France

France Quad travel to France Rate Topic:

#1 Tigerlily

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Posted 31 March 2008 - 07:11 AM

We want to go to France soon. My daughter is a C6-7 quad. Does anyone have any advice for us? Should we take the power chair or the manual? Is anything accessable there? We want to go to Paris and see the Louvre, Notre Dame, etc. But we'dl also like to see the countryside, but we're just not sure how accessable that will be. Does anyone have any contacts or ideas regarding European travel?

#2 wbalenov

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Country:Toronto, Canada
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Posted 31 March 2008 - 01:46 PM

Hi There!

I was in Paris in a manual chair back in 1996, and wheeled around alone. I know the l'Ouvre was quite w/c friendly.

Here are some useful websites...the first is 8 years old...so things are probably better now.

http://www.access-ab...ccess-2003.html

...also, Paris tourism website...

http://www.parisinfo.com/

Also contact SATH, as they are a great organisation...

http://www.sath.org

Good luck and have a fabulous trip!

#3 HiltonP

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Posted 31 March 2008 - 03:12 PM

http://www.apparelyzed.com/support/holiday...wide/paris.html

#4 TimL

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Posted 13 April 2008 - 09:19 PM

Went to Paris in December and found most places accessible but not all. The Louvre is fully accessible, although sometimes you need to make a few detours because of stairs. Notre Dame is not fully accessible without some help. The visitors area circles the outer edge of the cathedral (inside) but the back section is raised by 2 steps (without a ramp). I was yanked up those by friends and bounced down the other side on my own. The Eiffel tower is only accessible to the second level as there are connecting stairs to get to the top elevator, but definatly worth visiting anyway. Musee d orsay is fully accessible. Around town you will often run into single steps into shops etc. and curbs without cuts. I was constantly jumping up or down single steps and curbs, and a manual chair is probably best for someone requiring assistance. The French people don't generally offer assistance, but will glady provide it when you ask (especially if you ask in French). Many things were free for wheelchair users and 1 assistant or friend. I only visited Paris so I can't give any insight into other areas of France.
I had a great time - hope you do to!