Parts Of Paris That Offer Accessibility To All

Coming to Paris, most will have preconceptions regarding the historic architecture and how navigating what the city has to offer may prove problematic for those with an injury or disability.

If a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair is needed to get around, it may seem daunting at first, but you can still take advantage of Paris’ shopping opportunities, museums and parks. These add weight to the already plentiful supply of sights, monuments and palaces which can make a stay in Paris well worth luxuriating in.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, while seeming out of reach for those needing a mobility device, stands proudly at more than a thousand feet high overlooking the Seine, with the first two floors accessible to those in a wheelchair, offering a wonderful chance to take in the sights. There are restaurants, souvenir shops and a beautiful view to be photographed on this floor.

Offers are in place for a reduced entry for those with an obvious disability and this is extended to those accompanying the disabled visitor.

Champs-Elysees

A boulevard stretching from Place de la Concorde to Place de Charles de Gaulle, this avenue is a centre for tourists and offers an array of luxury hotels, shops and restaurants. Most of the shops provide access but not all of them have step-free entry, with transferring to either side of the street made easier via curb cuts and crosswalks at each intersection.

Louvre Museum

Easily recognisable with its glass pyramid, the Louvre is situated in the Louvre Palace and holds more than 35,000 exhibits including paintings, sculpture and textiles. In a wheelchair? No problem, it is accessible on all floors for those with limited mobility via lifts. Also, there is free entry for you and your guest, with preferred access to the most famous and, it has to be said, the most popular attractions, via express lanes. Wheelchairs are free of charge at the information desk as well. One cautionary note for all is that Paris is hugely popular and everywhere will be well attended.

The Musee d’Orsay

The Musee d’Orsay, situated within easy reach for tourists, also offers accessibility for all via ramps and lifts. It is a gallery mostly exhibiting French painters including Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Gaugin and Manet to name but a few. It houses the largest collection available of Impressionist and Post-impressionist works of art and additionally has photographs, sculptures and tapestries to marvel at.

Visitors with disabilities can enter free of charge with one guest as well, with the Museum offering accessible restroom facilities.

The Tuileries Garden

If you are making an extended stay, some of Paris’ parks, including the Versailles Gardens and the Tuileries Garden are well worth immersing yourself in. The Tuileries became a public park after the revolution and extends from Place de la Concorde up to the Louvre. Sights to admire here include sculptures, fountains and amusement rides along the northern perimeter.

Pathways are mostly gravel or paved and all wheelchair accessible. Taking a breath from the array of museums in the locality, the Tuileries Gardens are an ideal way to soak up the sunshine.

Ideally you will need to book some of the more popular sights, but this can be done online with little difficulty.