France
- Tourist
Information - Disabled Travellers
France sincerely
welcome people who use wheelchairs, have other mobility restrictions,
are sight- or hearing-impaired, or otherwise need special assistance.
The French Ministry of Tourism is aware of the needs of disabled
people when travelling, and a new logo depicting four types of disability
has been designed: physical (impaired mobility), mental disability,
partial sight or blindness and hearing difficulty and deafness.
These symbols are displayed in airports as well as other public
places and guide books and indicate meeting points where help is
available. Moreover, a big effort has been made in public places
to provide access ramps, handicapped accessible restrooms, reserved
parking spaces, and specially-equipped telephone booths.
Special services
and facilities are available for travelers who require them, i.e.
registered blind people can sometimes take a companion with them
free of charge. Check with the transport companies to have more
information.
In France all
airports are able to accommodate passengers with special physical
needs, and at Paris airports you can ask for the AéroGuide
for disabled travellers, which contains information about airport
accessibility, recommended itineraries, time requirements, distances,
possible obstacles, and a listing of special services.
Several transport
companies offer discounts and benefits. For example Eurostar, TGV
and Corail trains provide wheelchair positions in first class compartments
for second class fares. Other concessions vary from company to company,
i.e. Eurostar and Thalys trains offer discounts for adult escorts,
and should be checked when booking.
Railway stations
have specially reserved parking places to facilitate access, and
on selected platforms there are call boxes that can be used to request
assistance. Most station have wheelchairs at reception areas, and
will provide boarding assistance on request. Larger stations have
electric carts and special ticket offices for people needing assistance,
including, for example, the hearing-impaired.
Wheelchair
rentals in Paris
CRF: +33 (0)1
43.73.98.98
Integral: +33
(0)1 45.88.33.00
Material Para
Medical: +33 (0)1 43.26.75.00
Useful
Links
Travel
and tourist guide for the disabled
The
French paralysis association
Blind
and visual handicapped French federation
Handicap
Evasion association
French
disabled sports federation
