Known as the city of love, Paris, France is one of the top tourist destinations in the world...and for good reason! It is a beautiful and vibrant city with so much history and art, but the best part is that it's even wheelchair accessible! Although the metro is a bit tough to maneuver as a wheelchair user, there are plenty of accessible taxis to take you where you want to go. And to help keep more money in your pocket, the city bus system is also accessible! The buses actually lower to the street level with a ramp for you to easily roll inside. With the transportation covered, let's dive in to all of the fun details of what you must do while you are there. Here are five wheelchair accessible Paris attractions and things to do.
1. Get a spectacular view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a worldwide icon that was constructed for the 1889 World's Fair. Towering over Paris, this iconic structure stands at 1,083 feet tall from its base to the very top. Visitors from all over the world come here just to have the chance to go to the top to see the views of the city. The lines to get inside can get really long, but luckily for wheelchair users, there's no need to wait in line! You can actually find a staff member near the exit and they will escort you to the elevator. Guests with disabilities pay a reduced rate for admission and once inside, the first two levels are accessible when using a wheelchair via the elevator. The first floor sits 187 feet above the ground and there is a transparent glass floor here to view the scenery underneath. Here, you will also find such restaurants as the famous Madame Brasserie, learn about the history, and even watch a video to learn more about the Eiffel Tower. On the second floor, the highest point for wheelchair users, you will see the most awesome panoramic view of the Paris skyline. You can also roll around the grab some food or souvenirs from several shops and restaurants on this level.
2. Sit in awe at the sight of the Arc de Triomphe
Sitting at the center of Place de Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Elysees is the Arc de Triomphe. This stoic arch is a must-see when traveling to Paris, as it is one of the most popular sights. It was designed for those who died for France in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. People are also drawn to it because France's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is placed beneath it. As a wheelchair user, you will only be able to view it from the outside, so you may want to get a taxi to drop you off next to it for the best views. Although there is no elevator inside, the view from sitting near it is stunning and well worth the visit. Getting inside the Arc de Triomphe is only possible via a very long tunnel with a multitude of steps, so bring you camera and be prepared to view it from the outside.
3. See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is the most visited museum in the entire world, so of course you must visit here when coming to Paris. Home to the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, the Louvre is wheelchair accessible with elevators throughout the entire museum and its galleries. The best part for wheelchair users is that not only is it free to enter for you and one guest, but you will not have to wait in the extremely long line to see the Mona Lisa. If you are a guest visiting in a wheelchair, you are allowed to cut the line and you're even given preferred access to view the famous painting.
4. Roll among royalty at the Chateau de Versailles
Noted as one of the top ten most visited sites in France, the Chateau de Versailles is located only 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) outside of Paris. This is one place that you don't want to miss, as it is known to be the principal residence of the French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Visiting as a wheelchair users is free for you and one guest, but please note that the palace is not open on Mondays. Patrons using wheelchairs are asked to enter through Gate H, which is to the right of the main gate. Once inside, all walkways are smooth and easy to roll on, but expect some cobblestones leading up to the entrance. After getting inside and seeing the astonishing Hall of Mirrors, the Empire Rooms, the Gallery of Battles, and visiting the Gardens of Versailles, you won't even remember traversing the bumpy cobblestones outside.
5. Admire the works of notable artists at Musée d'Orsay
Housing the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world is Musée d'Orsay. Here, you can witness breathtaking paintings, sculptures, and tapestries including art from Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. This museum is housed in the former Gare d'Orsay Railway Station and is absolutely stunning sitting on the left bank on the Seine River. This museum is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps available to access all levels. You can also find accessible restrooms here and even free admission for you and one guest if you have a disability. You may also skip the line and go directly to the front! You will also want to visit the wheelchair accessible rooftop terrace on the fifth floor and take in the views of the River Seine, the Tuileries Garden, and even the Louvre!
After reading about all the amazing things to see and do in Paris as a wheelchair user, there's no reason to stay parked any longer! It's time to dust off that passport, shine those wheels, and explore all the amazing history and gorgeous sights in the city of love.
About the author
After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the U.S. when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned 15. Since then, Cory has traveled to 21 countries across six continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not-so-accessible travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet, and many others. His blog won the 2017 Best Travel Blog Gold Lowell Thomas Award. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.
Cory Lee's ride is a Quickie Q500 M.
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