Impaired mobility - fourteenth trip to Paris
Apr 22nd, 2022 | 08:13 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
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Impaired mobility - fourteenth trip to Paris
In the unlikely event there are old friends who recognize my name, hi there... all you "old Fodorites". But of course, new friends are very important in all travel advice. All travel info is inherently VERY "perishable" - - and the more recent your travels to Paris will usually outweigh how much of a "veteran" traveler you might be.
My first trip to Paris was in 1969 (age 15) and my most recent trip to Paris was in 2009. My wife has been on eight of those trips with me. This will be our first three-generation trip, with our oldest daughter (age 41), son-in-law and two granddaughters, 11 and 9 years old. Our daughter has been there twice; her husband (and their kids) never before.
As the subject line to this posting indicates, a substantial new feature of this trip is that I now have a chronic muscle disease that limits my mobility. With the aid of a rollator, I was comfortable with 5000 steps / day (three consecutive days, last month at the Kennedy Space center in Florida).
I can also walk - - with or without a cane - - but my daily tolerance would be half that (or less).
I have only started looking into details (for eight days in mid-August).
Just as an example, the Eiffel Tower web site mentions prices for << << handicaps >> with the presentation of << un justicatif >>. Even though I feel like I have found a FEW (somewhat useful) sources, it is still rather unclear how I would obtain such a << justicatif >>. Most likely, what I sould prepare myself with is... some easy-to-understand (wallet-sized card? with my proof of disability and appropriate ID (passport, for example). I will probably go for an "Access Pass" issued by the National Parks Service (and other similar sister agencies). Anyone here have any experience with any such documentation?
I suspect that I will not find it worth the trouble to (rent locally or) travel with a rollator. I think that my cane is much more practical and simply set realistic expectations and limitations.
The one other question that comes readily to mind would be recommendation on rental of an apartment (must have elevator; preferably 3 full bedrooms and 2 or 3 bathrooms). Not terribly budget-constrained.
All further thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
My first trip to Paris was in 1969 (age 15) and my most recent trip to Paris was in 2009. My wife has been on eight of those trips with me. This will be our first three-generation trip, with our oldest daughter (age 41), son-in-law and two granddaughters, 11 and 9 years old. Our daughter has been there twice; her husband (and their kids) never before.
As the subject line to this posting indicates, a substantial new feature of this trip is that I now have a chronic muscle disease that limits my mobility. With the aid of a rollator, I was comfortable with 5000 steps / day (three consecutive days, last month at the Kennedy Space center in Florida).
I can also walk - - with or without a cane - - but my daily tolerance would be half that (or less).
I have only started looking into details (for eight days in mid-August).
Just as an example, the Eiffel Tower web site mentions prices for << << handicaps >> with the presentation of << un justicatif >>. Even though I feel like I have found a FEW (somewhat useful) sources, it is still rather unclear how I would obtain such a << justicatif >>. Most likely, what I sould prepare myself with is... some easy-to-understand (wallet-sized card? with my proof of disability and appropriate ID (passport, for example). I will probably go for an "Access Pass" issued by the National Parks Service (and other similar sister agencies). Anyone here have any experience with any such documentation?
I suspect that I will not find it worth the trouble to (rent locally or) travel with a rollator. I think that my cane is much more practical and simply set realistic expectations and limitations.
The one other question that comes readily to mind would be recommendation on rental of an apartment (must have elevator; preferably 3 full bedrooms and 2 or 3 bathrooms). Not terribly budget-constrained.
All further thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Apr 22nd, 2022 | 06:39 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,821
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Rex - so good to "see" you back in Fodorville!
It would likely not hurt to have some sort of "official" card relating to impaired mobility, though when I have visited Paris with mobility impaired companions none was ever demanded when we requested assistance/accommodation such as using the elevator at l'Arc de Triomphe. Companions did not have visible disabaility.
Agree traveling with a full size rollator may be a nuisance, but we found which is lightweight and easily collapses like an umbrella and fits in overhead bins on planes. It does not have a seat but provides more support than a cane. Have used it on a couple trips and it was great. In restaurants or other seated venues it is easy to collapse and just tuck at your side. I believe they have a model that comes with an attached pouch.
It would likely not hurt to have some sort of "official" card relating to impaired mobility, though when I have visited Paris with mobility impaired companions none was ever demanded when we requested assistance/accommodation such as using the elevator at l'Arc de Triomphe. Companions did not have visible disabaility.
Agree traveling with a full size rollator may be a nuisance, but we found which is lightweight and easily collapses like an umbrella and fits in overhead bins on planes. It does not have a seat but provides more support than a cane. Have used it on a couple trips and it was great. In restaurants or other seated venues it is easy to collapse and just tuck at your side. I believe they have a model that comes with an attached pouch.
Apr 22nd, 2022 | 07:05 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,582
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Are you Dr. Rex? If so... have missed your posts.... lo these many years. I recall benefitting from your advice in Italy.
On my last visit to Paris my husband had some mobility issues. As Seamus posted above assistance was always available. At
Sainte-Chappelle we were allowed to take the elevator and enter thru the "King's Door"..
Would it be possible to purchase a Rollator in Paris.. and then donate it when you leave? In any event... I hope you have a wonderful trip.
On my last visit to Paris my husband had some mobility issues. As Seamus posted above assistance was always available. At
Sainte-Chappelle we were allowed to take the elevator and enter thru the "King's Door"..
Would it be possible to purchase a Rollator in Paris.. and then donate it when you leave? In any event... I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Apr 23rd, 2022 | 04:49 AM
#6
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,420
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Great to see you back!
This may be marginally helpful, but in Italy my friend had a cane and was immediately let in (free) to UNESCO sites, museums, and I also as her companion. So some helpful device that signals mobility issues might be enough in some circumstances. The folding walker above looks good. Have a great trip.
This may be marginally helpful, but in Italy my friend had a cane and was immediately let in (free) to UNESCO sites, museums, and I also as her companion. So some helpful device that signals mobility issues might be enough in some circumstances. The folding walker above looks good. Have a great trip.
Apr 23rd, 2022 | 06:32 AM
#7
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 327
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I’ve made two trips to Paris as a mobility impaired person who uses a lightweight folding motorized scooter. Both of the trips were easier than I had anticipated.
I second the suggestion of a lightweight folding walker. This one has a seat and locking brakes:
https://smile.amazon.com/Able-Life-R.../dp/B085LV9GSH
I traveled with a walker for a couple of years before I got my scooter, and the pain of hauling the walker around was more than compensated for by the stability it gave me and the ability to sit down when I wanted to. I also traveled once with a folding seat cane like this one:
https://smile.amazon.com/Drive-Medic.../dp/B005JIMORU
It was not a particularly useful cane, and it was difficult to sit on. I abandoned it after only a couple of days.
I travel with my blue handicap parking sticker and a copy of the registration form that accompanies it. I have contemplated designing my own official-looking “Certificate of Disability”, but so far the parking tag has sufficed. I was asked to show it at Sainte-Chapelle even though I was on my scooter. Almost every place I went waved me to the front of the line and charged me the full (senior) admission price but admitted my companion/carer free.
As you say, all travel information is perishable, but Sage Travel used to have a lot of pretty good info on accessible travel in Paris:
https://www.sagetraveling.com/Paris-Disabled-Access
https://www.sagetraveling.com/Paris-...le-Travel-Tips
https://www.sagetraveling.com/Paris-...eys-to-Success
I second the suggestion of a lightweight folding walker. This one has a seat and locking brakes:
https://smile.amazon.com/Able-Life-R.../dp/B085LV9GSH
I traveled with a walker for a couple of years before I got my scooter, and the pain of hauling the walker around was more than compensated for by the stability it gave me and the ability to sit down when I wanted to. I also traveled once with a folding seat cane like this one:
https://smile.amazon.com/Drive-Medic.../dp/B005JIMORU
It was not a particularly useful cane, and it was difficult to sit on. I abandoned it after only a couple of days.
I travel with my blue handicap parking sticker and a copy of the registration form that accompanies it. I have contemplated designing my own official-looking “Certificate of Disability”, but so far the parking tag has sufficed. I was asked to show it at Sainte-Chapelle even though I was on my scooter. Almost every place I went waved me to the front of the line and charged me the full (senior) admission price but admitted my companion/carer free.
As you say, all travel information is perishable, but Sage Travel used to have a lot of pretty good info on accessible travel in Paris:
https://www.sagetraveling.com/Paris-Disabled-Access
https://www.sagetraveling.com/Paris-...le-Travel-Tips
https://www.sagetraveling.com/Paris-...eys-to-Success
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Apr 23rd, 2022 | 08:04 AM
#8
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 35,159
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I suspect not many people on here would have experience with exactly what the staff at the Eiffel Tower may do, but in France, this isn't a trivial thing for people who just can't walk for a long time, etc. If you were French and officially handicapped, you would have a carte you get from your local MDPH (Maison Dpartementale des Personnes Handicapes) and you have to have medical documents from a doctor dated within 3 months testifying more than you just have poor stamina, etc. There is also a card for allowing handicapped parking, such as in the US, which is different, but you also get that from them I think.
Generally, France should accept those, of course, but for non-French, they would accept a European handicapped parking card or an official national card saying you were handicapped. I don't know if a park pass would be allowed, we are just guessing, as they would have no idea what that means or what the requirements are to to get it. An official signed medical document from a doctor like you have to submit in France might work but I think their requirements are 80 pct impaired or something. Not sure.
This sounds like just a matter of wanting to save 10 euro or so on your ticket rather than the assistance issue? If you got that park pass I think you had to be certified as permanently disabled so it sounds like something you could try. If you have a document from a Federal agency (not just the park service) saying you are permanently disabled, like the VA or Social Security, that would be more official. I thought you had to have that to get that park Access pass, but maybe there are other ways. If I really cared about that discount a lot, I'd probably bring a printout of the language on the NPS website claiming you have to be permanently disabled to get one, even if it would be in English.
Generally, France should accept those, of course, but for non-French, they would accept a European handicapped parking card or an official national card saying you were handicapped. I don't know if a park pass would be allowed, we are just guessing, as they would have no idea what that means or what the requirements are to to get it. An official signed medical document from a doctor like you have to submit in France might work but I think their requirements are 80 pct impaired or something. Not sure.
This sounds like just a matter of wanting to save 10 euro or so on your ticket rather than the assistance issue? If you got that park pass I think you had to be certified as permanently disabled so it sounds like something you could try. If you have a document from a Federal agency (not just the park service) saying you are permanently disabled, like the VA or Social Security, that would be more official. I thought you had to have that to get that park Access pass, but maybe there are other ways. If I really cared about that discount a lot, I'd probably bring a printout of the language on the NPS website claiming you have to be permanently disabled to get one, even if it would be in English.
Apr 23rd, 2022 | 09:46 PM
#12
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,910
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Good to see you here again, Rex! It's been ages since we've seen you post. I thought of you recently as I was looking at the Fodor's pin that I STILL HAVE.
Last edited by Holly_uncasdewar; Apr 23rd, 2022 at 09:51 PM. Reason: (Update)
Apr 24th, 2022 | 04:07 AM
#13
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,585
Likes: 0
My husband has some mobility issues as well. We always rent from Paris Vacation Apartments as they have several 3 bedrooms, all with elevator. The exceptions are 2 in their Palais Royal building on the top floor as the elevator only goes to the floor below. You don't say when your trip is and this agency frequently books up far in advance.
We occasionally plan walking to a site and my husband will Uber and meet us there.
We occasionally plan walking to a site and my husband will Uber and meet us there.
May 2nd, 2022 | 06:18 AM
#18
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,525
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I would second the Paris Vacation Apartments suggestion. We stayed at a ground floor three bedroom in summer of 2019 and it was seamless. https://www.parisvacationapartments....three-bedroom/
Jul 15th, 2022 | 08:01 AM
#19
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14
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Checking back in on this thread - - for updates (both sharing... and looking for anything added).
This trip has taken its twists and turns. We never could agree on dates, based on out schedule and the needs of our daughter (with husband plus 11 yr old and 9 yr old granddaughters).
And with little ado, we decided that it was not a deal breaker at all. We settled on four nights of overlap - - we get there before them... and they will stay beyond our departure. I actually think that it is a win-win. Four nights under the same roof will be BETTER than eight, I am pretty sure. Happy with our choice of a 3 BR apartment with lift and air conditioning. Right at Sebastopol metro stop on rue Reaumur.
We also gave a major thumbs up to their decision to leave Paris when we do, and train to Brussels (overnight stay? not sure they have decided on that - - and then on to Amsterdam. I think it's a great idea and will be good for their girls, above and beyond staying in Paris for four more days
Highlights.... and tidbits... we are very close to set on "Nocturne du Feu" at Versailles from 8 pm to 11 pm. It only occurs once all summer long - - and it happens to fall on their arrival day. There is the risk of their collapsing from fatigue, but we are glad that they stumbled upon it and feel like it's worth giving it a try.
As for my mobility, I am comfortable with our plan to take my rollator and I have my fingers crossed that our plan - - to have Delta get it on the flight with us will succeed. I will report back - - but for those want to know about it before we travel.. it goes like this.
I purchased a nylon (rip-resistant, we hope?) "case" in which my rollator will fit (with the removable handles pulled out of their slots. It weighs nothing - - and other than providing a strap by which it can be lifted - - it provides NO protection from rough handling. It is more or less a giant pillowcase with a zipper that goes from east to north to west (that is, it opens out flat - - almost the size of a queen bed when fully opened.
Seeing how the rollator fits in this case, I immediately decided... buy a second one, wrap a fluffy king size mattress pad around the "inner case" and then envelope the entire padded package into the "outer case". It ends up "snuggish". It would not withstand a truck driving over it, but it believe that it would survive anything that might to rip it in a serious way.
Where will it help me? Not sure. the Arc de Triomphe now does have a lift all the way to the top. i have verified this by seeing it used on a YouTube video. I would not attempt ANY kind of visit to Versailles without it. For a visit to Musee d'Orsay (I think we will not try the Louvre), the wheelchairs made available by the Musee itself will likely be a better match for my needs, but I will have the option (perhaps - - these tghgins are always first come, first serve). Beyond these items we have learned, much will be decided on the fly.
On a separate posting, i will be asking two questions - - Eiffel Tower / Madame Brasserie / Breakfast?
... and... I am very excited that we just managed to change our f(excellent nonstop) flights (from Cincinnati) - - to two days earlier (now arriving FIVE nights before they get there). I always envisioned that the "head start" would work to our advantage. I think that getting older goes along with this; there is a benefit that comes from taking your time to ease into the time zone adjustment.
As always... Fodor on... all you old friends and new ones not yet made!
R
This trip has taken its twists and turns. We never could agree on dates, based on out schedule and the needs of our daughter (with husband plus 11 yr old and 9 yr old granddaughters).
And with little ado, we decided that it was not a deal breaker at all. We settled on four nights of overlap - - we get there before them... and they will stay beyond our departure. I actually think that it is a win-win. Four nights under the same roof will be BETTER than eight, I am pretty sure. Happy with our choice of a 3 BR apartment with lift and air conditioning. Right at Sebastopol metro stop on rue Reaumur.
We also gave a major thumbs up to their decision to leave Paris when we do, and train to Brussels (overnight stay? not sure they have decided on that - - and then on to Amsterdam. I think it's a great idea and will be good for their girls, above and beyond staying in Paris for four more days
Highlights.... and tidbits... we are very close to set on "Nocturne du Feu" at Versailles from 8 pm to 11 pm. It only occurs once all summer long - - and it happens to fall on their arrival day. There is the risk of their collapsing from fatigue, but we are glad that they stumbled upon it and feel like it's worth giving it a try.
As for my mobility, I am comfortable with our plan to take my rollator and I have my fingers crossed that our plan - - to have Delta get it on the flight with us will succeed. I will report back - - but for those want to know about it before we travel.. it goes like this.
I purchased a nylon (rip-resistant, we hope?) "case" in which my rollator will fit (with the removable handles pulled out of their slots. It weighs nothing - - and other than providing a strap by which it can be lifted - - it provides NO protection from rough handling. It is more or less a giant pillowcase with a zipper that goes from east to north to west (that is, it opens out flat - - almost the size of a queen bed when fully opened.
Seeing how the rollator fits in this case, I immediately decided... buy a second one, wrap a fluffy king size mattress pad around the "inner case" and then envelope the entire padded package into the "outer case". It ends up "snuggish". It would not withstand a truck driving over it, but it believe that it would survive anything that might to rip it in a serious way.
Where will it help me? Not sure. the Arc de Triomphe now does have a lift all the way to the top. i have verified this by seeing it used on a YouTube video. I would not attempt ANY kind of visit to Versailles without it. For a visit to Musee d'Orsay (I think we will not try the Louvre), the wheelchairs made available by the Musee itself will likely be a better match for my needs, but I will have the option (perhaps - - these tghgins are always first come, first serve). Beyond these items we have learned, much will be decided on the fly.
On a separate posting, i will be asking two questions - - Eiffel Tower / Madame Brasserie / Breakfast?
... and... I am very excited that we just managed to change our f(excellent nonstop) flights (from Cincinnati) - - to two days earlier (now arriving FIVE nights before they get there). I always envisioned that the "head start" would work to our advantage. I think that getting older goes along with this; there is a benefit that comes from taking your time to ease into the time zone adjustment.
As always... Fodor on... all you old friends and new ones not yet made!
R
