Cafe Paris AccessibleGetty Images
Café Signes
This quaint Parisian café is a great place to stop for a quick drink to spend a little downtime with fellow travelers. They’ve got a variety of beverages on offer, from teas, beers, coffee and lemonade, so there’s something for everyone. Located in the 14th arrondissement, it’s a wonderful stop if you’re visiting the catacombs or Montparnasse cemetery. All the staff at Café Signes are fluent in sign language, so for people with auditory needs, this café is a must-visit. The café itself has step-free access, and there’s a lovely seating area for those who wish to eat outside.
Bar 8
If you’re looking for a classier affair for a drink, head to Bar 8 at the Mandarin Oriental. It’s got a reliably delicious craft cocktail menu that is frequently updated in keeping with the seasons, so if you’re a regular Paris visitor, there’s always something new to keep cocktail hour exciting. Large windows flood the space with lots of natural light during the day, and the walls are inlaid with Lalique crystals which gives the bar an opulent, starry vibe at night. The bar is fully wheelchair accessible and staff are happy to cater to any accessibility requests.
The best accessible hotels in Paris
Four Seasons Hotel George V
Four Seasons Hotel George V
The rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel George V have that dreamy, romantic Parisian feel, with rich linens and bay windows for guests to sit and soak up the beautiful views. Close by many of the city’s major attractions, it’s an unbeatable location and has unparalleled guest service. There are multiple accessible rooms to choose from, some of which have an Eiffel Tower view. Rooms are large for wheelchair users, there are continuous hand rails throughout the space, pictogram signs, adapted keypad lifts, and no obstacles at eye level.
Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées
If you want to stay in an authentic Parisian building with traditional stonework, floor-to-ceiling windows, and beautiful balconies for cityscape views, then Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées is a great option. It’s also near several major attractions and well-connected to transit lines. These furnished apartments in the centre of Paris have executive and one-bedroom suites that are wheelchair-friendly. They also have additional family-friendly items available, like welcome kits and curated family activities.
Pullman Tour Eiffel
The Pullman Tour Eiffel has large, fully accessible rooms that are wheelchair friendly. Some of the hotel’s accessible rooms even have uninterrupted views of the Eiffel Tower – an amenity that’s not available in accessible rooms of many hotels. There aren’t as many touristy things to do in the 15th arrondissement, so the hotel has less ambient street noise at night than in more popular districts, which might better suit travelers who struggle with overwhelm or overstimulation. Contact the hotel in advance to request an Eiffel Tower room if you’d like one, or if flashing lights are triggering for your medical condition, let them know.
The best accessible things to do in Paris
The Louvre Museum in Paris, France.Getty Images
The Louvre Museum
At the world’s most visited museum, you’ll be able to see treasures from around the world, from 18th-century artwork to French masterpieces by the likes of Poussin, Ingres, Delacroix, and, of course, Da Vinci. Visitors with accessibility needs can skip the line at the Mona Lisa, the most hallowed piece in the museum, so you can get close enough for an unobstructed view without having to jostle for space. Disabled visitors can source accessibility maps for the museum, alongside free mobility aids to use around the space (including seated walkers and manual wheelchairs). Pre-book your tickets online because the museum is often sold out, even in off-peak times.
