Paris accessibility is improving but still challenging compared to London. Here's what actually works from someone navigating it daily between arrondissements.

Métro reality: Only Line 14 from Châtelet to Bibliothèque and some Line 1 stations fully accessible. RER A and B have elevators at major stops like Châtelet-Les Halles but they break down frequently. Download Citymapper app — Shows accessible routes and real-time elevator status for République to Bastille.

Museums: Louvre, Orsay, and Pompidou fully accessible with ramps and elevators. Many smaller museums in Marais are not — Call ahead. Most have wheelchair loans at Rue de Rivoli entrance but book in advance.

Streets: Avoid cobblestone areas like Place des Vosges and Montmartre hills around Sacré-Cœur. The Marais has good flat streets on Rue de Rivoli and curb cuts. Champs-Élysées and Boulevard Saint-Germain excellent for wheelchair users.

Bathrooms: Department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette near Opéra have best accessible facilities. Many café bathrooms in Latin Quarter are basement-only which is useless.

Book restaurants ahead in République or Saint-Germain and specify accessibility needs. Most will accommodate but older bistros often have steps not obvious from photos.