Handicap Accessible Tourist Attractions in Paris, France

In the past, it was quite a challenge for a disabled tourist to visit all of the attractions in Paris. These days, almost all of the popular attractions have undergone extensive renovations, making them much more accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or those who are visually or hearing impaired. One way to see if a tourist attraction in Paris is handicap accessible is to look for the French Tourisme & Handicap label. This label certifies that the attraction has a specific minimum level of handicap accessibility.

Handicap accessible tourist attractions in Paris: Museums and art centers

Most of the world-famous museums and art centers in Paris have revamped their handicap access in recent years, making these cultural centers much easier for the disabled to visit. There are handicapped accessible restrooms, ramps, and wheelchair lifts at the Musée du Quai Branly, Musée d'Orsay, Pompidou Centre, and the Louvre. Some museums also have handicap accessible displays for visitors with vision or hearing problems who cannot view or hear the exhibits.

Handicap accessible tourist attractions in Paris: La Grande Halle

La Grande Halle arts center is a fully handicap accessible venue that is located inside the Parc de la Villette. The park itself surrounds the north Paris Canal St. Martin. La Grande Halle is host to several events throughout the year, including concerts, theater performances, dance exhibitions, and more. The inside of the park is flat and very accessible for people who use wheelchairs. There are also handicap accessible restrooms and wheelchair lifts that take disabled visitors to the bridges crossing Canal St. Martin.

Handicap accessible tourist attractions in Paris: Cite de Sciences

The largest science museum in Europe, the Cite de Sciences is also fully handicap accessible. Visitors with vision or hearing related disabilities can request assistance in the form of sign language interpreters or induction loops. Admission is free for handicapped visitors and one guest. Official documentation of the disability must be presented in order to receive free admission for this handicap accessible Paris tourist attraction.

Handicap accessible tourist attractions in Paris: The Eiffel Tower

Of course, Paris' most popular tourist attraction is still the Eiffel Tower. There is now lift access available to take the disabled up to the restaurants and retail shops located on the second floor. The new Jules Verne restaurant is also located on the second floor, but it is served by a different lift. This handicap accessible lift generally must be reserved in advance due to the large crowds that have been visiting the restaurant. The elevator taking visitors to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris is already handicap accessible, but preferential boarding is given to disabled guests, allowing them to ride first.