Access in Paris

This well established guidebook was originally published in 1974, and was the first guidebook ever to use the title 'Access' referring to access by disabled people. Later editions were published in 1985 and 1993 (with a supplement in 1997). A new edition is now being written, and the website will include updated information as it becomes available. Publication of the new guide is expected early in 2008.

Access in Paris is being researched by Pauline Hephaistos Survey Projects (PHSP). It is based on the experience of disabled people travelling around in Paris. While the 1993 edition is quite old, it is based on the physical description of places, and most of Paris has not changed.

If you go to Paris, and have experiences which relate to the accessibility (or otherwise) of the transport system, accommodation and of the sights and places of interest, please let us know. If people with disabilities share experiences of getting around, this will enable us to help and advise others - in a practical way.

It is intended that the website structure shall remain much the same as it is now. The text will be progressively updated - and note that until the new edition is published, the old guidebook can still be quite useful. Several users have told us recently that they have found it to be of value.

In 2004 a new guide was published in French called Paris en fauteuil (Paris by wheelchair). It's quite small and its scope is much more limited, but it is really good, and has much the same approach as we have, describing things 'as they are'. It's written by Lucie Fontaine and Jean-Baptiste Nanta, and published by Parigramme. ISBN 2-84096-350-7. It has a particularly useful section on accessible cafés. We recommend it, and are hoping to work with the authors when researching and writing the new Access in Paris.

We are working with the Association des Paralysés de France (www.apf.asso.fr) and with a group called Mobile en Ville (www.mobile-en-ville.asso.fr) who, among other things, have mapped the pavements in the whole of Paris for their surface and the height of any ramped kerbs. The maps and other useful information is held on their website.

Recently published is a guide for travellers with limited mobility called Rick Steves' Easy Access Europe (ISBN 1-56691-668-2) which has a big section on Paris. In our view it is written more for the disabled walker than for a chair user, but nonetheless has some useful information, well presented in a chatty readable style.

One major change is to the location and contact details of the Office de Tourisme in Paris as it is no longer at 127 av de Champs Elysées. See the Updated information page.

Both the Accommodation and Getting around pages have been updated. Much more information will be added as the survey/visit proceeds, but we are including useful data which we have already collected during 2005 to help current visitors.

The (new) guide contents will consist of: