Paris is gearing up for what promises to be a spectacular summer of sport. The Olympic Games kick off on July 26th and run until August 11th. The Paralympics then takes centre stage, running from August 28th to September 15th. If you’re keen to visit and soak in the atmosphere, we appreciate that travelling with a disability can present unique challenges. However, we’re pleased to say that Paris is pulling out all the stops as it works towards being a more accessible city.
As you read on, we’re going to be sharing all of the information that you need to plan a trip to Paris that is both accessible and unforgettable in equal measure.
Travelling to Paris
The first thing to consider when planning an accessible trip to the Olympics is how you’re actually going to get there. For us, it makes sense to either take to the air or enjoy the Eurostar experience. Let’s look at how these options measure up:
Airports
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Both Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport boast exceptional accessibility features. Once you arrive, you can tap into dedicated assistance services. These include the likes of wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated pickup/drop-off points. You can also head online and read through the accessibility features before you take off.
Train/Eurostar
When travelling from the UK, the train is a great option to get yourself to Paris. The high-speed network has a solid reputation when it comes to accessibility. It features wide doorways dedicated wheelchair spaces, and lower platforms at stations. The Eurostar itself also includes accessible restrooms, ramps, and wheelchair spaces.
Public Transportation
Paris has been working on improving the accessibility of its public transportation system. Many bus lines are already wheelchair accessible, and efforts are ongoing to make more metro stations accessible. The RER (Réseau Express Régional) suburban trains also offer accessible services, making it easier to travel around the city and to Olympic venues.
Accessible Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
Several taxi companies in Paris offer accessible vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts. Ride-sharing services like Uber also provide accessible options, allowing visitors with disabilities to travel conveniently throughout the city.
Accessible Accommodation
When you’ve arrived safely, you need to be sure that you have accessible accommodation to stay at. There are numerous platforms that you can use to plan your stay and filter accommodation by your needs. That means you can search for features such as lowered countertops, grab bars in bathrooms, wet rooms, and plenty of space to get around. Some of the most popular choices in Paris include:
- Aparthotels Adagio: This operator offers numerous accessible studios and apartments across Paris. It has to be said that Adagio is a great option for anyone looking for an accessible, comfortable, and convenient base.
- Meininger Hotels: This operator has several hotels in Paris. There are plenty of options when it comes to accessible rooms with lowered features and extra space so you can comfortably manoeuvre.
- Hotel Le Bristol Paris: Located near the Champs-Élysées, Hotel Le Bristol Paris offers luxurious and accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. The hotel staff are trained to assist guests with disabilities, ensuring a pleasant stay.
- Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse: This modern hotel provides accessible rooms with necessary amenities for wheelchair users. Its central location near Montparnasse train station makes it convenient for exploring the city and accessing Olympic venues.
- Hôtel Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel: Situated close to the Eiffel Tower, Hôtel Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel offers spacious, accessible rooms with stunning views. The hotel features ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms to accommodate guests with disabilities.
Accessibility During the Olympics/Paralympics
The city is dedicated to providing accessible facilities and services to ensure a seamless experience for everyone at the Games. Here are some of the measures in place:
Olympic Venues
Paris 2024 prioritises inclusivity, ensuring all Olympic venues are accessible for spectators with disabilities. This commitment translates to a range of features designed to enhance your experience. Imagine navigating the iconic Stade de France with ease on provided ramps and elevators, or securing comfortable, adapted seating to witness thrilling athletic performances. Accessible restrooms will be readily available throughout the venues, providing additional peace of mind. Read more here
Key locations like the colossal Stade de France, the state-of-the-art Paris La Défense Arena, and the historic Parc des Princes will feature designated areas specifically for wheelchair users and their companions. This allows for optimal viewing angles and ensures a comfortable vantage point to cheer on your favourite athletes.
Ticketing and Wheelchair Tickets
Head to the official Paris 2024 website, the sole authorised platform for purchasing tickets. Here, you’ll find a dedicated section for both Olympic and Paralympic ticketing. Don’t miss out on the best seats and the electrifying atmosphere – be sure to book your tickets early!
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For spectators with disabilities, Paris 2024 offers a dedicated option: wheelchair tickets. These tickets guarantee accessible seating with ample space for manoeuvring and optimal viewing angles. Additionally, these tickets ensure easy access to the venues, eliminating any obstacles to enjoying the Games.
By securing a wheelchair ticket, you can fully immerse yourself in the Olympic spirit, cheering on your favourite athletes and witnessing history unfold. Remember, these tickets are expected to be in high demand.
Accessible Transportation
During the Olympics, Paris will enhance its public transportation services to accommodate visitors with disabilities. The RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) is working on making more metro and bus lines wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the Parisian taxis and ride-sharing services will offer accessible vehicles for convenient travel.
Wheelchair-Friendly Places to Visit in Paris
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Paris is home to numerous attractions that cater to visitors with disabilities, offering accessible facilities and unforgettable experiences.
- Eiffel Tower: As the symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower welcomes everyone. Soaring elevators whisk you up to the first and second levels, where wheelchair users can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Accessible restrooms and designated viewing areas ensure a comfortable visit, allowing you to fully experience the magic of this iron marvel.
- Louvre Museum: Committed to accessibility, the Louvre boasts elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms, ensuring a smooth exploration of its vast collection of art. Explore masterpieces like the Mona Lisa with ease, and get lost in the grandeur of this historical palace-turned-museum. Free admission is even available for visitors with disabilities and their companions.
- Musée d’Orsay: Housed in a former railway station with an impressive architecture of its own, the Musée d’Orsay showcases an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Wheelchair access, elevators, and adapted restrooms guarantee a seamless experience for all visitors, allowing you to admire works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh with ease.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: While the interior undergoes restoration, the forecourt and surrounding areas remain accessible. Wheelchair-friendly viewpoints allow visitors to appreciate the stunning façade and intricate Gothic architecture of this iconic Parisian landmark. Though you can’t currently explore the interior, you can still marvel at the exterior’s beauty and rich history.
- Jardin des Tuileries: Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this sprawling public garden features wide, wheelchair-accessible pathways, making it easy to explore its manicured lawns, ornamental flowerbeds, and charming sculptures. Relax by the reflecting pool, admire the classical statues, and soak in the serene atmosphere of this historic green space.
- Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe: Stroll down the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, which boasts a wide sidewalk and wheelchair ramps, making it easy to navigate. This iconic avenue leads to the Arc de Triomphe, a triumphal arch commemorating French victories. An elevator whisks you to the top, offering panoramic views of Paris, allowing you to experience the grandeur of this historical monument.
- Seine River Cruises: Experience Paris from a different perspective with a leisurely Seine River cruise. Many companies offer accessible boats with ramps and designated wheelchair spaces, ensuring a comfortable journey. Glide past iconic landmarks like the Louvre and Notre Dame and admire the beauty of the city from the water.
- Parisian Public Gardens: The city boasts numerous beautiful public gardens, most of which are easily navigable with wheelchairs. Explore the Jardin du Luxembourg, a sprawling oasis with greenhouses, an orchard, and a Medici Palace; the Champs-Élysées Gardens, offering a formal French garden experience right in the heart of the city; or the Tuileries Gardens, mentioned above. These green havens provide a peaceful escape from the urban bustle, allowing you to relax and enjoy the fresh air amidst beautiful surroundings.
Beyond the Games: Exploring Accessible Paris
The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics offer a unique opportunity to experience the city, but Paris’ accessibility initiatives extend far beyond the Games. Here are some ways to explore the city’s rich tapestry after the excitement of the competitions has subsided:
Accessible Walking Tours
Several companies offer guided tours specifically designed for visitors with disabilities. These tours typically incorporate routes with smooth surfaces, frequent rest stops, and accessible restrooms along the way. Popular options include:
- Accessible Neighbourhoods: Certain Parisian neighbourhoods are known for their pedestrian-friendly layouts and abundance of accessible attractions.
- Le Marais: This historic district boasts charming streets, trendy boutiques, and several accessible museums like the Musée Carnavalet.
- The Latin Quarter: Steeped in history, this university district offers wide boulevards, accessible cafes, and iconic landmarks like the Panthéon.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: A haven for intellectuals and artists, this chic district boasts accessible art galleries, bookstores, and renowned cafes like Les Deux Magots.
Accessible Cultural Experiences
Paris is a cultural hub, overflowing with museums, theatres, and iconic landmarks. Here are some accessible options:
- Cinéma Le Grand Rex: This historic cinema offers accessible screenings with subtitles and audio descriptions for visually impaired patrons.
- Palais Garnier: The iconic opera house provides wheelchair access, audio-guided tours, and elevators to explore its magnificent halls.
- Shakespeare and Company Bookstore: A haven for bibliophiles, this independent bookstore features ramps and an elevator to navigate its multiple floors.
- Accessible Dining: Paris is a paradise for foodies, and many restaurants are embracing accessibility. Look for establishments with wider doorways, accessible restrooms, and outdoor seating with ample space for manoeuvring.
Museums and Galleries
Paris boasts a treasure trove of museums and galleries, many of which are actively improving accessibility. Here are a few examples beyond the ones that we looked at before:
- Musée Picasso: Explore the vast collection of Picasso’s works in this modern museum. Lifts, ramps, and accessible restrooms ensure a smooth visit. Special tactile tours are also available for visually impaired visitors.
- Musée National d’Art Moderne: Housing a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, this museum features accessible entrances, elevators, and adapted restrooms. They also offer tactile tours and audio descriptions for select exhibitions.
- City of Architecture and Heritage Museum: Immerse yourself in the architectural history of Paris. This museum provides ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms. Additionally, they offer 3D models and multimedia resources for a more inclusive experience.
- Day Trips from Paris: Explore the surrounding region with accessible day trips. The Palace of Versailles, with its accessible gardens and loanable wheelchairs, is a popular choice. Accessible boat tours on the Loire Valley chateaux offer a unique perspective on French history.
Outdoor Activities
Paris offers a range of outdoor activities accessible to visitors with disabilities. Here are some ideas:
- Adapted Cycling Tours: Explore the city’s hidden gems on a specially adapted cycling tour. Companies like Cyclopolitain offer handcycles and tandems for those with limited mobility, allowing everyone to enjoy the Parisian streets.
- Adapted Horseback Riding: Experience the thrill of horseback riding at an accessible equestrian centre. Trained staff and specially adapted horses ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of all abilities. Consider checking with organisations like Handi Cheval for options.
- Accessible Boat Tours: Take a scenic cruise down the Seine River on a boat equipped with ramps and dedicated wheelchair spaces. Companies like Bateaux Parisiens offer tours with audio descriptions and trained staff to assist passengers with disabilities.
Hidden Gems
Venture beyond the iconic landmarks and discover some hidden gems that offer good accessibility:
- Jardin des Plantes: This botanical garden boasts a vast collection of plants and flowers. Wide pathways, accessible restrooms, and even an adapted greenhouse allow visitors to explore the wonders of nature.
- Arc de Triomphe: While climbing the Arc itself might be challenging, the surrounding area is worth exploring. Wide sidewalks and nearby accessible cafes allow you to admire this iconic landmark.
- Montmartre: This charming hilltop neighbourhood offers stunning views of the city. While navigating the hilly streets might be tricky, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is accessible by funicular railway. Many cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating provide opportunities to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
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Beyond the City Limits
Paris is a captivating city, but there’s a whole world waiting to be discovered just beyond its limits. If you’re looking for a day trip that offers a change of scenery and a deeper dive into French history and culture, then we’ve got you covered:
Step Back in Time at Grand Palaces
- Palace of Versailles: Witness the extravagant lifestyle of French royalty at the iconic Palace of Versailles. Explore the vast grounds, including the manicured gardens, with the help of loanable wheelchairs.
- Château de Chambord: Travel back to the Renaissance era at the awe-inspiring Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley. Lifts and ramps make the main floor accessible, while scenic boat tours offer a unique way to admire the chateau’s grandeur from the water.
Immerse Yourself in Art & Nature
- Giverny & Monet’s Garden: Enter the world of Impressionist painter Claude Monet at his charming home and gardens in Giverny. These gardens, a constant source of inspiration for Monet’s masterpieces, feature wide pathways and are partially accessible with assistance.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With its rich history, charming towns, and stunning landscapes, the Parisian region offers something for everyone.
Planning for Accessibility
While Paris is making significant progress toward becoming a more accessible city, planning is still essential for an enjoyable and hassle-free trip. Here are some additional resources to help you:
- Official Paris Tourism Website: The website provides a dedicated accessibility section with resources on accessible hotels, attractions, and public transportation
- APF France Handicap: A leading French disability rights organisation offers a wealth of information on accessible travel within France
Final Thoughts
Paris is making significant strides to ensure accessibility for all visitors, particularly in anticipation of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. From wheelchair-friendly attractions to accessible accommodations and transportation, the city is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone.
As you plan your visit to Paris, whether for the Olympics or at any other time, Strive Mobility can help you with your accessibility needs. Our website offers a range of products and services designed to make your stay in Paris as comfortable and convenient as possible. Visit Strive Mobility to learn more about our offerings and to book the necessary equipment for your trip.
With the right preparations and resources, you can enjoy all that Paris has to offer, creating unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most beautiful and accessible cities.
Please note, this information was gathered through online research, including blogger reviews and the attraction’s websites but we haven’t physically visited each venue.
Written on behalf of Strive Mobility