Accessible Toilets in Paris

Sanisettes (Public Automated Toilets)

Paris has over 750 Sanisettes, which are free, self-cleaning public toilets on sidewalks throughout the city. All Sanisettes are wheelchair accessible.

Key Features

• Door width: 90 cm, opening automatically with a button press.
• Interior space: 150 cm turning radius, enough for most wheelchairs.
• Grab bars: Installed on both sides of the toilet.
• Automatic cleaning: The unit self-cleans after each use. Wait for the green light before entering.
• Free to use: No coins needed. Press the button on the outside panel to open.
• Maximum use time: 20 minutes. The door opens automatically after this limit.

Finding Sanisettes

Sanisettes are located on major streets and near tourist areas. You can find their locations using:

• The Paris city website: paris.fr (search "sanisettes")
• Google Maps: search "Sanisette" near your location
• The "Ou sont les toilettes" app (see Apps section below)

High-density areas for Sanisettes include along the Champs-Elysees, near the Eiffel Tower, along the Seine embankments, and around major Metro stations.

Department Store Toilets

Major department stores in Paris have accessible restrooms, usually on the ground floor or lower levels. These are a reliable option when shopping or passing through commercial areas.

Stores with Accessible Toilets

• Galeries Lafayette Haussmann (40 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arr.) - Accessible toilets on the ground floor. Elevator access to all floors. Free for customers.
• Le Bon Marche (24 Rue de Sevres, 7th arr.) - Accessible toilet on the ground floor. Well-maintained. Free for customers.
• BHV Marais (52 Rue de Rivoli, 4th arr.) - Accessible restroom on the lower ground floor. Take the elevator near the main entrance.
• Printemps Haussmann (64 Boulevard Haussmann, 9th arr.) - Accessible toilet available. Ask staff at the information desk for the access code.
• Forum des Halles (101 Porte Berger, 1st arr.) - Multiple accessible toilets throughout the shopping center. Clearly signed from main corridors.

Museum and Attraction Toilets

Most major museums and attractions in Paris have accessible restrooms. These are generally well-maintained and meet current accessibility standards.

Museums with Reliable Accessible Toilets

• Louvre - Accessible toilets on every level. Located near the main escalator/elevator areas. Well signed.
• Musee d'Orsay - Accessible restrooms on the ground floor and upper levels. Spacious and clean.
• Centre Pompidou - Accessible toilets on each floor. Follow the blue wheelchair signs.
• Musee du Quai Branly - Accessible toilets near the main entrance and on the garden level.
• Cite des Sciences (La Villette) - Multiple accessible restrooms throughout. Built to modern standards.
• Musee de l'Orangerie - Accessible toilet on the lower level. Take the elevator from the main hall.

Smaller museums and galleries may have only one accessible toilet, and some historic buildings may not have any. Check our Attractions guide for toilet details at specific venues.

Restaurant Toilet Policies

Restaurant toilets in Paris are a known challenge for wheelchair users. Many are located in the basement, reached only by narrow stairs. Here is what to expect and how to plan.

The Reality

• Most traditional Parisian restaurants have their toilets in the basement (sous-sol). This is especially common in older buildings.
• French law requires new or renovated restaurants to have accessible toilets on the same floor as the dining area, but many older establishments are exempt.
• Restaurants with the "Tourisme et Handicap" label always have accessible toilets.

What to Do

• Call ahead: Ask "Avez-vous des toilettes accessibles au rez-de-chaussee?" (Do you have accessible toilets on the ground floor?). See our Useful Phrases guide.
• Use your hotel: If dining nearby, use your hotel's accessible toilet before or after the meal.
• Check nearby options: A Sanisette or department store may be within a short distance of the restaurant.
• Choose newer restaurants: Restaurants that opened or were renovated after 2015 are more likely to have ground-floor accessible toilets.

See our Accessible Restaurants guide for recommended restaurants with confirmed accessible toilets.

Apps for Finding Accessible Toilets

Several apps can help you locate accessible toilets in real time. Download these before your trip.