1 reply to this topic

[Redish]

Hi

I'm planning a trip to Paris in the next year or so and have a few questions around accommodation and transport in the city. The idea is to see all the usual museums and sites but also to cruise around and park off in some cafe. I've browsed the forum and could not find much on previous postings. What I would like to know is the following:

- Are there any accessible, reasonably priced hotels that you could suggest?
- Are there alternatives to staying in a hotel?
- Is the metro accessible, if so, did you experience any problems?
- Did you experience any problems in moving around the city (stone walk ways etc.)?

This will probably be trip with a one or two of fellow crips so getting an AB to do the heavy lifting is not an option.

Cheers
Redish

Edited by Redish, 17 June 2011 - 12:05 PM.

[A22]

Hi Redish,

I've been too Paris twice now. Most recently in May. Will try give some information that will hopefully answer your questions

- I have not stayed in any hotels in Paris, but have used cheaper options. First time I stayed in a backpackers hostel called 'Oops'. They have flat access entry to the building and a lift to access the rooms. One or two of the rooms has an adapted bathroom (roll-in shower, large foor area etc) so you will need to insure that you aare booked into that room (I didnt and faced a fwe problems of being swapped around, but they were alright about it). The hostel is on the street Les Goblins, the closest Metro has stairs, however the bus from the area (either near the Metro or down on the main street) has a stairless entry at the rear, and they lower the bus, but you will need to get up the single small step if the driver does not have the ramp out.
The second time round I stayed at the campground 'Camping Paris'. They have an adapted bathroom also, but beware it is quite dirty. Getting in and out of town is a little more troubling, there is a bus on the road that will take yoou to the metro that is near the Parliament (cant remember the name of it right now) which I think has a lift to get to (check this), but I just walked up into town from there.

- Some of the Metro stations are accessible by lift, most of them aren't though, so check the Metro maps, as they have symbols to tell you so. I used the busses to get around, they go everywhere, and almost all are accessible.

- Getting around Paris is actually quite easy. The pathways are mostly wide, and well cared for. Around the main tourist areas especially. In some of the older streets there are cobbles, but fairly small ones, so not to bad to navigate. There are some steep hills, but not many. Toilets can be a bit of a problem, because they are all in the basement of bars/cafes etc. Ther are self cleaning public toilets around that cost 50c to use. McDonalds & Starbucks didn't fail on having them - I just suggest not to go past one without using it.

Paris is well setup, we gget priorty at most attractions so we don't have to wait in the massive lines - just look for the 'prioritie' flags/signs - and your in straight away (is a blessing when you see the size of the queues!)

Otherwise - enjoy!

Cheers
Amber