With kids! 
If you’re reading this, I’m guessing I don’t need to tell you why you need to visit the City of Love. Instead, I’ll dive into the how, especially if you’re traveling with kids or need wheelchair-accessible options.
Paris is a magnificent city for history lovers, foodies, artists, musicians, dancers, scientists, engineers, bibliophiles… pretty much anyone who likes anything, and at any age! Unfortunately, navigating the city with a wheelchair definitely requires some planning. Here’s everything you need to know to make your visit both magical and accessible.
Getting There
When planning a trip to Paris, the first step is choosing your airport. ORLY Airport was the cheapest option for our connecting flights, so we went with that. Both major international airports (ORLY and Charles de Gaulle) are about 30 minutes from the city center, and arranging transportation is essential.
While public transportation is an option, most metro stops in Paris are not wheelchair accessible. For airport transfers, consider hiring a car service. Bolt was our most affordable choice, but availability for wheelchair-friendly vehicles was hit or miss. Uber worked well as a backup option, offering reliable service when larger vehicles were needed.
Getting Around – Accessible Transportation in Paris
This was the hardest part of seeing Paris! The RER train system is the only metro line where all stations are wheelchair accessible. Some of the other lines have a couple of accessible stops, but most have none at all. This leaves the bus as the primary accessible transportation option.
All bus routes are labeled as wheelchair accessible, but it’s important to remember that accessible looks different in Europe than it does in the states. Some busses had ramps or were able to lower to the curb, but many still required covering a large curb gap, and tilting the chair to go up almost a full foot.
For step-free routes, download the CityMapper app, which allows you to map accessible journeys across different modes of transportation. This app saved us countless times during our visit!
If you’re planning to explore beyond central Paris or prefer flexibility, renting a car might be a good option. Although we relied on buses, our commutes into the city often took over 90 minutes, compared to a 30-minute drive.
Exploring Accessible Paris on Foot (or Wheels)
Paris is a walkable city with smooth, wide sidewalks and consistent curb cuts, making it a joy to explore by wheelchair. However, the city is vast, so plan to mix walking with other forms of transportation. One of the best ways to soak in Parisian charm is by wandering off the beaten path. Around every corner, you’ll find hidden gems—quaint cafés, beautiful gardens, and unique architecture—that you might miss when focusing solely on major attractions.
What to See in Wheelchair-Accessible Paris
I’m sure you already know what to see in Paris, so let me just touch upon the accessibility of some of the highlights. If you’re like us, and packing in as much as you can, it’s worth it to check out Go City for a discount package deal. We had their All-Inclusive Pass (hosted!) and used it for the Eiffel Tower, the Big Bus Tour (a hop-on, hop-off through the city), a cruise on the Siene River, the Louvre, a Parisian breakfast at Café Louise, and the Arc de Triomphe. That was all in two days! We also wanted to check out the hot air balloon over the city, the aquarium, and Le Petit Train Tour, but we ran out of time. Paris is packed with iconic landmarks, museums, and family-friendly activities. Here’s a breakdown of the accessibility at some of the city’s top attractions:
Wheelchair Accessible Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is surprisingly accessible for wheelchair users. Tickets for the lift (elevator) are available online up to 60 days in advance, but if you miss this window, you can usually purchase them onsite.
- Accessible Entrance: Use Entrance #1 and take a left into the main area. Look for the ramp at the far end of the building before Exit #1. This is the only entrance you can use for the tower, since all other ticket lines have stairs to enter. The chances are high that you’ll have a very short wait, and you can take the elevator to the first or second level of the tower.
- Tips: Stop at the first floor on your way up, as some elevators skip this level on the descent.
- Discounts: Disabled guests qualify for child-rate tickets, and some passes like Go City include lift tickets in guided tour packages.
Tickets for the disabled are the same price as for children. If you have Go City’s Explorer Pass, a tour with lift tickets is included as an option.
Arc de Triumph
Yes, you can go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe with a wheelchair! The hard part is getting to the Arc.
The walkway to the Arc goes under the round about, and up and down about 30 steps. This means you need to have a driver drop you off directly at the arc.
Getting There: Arrange for a driver to drop you off directly at the monument to avoid the underground steps. Call 01 55 37 73 78 to organize this.
Accessibility: Once onsite, ramps and a lift make reaching the top easy. Just follow the blue wheelchair icon signs.
Disability Discount: The Arc de Triomphe is free for disabled visitors and a companion. Proof of disability required.
The Louvre
The Louvre is huge. It took us just under an hour from when we decided it was time to leave to make it to the exit. I’m not exaggerating. Plan to spend some time here, and plan to leave before your kids are totally done… because they will be done by the time you get through the exit. While the Mona Lisa is a highlight, there are magnificent things to see in every hall – try not to blow past them all on your way to one, small painting!
- Accessibility: Ignore “one-way” signs when they lead to stairs. Security staff advised us to follow alternate routes for wheelchair users.
- Mona Lisa Tip: Skip the long lines and use the wheelchair-accessible path to get an up-close view of this iconic painting. Stay to the right of the crowd in room 711 on the first floor.
- Disability Discounts: Disabled visitors and one companion receive free entry, but advance reservations are required.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame was still closed when we visited, but it officially reopened in November!
- Accessibility: The main entrance, the Portal of the Last Judgment, is wheelchair accessible and has a fast-track line for people with disabilities.
- Admission: Admission is free for all.
- Tip: The plaza outside of the church makes a great stop for a picnic lunch with a view.
More Accessible Family Activities in Paris
You could spend a year in Paris, and not see it all.
If you’re visiting Paris with kids, consider activities like:
- A Big Bus Tour: Hop-on, hop-off buses offer an easy way to explore the city’s highlights.
- A Seine River Cruise: Enjoy stunning views of Paris from the water.
- Snacks Galore: aris is a great place for snacking, and kids are all about the snacks (so are moms??). There are boulangeries and patisseries around every corner – and most of them are worth a stop! Try the croissants, Pain Au Chocolat, beignets, crepes, macarons, eclairs, and profiteroles… I’m seriously just getting started!
- Disneyland Paris: This magical park is fully accessible, with programs similar to U.S. Disney parks. The RER train takes you directly to the entrance, and disabled guests receive a 25% discount.
For playgrounds, carnival rides, or more kid-friendly activities, download the GoWhee App for local recommendations.
More Tips for Visiting Paris with a Wheelchair
- Museum Closures: Many museums, including the Musée d’Orsay and the Palace of Versailles, are closed on Mondays—don’t plan visits for these days!
- Plan for Longer Stays: Paris is a city where you could spend weeks and still have more to explore. Give yourself time to enjoy its charm without feeling rushed.
- Accessibility: Most shops and restaurants along the streets were wheelchair accessible. If the front door was not, there was almost always a side entrance. Just ask.
Where to Stay in Paris
Finding wheelchair-accessible accommodations in Paris can be tricky. We opted for HomeExchange because we spend about $2 per night after our annual membership. Although, accessible properties were limited in Paris. If you’re booking a hotel or rental, confirm accessibility details in advance—especially if the listing simply states “accessible.”
Because Paris is a hot spot for tourists, many homes only allowed a longer stay, and there weren’t a ton of accessible options. We ended up just outside the city, which would have been perfect… if we had been able to take the metro!
Final Thoughts
Paris is a destination that deserves a spot on every traveler’s list, and while navigating it with a wheelchair or kids requires some planning, the experience is well worth it. From its accessible landmarks to its family-friendly activities, Paris offers unforgettable memories for everyone.
If you have questions about exploring Paris with a wheelchair, feel free to reach out or drop a comment below. I’m always happy to share tips and advice!