by Alice Zimmerman
(Glendale, Arizona, USA)
Wheelchair and Disabled solutions in Paris
We are traveling to Paris in two weeks, on March 7, 2008.
Most of our group are members of my family.
I, alone, am handicapped. I use crutches and my walking ability is limited and I have accounted for that in our plans; mainly, I just will not allow them to be held back because of me.
I also think that if I can find a motorized scooter or wheelchair rental for the week we are there, it would make them feel better and allow me to participate more.
One of the problems is that I am also overweight, so a normal size wheelchair would not be comfortable. Is there any way I can find out this information regarding rental? I do not speak French, so calling there is not an option.
Thank you in advance,
Alice Zimmerman
Finding wheelchair/scooter rentals in Paris
Hi Alice,
Gosh! You’ll be in Paris in two weeks? Let’s see what we can find out.
On my Getting Around in Paris page, I have a link for the Disabled/Handicapped information pages. This page has great links for museums, restaurants which are handicap-aware.
I’ve gathered some more information for you.
Rick Steves has a page of comments from disable visitors travelling around Europe which you might find very interesting: http://www.ricksteves.com
Paris isn’t the easiest city in the world for getting around with wheelchairs or scooters because of the cobblestoned streets etc. Having said that, if you had plenty of time you could almost certainly find what you need.
An American company I’ve heard has much experience arranging trips like yours in Paris, for travelers needing wheelchairs and scooters:
Accessible Journeys
35 W. Sellers Ave.,
Ridley Park, PA 19078
phone USA (800) 846-4573.
http://www.disabilitytravel.com/
The company evidently has a contact who occasionally has a scooter available in Paris.
A guidebook which will help tremendously is “Access in Paris: A Guide for Those Who Have Problems Getting Around,” by Gordon Couch and Ben Roberts (Cimino Publishing Group, 1994).
Another good place to try is Paris Tourisme’s Paris A to Z pages – do a search for “disabled.” You’ll find several phone numbers for places who help mobility-challenged visitors trying to get around in Paris.
Access-Able Travel Source and the Travelin’ Talk Network – both websites have info to help travelers with disabilities.
http://www.access-able.com/books.html
The Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped – the website offers many links, plus a section on tour operators and agencies who will be able to help you.
I do hope this all helps, and I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday in Paris. Maybe you’ll fall in love with it – even just a little bit – like I did many years ago.
Bon voyage!
Teena
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