France has some policies that are more progressive than the United States, but there is one area that lags far behind–accommodating persons with mobility issues. Elevators in many buildings are non-existent or won’t fit a standard wheelchair. Smaller Métro stations in Paris don’t have elevators or escalators. In most French restaurants, “les toilettes” are down a narrow spiral staircase below the dining area. I watched numerous elderly folks from a tour bus make their ways painfully toward the restrooms in one restaurant in Beynac. And this was a modern building, not one of the Medieval retrofits in town. In fairness to our hosts, we have seen handicapped parking spaces around Paris and in the villages.
My advice to travelers with mobility or balance issues is to call in advance and make sure you can access facilities. If you’re staying at a hotel, the concierge should be able to steer you towards places that can accommodate your needs. This can save a lot of hassles.
Jun 04
Moving Around When Moving’s an Issue
Permanent link to this article: http://ediblethoughts.com/2015/06/04/moving-around-when-movings-an-issue/
2 comments
It’s not just France. We recently returned from a trip to Spain, France, and Italy, and didn’t see much evidence of wheelchair-friendliness anywhere. I mean, what if you were living in Venice and ended up in a wheelchair?!?
Today we had “limonade” at a bar in Albi (southern France). Miracle of miracles, the restrooms were on the main floor.
As for Venice and other watery places, I think someone should invent an amphibious wheelchair. It could be hand cranked (similar to an adaptive recumbent bike) or motorized. Such a vehicle could allow folks in wheelchairs to go fishing without the hassle of getting into a boat. And they’d be a big hit at the annual Opening Day Boat Parade in Seattle, similar to the amphibious cars!