Travel Tips

Accessible France: Travel Tips For Wheelchair Users

Locations in this article:  Paris, France

Though France presents certain challenges with accessible travel, correspondent Emma Verrill argues that the “je ne sais quoi” of French life outweighs any potential frustration.

Her tips aim to make travel in France a memorable experience despite physical challenges.

Traveling requires patience and organization, and traveling with a disability takes even more preparation. After spending nine months navigating France in a wheelchair, I can safely say France is a fascinating and manageable destination.

Whether it was bravery or blissful naivety, I conquered cities, trains, hostels, and restaurants, taking copious notes along the way so that others can experience the allure of France.

Before you start

Accessible Travel - French coast - photo by Emma VerrillIt’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the policies regarding accessibility when traveling to another country.

With France, check out Handicap International for some basic information on France’s approach to disabilities.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is also an excellent resource.

Getting there

Flying from Boston to Istanbul for a panel on students with disabilities, I first learned that  airlines cannot always accommodate disabilities. Forty-five minutes before that flight, I went to check-in with the gate agent, but due to a miscommunication on behalf of the airline, I was denied boarding. They claimed they were unable to accommodate me because they failed to prepare the cabin crew and the on-board aisle chair had not been requested.

From then on, I learned to research what airlines are accommodating and which carriers to avoid. To fly to France I recommend Air France, United Airways, American Airlines, and US Airways, all of whom I’ve had very pleasant and comfortable experience.

Eiffel Tower and Carousel, France - photo by Emma VerrillOne caution: EasyJet and RyanAir are two very popular European budget airlines. While I have never had any problems, I would avoid using these airlines if you are traveling with a disability. They are infamous for being unaccommodating to wheelchair users, even to the point of not allowing those passengers to board.

When It Comes to Lodgings Check, Then Check Again

While everyone understands that needing wheelchair access means more space and a larger, more-equipped bathroom, sometimes things get lost in translation. In order to ensure your safety and comfort, be an advocate for yourself.

“Accessible” means something different to everyone. It is crucial to check in with the hotel, hostel, or rented apartment to confirm, again, that your accommodations are organized and will be appropriate for what you need.

I usually stay in a hostel or rent an apartment in order to save some money. About a week before arriving, I email the hostel one more time to confirm I am staying in a bottom bunk and that there is a shower chair readily available. Once when I forgot to specify my needs I found a hostel whose check-in and bathroom were both up several flights of stairs.

In Paris, I recommend Oops! hostel if you are on a budget. For longer stays or larger groups, use Airbnb to find accessible apartments.

Sacre Coeur - Accessible TravelAirport and Train Travel

Depending on where you are going in France, fly directly to Paris or Nice then take a train or a smaller flight to your final destination.

Destinations like Normandy, Brittany, and the Loire Valley are all very accessible by train from Paris. Provence, Cannes, Monaco, and the Mediterranean are accessible by the train from Nice.

If you are going into the center of Paris from the airport, there are a couple choices. Taxis are a great option because they are always available. If you prefer to reserve a taxi in advance call or visit TaxisG7.

There is also a shuttle that is comfortable and relatively inexpensive (€11 one way, €18 roundtrip) from Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports to different locations within Paris. Because the shuttle is run by Air France it is reliable, but not the quickest option for wheelchair users.  The buses are brand new, and the driver often doesn’t have experience working the lift.

Trains in France are very accessible, comfortable, fast, and affordable. They are extremely reliable, well organized and sensitive to all disabilities. You will need to buy your tickets in advance, so look into the RailEurope Web site.  If you speak French, look into Voyages-SNCF.

When in doubt, call. Calling these companies is always a good idea because you can indicate the exact assistance you will need. Arrive at the train station at least a half an hour early, and head directly to the “Accueil” or the welcome area, which will be clearly marked with signs of disability assistance.

For more on public transit in Paris, don’t miss: Le Tramway & Beyond: Transportation in Paris

Paris Metro signPublic Transportation

Understanding public transportation is crucial to a good experience in Paris. To get anywhere quickly, a taxi is your best bet, but if you have time, the buses are very accessible. Refer to a map to confirm which buses and metro stops can accommodate a wheelchair.

I learned first hand that the Paris Metro is extremely inaccessible with limited stops with elevators. In my first experience with the metro, my friends and I were in a rush to get to the Eiffel Tower from the other side of the city. My friends then bumped me down two flights of stairs to the Metro, only to realize we were heading in the wrong direction.

We went back up, back down to the correct platform, and finally arrived at the Eiffel Tower around midnight in time for the spectacular light show, and in time for the Metro to close. We then walked an hour and a half back to the hostel in January.

I learned then not to rely on underground transportation, especially in the middle of winter.

By Emma Verrill for PeterGreenberg.com. Visit Emma online at https://emmabverrill.blogspot.com.

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