Stepping into the inside of Arc de Triomphe is only possible through an extended tunnel that has lots of steps, which leads to Charles de Gaulle Etoile traffic circle. No elevators to reach the tunnel, but if you want a splendid view of the city; the Eiffel Tower beats the Arc de Triomphe.

Book a hotel away from the train stations

Similar to a good number of European cities, train stations in Paris are circled by many hotels, and the areas around them have less to admire. But if you are on a tight budget, go for a more alluring area near the Louvre Museum or the Left Bank. The city has about 7 major train stations that serve various parts of the country and continent; Gare Montparnasse (to Loire Valley), Gare de Bercy (to Italy), Gare du Nord (to London), Gare St. Lazare (to Normandy), Gare de Lyon (to the French Riviera), Gare d’Austerlitz (to Spain), and Gare de l’Est (to Switzerland).

RER B (from Charles de Gaulle)

For those looking for the cheapest accessible travel to the city from Charles de Gaulle airport, the RER (regional) train is the surest bet. It will take you from the airport straight into the city center.

Upon arrival, ask the airport staff to assist you onto the train and plan for help when you get down. When you reach Châtelet-Les Halles station, which is centrally located, ensure you take the elevator up to the street level. In the case that you go for an accessible hotel within the rolling/walking distance of the station, there will be no need to take a cab or bus when you arrive.

Know the bus system

In Paris, the accessible bus lines is affordable and efficient way to get around. You are bound to save when you use buses in the place of handicapped-accessible taxis in Paris, which means that you will have more cash for shopping and dining.

The buses have their own pros too. If you are having a hard time waving down taxis, especially in rush hours, the buses come very handy. To use the buses, ensure you have a printout copy of a map of the accessible bus lines and the locations of the bus stops to use before you depart from your trip.

Take the bus tour on the very day you visit Saint-Chapelle and Notre Dame

The front of the Notre Dame Cathedral is where the accessible bus tours start and stop. A great schedule is to enter the bus tour in front of the Notre Dame, ride the whole loop in Paris, and visit the Notre Dame and Saint-Chapelle Church that is nearby.

Head to the front of the line at the Louvre pyramid

At the Louvre Museum, the queues can be long, especially in peak tourist periods. Mobility scooters and wheelchair users can proceed to the front of the queue to ride the distinct elevator down to the lobby.

Ride the bus tour around 

Ensure you ride the bus tour entirely because only some of the buses on the tour have wheelchair ramps. Therefore, you will not be able to hop-on or hop-off. You might want to ride the full-hour circuit, and you will need to make plans with the bus operator to discuss where and when to get on the accessible buses.

Boat tour at sunset 

The Seine boat tour is accessible and is one of the best ways to see the city. The perfect time is when the sun sets- the scenery and the colors when the tucks in for the night are phenomenal views. And if you have your camera with you, the entire sights are brilliantly Instagrammable.

Use the alternate entrance at Sainte-Chapelle

While Notre Dame is more popular, the nearby Sainte-Chapelle is a place you should visit. Sainte-Chapelle church, Capetian Palace, is the only building left, and it has impressive stain glassed windows in its upper chapel. In addition, the main entrance at this place has steps; therefore, you will have to use another option, the entrance 1 block, which is a 500 m path between Saint-Chapelle and Notre Dame.

Check out the Hotel Invalides and the Rodin Museum on the same day

Housing Napoleon’s tomb and the Army Museum, the Hotel des Invalides is a place to visit. Its entrance and that of the Rodin Museum are apart by 500 m of flat ground. Checking in again makes for an awesome day.

Reach Sacre Coeur by taxi

The place is situated atop a large hill in the Montmartre. It is hard to access by bus, and pushing up in a wheelchair is certainly a herculean task. The simplest handicap accessible travel to the city’s Sacre Coeur is by taxi. And to reach Versailles, if you are using a wheelchair accessible taxi, you should be rounding up your day by ensuring the taxi waits for about 45 minutes so you could visit Sacre Coeur.

Learn a few French accessibility phrases

Having a bunch of French phraseologies is always a good idea. And there will come a time when you will need to converse in French to enter some of the city’s iconic attractions. For example, at the Sacre Basilica, there is the intercom where visitors will require to have them buzz them in.

Use the northern leg of the famous Eiffel Tower

Differently-abled visitors to this site can reach the 2nd highest platform with the help of an elevator. This means you do not have to wait in any queue. Approach any staff member close to the exit in the northern leg, and they will lead you to the elevator.

Visit the Montparnasse Tower

For the most stunning view of the city, the Montparnasse Tower is the surest bet. While the building is less attractive to some popular attractions in Paris, it offers some of the most ravishing views of the City of Light in the day and night. The tower is wheelchair accessible, but the elevator will only take you as high as the Observation Deck on the 56th floor.

You can access the terrace when you climb the 3 floors to the 59th floor. Before you get there, ensure you have your coats as it can be cold out there. A café, toilets, and a gift shop are at the Observation Deck. At the terrace, you have a 360-degree panoramic view of the city through the big windows around the entire 56th floor.

Every tourist wants to see the Eiffel Tower when they visit Paris. However, when they get inside of the Montparnasse Tower, their expectations might swiftly change. And the cool thing about Montparnasse is the few crowds and short queuing time you are bound to have.

Enjoy the Louvre

A trip to the capital without see the Louvre will be remiss of any tourist. The museum is the largest in the world and is home to the renowned painting by Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa. If the elevator is out of order, you will be directed to another accessible entrance through the Carousel du Louvre, which is a massive underground shopping mall.

At the museum, there are lots of wheelchair elevators to take visitors to the different levels of the building and its galleries. The Louvre is also cool because both the differently-abled and their companion are all allowed to enter for free. They also get to have an unhindered view just in front of the Mona Lisa in a section designated to wheelchair users.

Relax in parks and gardens

How about some outdoor fun? Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Tuileries are some of the wheelchair accessible and great parks to visit in Paris. They both have many seating areas to rest, savor a picnic, or just people-watch in the midst of lush blooms.

Wheelchair Accessible Things To Do In Paris – Summary

If you are looking to add to your interesting wheelchair accessible attractions, you can consider any of the featured things. And as long as you have enough information, exploring Paris will not be too difficult for you. The city is for everyone to enjoy!

Do you have any other ideas for Wheelchair Accessible Things To Do In Paris? Leave your comments down below.

Also Read: Paris Travel Blog