Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, and the city is improving rapidly. While Paris has challenges due to its age and historic architecture, significant progress has been made in recent years. All city buses are 100% wheelchair accessible with low floors and retractable ramps. The Metro has limited accessibility, with only about 30 of 300+ stations equipped with elevators (Line 14 is fully accessible). Most major attractions, including the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, have step-free access. Sidewalks in central Paris generally have dropped curbs at crossings. The biggest challenges are cobblestone streets in older neighborhoods, narrow doorways in historic buildings, and the largely inaccessible Metro system. Buses, accessible taxis, and surface-level routes are the best ways to get around. See our Accessibility Basics guide for a full overview.

Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended. Accessible hotel rooms in Paris are limited in number. French law requires hotels with more than 10 rooms to have at least one accessible room, and hotels with more than 50 rooms to have multiple accessible rooms. However, during peak season (June through September) and major events, these rooms book up quickly. We recommend booking 3 to 6 months ahead for peak season travel. When booking, always call the hotel directly to confirm specific accessibility features such as door width, shower type (roll-in or bathtub with grab bars), and turning space. Photos on booking websites do not always reflect the current room setup. See our Accessible Hotels section for detailed hotel reviews with measurements.

Yes, several companies in Paris offer wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals with delivery to your hotel or the airport. Manual wheelchairs typically cost 15 to 30 euros per day, electric wheelchairs 40 to 80 euros per day, and mobility scooters 35 to 70 euros per day. Weekly rates offer significant savings. Major rental companies include Locamedic and Bastide Medical. Many larger pharmacies also rent basic manual wheelchairs. Hotel concierges can often arrange rentals on your behalf. We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance during peak season (June through September) as electric wheelchairs and scooters are in high demand. See our Equipment Rentals page for full details on companies, pricing, and booking tips.

There are multiple accessible options for airport transfers. Adapted taxis: G7 Access operates a fleet of over 200 wheelchair-accessible vehicles that can be booked for airport pickups. Call 01 47 39 00 91 and book at least 24 hours in advance. Private accessible transfers: Several companies offer pre-booked accessible vehicles with ramps or lifts. These cost more than taxis but provide door-to-door service with guaranteed wheelchair accommodation. Train services: The RER B connects Charles de Gaulle to central Paris, and the Orlyval connects Orly Airport to the RER B line. Some RER stations have step-free access, but not all. Check station accessibility before planning this route. The most reliable option for wheelchair users is a pre-booked accessible taxi or private transfer. See our Airport Accessibility guide for detailed information.

Standard Paris taxis can accommodate folding wheelchairs in the trunk, but for non-folding wheelchairs or power chairs, you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. G7 Access has a fleet of over 200 wheelchair-accessible taxis in Paris, equipped with rear ramps or side lifts. Book at least 24 hours in advance by calling 01 47 39 00 91. Same-day bookings are sometimes possible but not guaranteed. The fare is the same as a standard taxi. There is no surcharge for the accessible vehicle. Other options include Horizon Handicap and private accessible transfer services. See our Taxis & Transfers guide for all available services and booking information.

Yes, the Eiffel Tower has elevator access to the 1st and 2nd floors, which offer panoramic views of Paris. The elevators are spacious enough for wheelchairs. The summit (top floor) is accessible by a separate, smaller elevator from the 2nd floor. This elevator can accommodate wheelchairs, but space is limited and waits can be long. We strongly recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid the lengthy ground-level queues. Wheelchair users and one companion receive free entry. The ground level area around the tower and the esplanade are fully step-free. Accessible toilets are available on the 1st and 2nd floors. See our Attractions section for more detailed accessibility information about the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks.

Many Paris restaurants are wheelchair accessible, but the situation varies widely depending on the age and location of the building. Restaurants in modern buildings and shopping centers generally have step-free access and accessible toilets. Restaurants in older buildings, particularly in historic neighborhoods like Le Marais, Montmartre, and Saint-Germain, may have steps at the entrance, narrow doorways, or restrooms in the basement. Terraces are often the easiest option. Most Paris restaurants have outdoor seating that is at street level and more spacious. In warm weather (April through October), terrace dining is a great accessible option. Always call the restaurant ahead of time to confirm wheelchair access, ask about the entrance, and check restroom accessibility. See our Accessible Restaurants page for recommended wheelchair-friendly dining options.

Paris has over 750 free public automated toilets called Sanisettes throughout the city. These are self-cleaning, wheelchair accessible, and free to use. They have automatic doors, interior grab bars, and enough space for a wheelchair. Look for the grey cylindrical structures on sidewalks. A map of Sanisette locations is available on the Paris city website. Beyond Sanisettes, major museums (Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou) all have accessible toilets on multiple floors. Large department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, BHV) have accessible restrooms, usually on the ground floor or basement level. Train stations and airports have accessible toilets. Some older cafes and restaurants have toilets in the basement with no elevator, so ask before ordering. See our Accessible Toilets guide for more locations and tips.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to Paris, especially those with disabilities or medical conditions. EU citizens: Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which covers medically necessary state healthcare at the same cost as French residents. However, EHIC does not cover private healthcare, medical repatriation, or trip cancellation, so supplementary travel insurance is still advisable. UK citizens: Bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides similar coverage to the EHIC. All other countries: Travel insurance with medical coverage is essential. France does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with most non-EU countries, and medical treatment can be very expensive without insurance. Make sure your policy covers pre-existing conditions, medical equipment (wheelchair, scooter), and emergency repatriation. See our Medication page for more details on healthcare and insurance in France.

Yes. French law (Law of January 11, 2005) requires all public spaces to allow service dogs, including restaurants, hotels, shops, museums, public transport, and government buildings. No entry fees or pet surcharges can be applied. You do not need a specific French certification for your service dog, but you should bring documentation identifying the dog as a trained service animal. For entering France, your dog needs an EU Pet Passport (if traveling from the EU) or an official veterinary health certificate, a microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before travel to arrange in-cabin accommodation for your service dog. See our Service & Guide Dogs page for complete details on documentation, transport, relief areas, and veterinary emergencies.