are escalators or elevators at RER or Metro stations ? no one talks about them.My wife has trouble with stairs. Thanks, joe

Most don't Joe. Some of the larger RER stations might, but several are old stations don't have escalators. Might look into buses as a viable option if cabs are too pricey.

thanks

I haven't ever seen an elevator (but I haven't looked), but know some RER stations have escalators, but when they do, they don't have them everywhere, so you still might have to use stairs somewhere in them, I think. Maybe not always, like at Denfert Rochereau, but I think anyone with problems with stairs should probably avoid them to be on the safe side, as you never know where you might have to transfer to and if that station would have one. I think the only line that is fully accessible is the new RER line E, but that isn't going to help a lot as you can't just stay on that line. I agree with looking for buses, or cabs if you aren't going too far and at night.

The St. Michel metro stop has an elevator. I believe the Cite stop also has an elevator. The problem is that they are sometimes out of service and there's no warning until you get there. The Madeleine stop, which was recently renovated, has escalators (and reliable ones). Some other stops with escalators include Mabillon, Michel Ange-Auteuil, and Ecole Militaire, but only on certain exits. Avoid the Opera and Charles de Gaulle (Etoile) stops--long walks and numerous stairs are almost unavoidable.<BR>Take the bus. On my last trip to Paris, (at the end of June) I decided to skip the metro when possible and use the bus system (or walk). I enjoyed taking the buses--it was nice to travel above ground for a change. But the buses will be slower, especially around rush hour, so build extra time into your schedule.<BR>BTilke (Brussels)

Is there a map that shows the stations which have lifts or escalators? I'm pretty sure Ecole Militaire has an up escalator to exit, but I'm not sure there's one when entering.

Most stations do not have elevators or escalators. And, if you're connecting to another line, you're in for a lot of steps...and I do mean a lot!

Very. very few...and where they have them, there are usually steps also anyway. Try to take buses; that would be your best bet. For more Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]

Hi Joe: We just went through the same problem--our daughter had suffered a track injury this spring and Metro staircases became our touring obstacle. BTilke made the best point--even if the stations have escalators, they often aren't operational.<BR><BR>Buses are certainly a good option--they take the standard Metro tickets, too--and of course, there are always taxis. If you aren't ordering one from your hotel, you need to go to a taxi stand to get one (although we have committed the sin of hailing one in the street...successfully!), so make sure you buy a map that has those little "T"s on it for taxi stands. <BR><BR>One other problem is that many of the sites have steps (our youngest child refers to the ever-present spiral staircases as "the French National Stairs"). I'm wondering if there isn't some sort of handicap-access guide to Paris that would scout these things out for you. If I have time today, I'll see if I can find something.

There was a lady who recently took her handicapped brother to the LeMans 24 hour race and visited Paris. I'll top her trip report for you as it might have some information to interest you. <BR><BR>I found the thread by typing "lemans" in the text search field. The thread is entitled, "Traveling in Paris With a Wheelchair A Planning Guide and Trip Notes"<BR>

The new Line 14 has elevators in every station. We have had good luck with this line as we frequently have a baby stroller. You might want to plan as much as your travel along this line and go for buses the rest of the way. Good luck.

I wish to thank everyone for all of the great info.This really helps.Thanks again, Joe