Paris

The City of Light — timeless elegance, gastronomy, and inclusivity.

Getting There

Paris is served by Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) airports, both fully step-free with accessible toilets, tactile paving, and dedicated passenger assistance. CDG has specialised accessibility teams to support transfers, while Orly is compact and convenient. The Thalys and Eurostar trains connect Paris directly to major European capitals, with wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and priority boarding.

Getting Around

Public transport in Paris is mixed.

RER commuter trains: Partially step-free, with lifts at many central stations.
Paris Metro: Mostly inaccessible due to age, but newer lines (e.g. Line 14) and renovated stations provide step-free travel.
Buses: Fully accessible with ramps and wheelchair spaces, offering a reliable option.
Accessible taxis & ride-hailing: Available and often the most convenient way to cross the city.
River cruises: Bateaux Parisiens and other operators offer adapted boarding and seating for Seine sightseeing.

Luxury chauffeur services provide adapted vehicles for seamless private travel.

Attitudes

Parisians are polished hosts. Disability awareness has improved, particularly in museums, hotels, and major attractions. LGBTQ+ travellers will find Paris one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals, with inclusive nightlife in the Marais, strong legal protections, and a major annual Pride.

The Rules (Legislation & Policies)

France enforces the Disability Act (2005), requiring accessibility in public buildings and transport. The city has made progress, particularly in buses and cultural institutions, though heritage preservation limits Metro renovations. Paris also aligns with France’s LGBTQ+ equality laws, providing comprehensive legal protections.

Destination Highlights

Eiffel Tower: Step-free access to the first and second levels with lifts; adapted toilets.
Louvre Museum: Fully accessible with lifts, adapted entrances, and free entry for disabled visitors and a companion.
Musée d’Orsay: Step-free throughout, with dedicated assistance.
Palace of Versailles (near Paris): Adapted routes and accessible gardens with electric shuttles.
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe: Avenue is step-free; Arc has lift access to the terrace.
Seine cruises: Inclusive boarding and panoramic sightseeing from the water.
Opéra Garnier & Philharmonie de Paris: Fully adapted cultural experiences.

Luxury Perspective

Paris sets the global benchmark for luxury, and inclusivity is increasingly central:

Hotels: The Ritz, Le Bristol, and Hôtel Plaza Athénée all provide adapted suites with roll-in showers, visual alarms, and step-free entrances.
Dining: Michelin-starred restaurants such as Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and Arpège accommodate accessibility and dietary needs.
Shopping: Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché are fully step-free, with accessible lifts and adapted facilities.
Wellness: Inclusive luxury spas offer adapted treatments at leading hotels.
Private experiences: Accessible luxury tours of Montmartre, the Marais, or wine tasting in hidden cellars.

Community Voices

“The Louvre was seamless. Staff directed me to adapted entrances and I felt like the art was mine to explore.” – Traveller from the United Kingdom

“Paris Pride was unforgettable — vibrant, safe, and completely inclusive.” – Traveller from the United States

Resources & Support

Accès Plus (SNCF): Assistance for train journeys.
Handiplanet: Maps accessible venues across Paris.
APF France Handicap: Disability advocacy and resources.
Centre LGBT Paris: Community hub and support.

Final Tips

Use buses or accessible taxis instead of the Metro for stress-free travel.
Pre-book adapted hotel rooms at luxury properties, as demand is high.
Attractions often provide priority access for disabled travellers — take advantage of reduced waiting times.
Paris is best explored seasonally: spring and autumn offer milder weather and smoother mobility.