It's been 30 years since I visited Europe, (4 months there as a starving student visitor), and I have forgotten more than I knew! For my upcoming trip, a major concern given my current condition is the availability of bathrooms in CDG and RER stations. I recently waited nearly 2 hrs at Pearson in Toronto in the immigration line and once one passes the portals to that line, there is no going back out to the facilities. I was a very desperate person. What are the rules at CDG about leaving lineups, etc. so I know what I'm getting into. Much appreciated.

In Terminal 1, there are ample opportunities between the time you get off the plane and in the baggage claim area. Someone else can fill you in on Terminal 2. Also, I've never spent very much time standing in line at CDG for passport control and "customs" (which has always consisted of simply walking at a reasonable pace and never stopping.)

But, as I'm sure you know, don't ever pass up a sign for a bathroom. Most people when they get off the plane rush like lemmings to the luggage. Take your time, look around and you will see the signs. You have time so go to the john on the way to customs and immigration. Then, when you are there, there are signs there also. No need to be uncomfortable. Have a great trip. CJ

>Most people when they get off the plane rush like lemmings to the luggage. Take your time, look around and you will see the signs. You have time so go to the john on the way to customs and immigration.<

Excellent advice. No sense getting to the luggage carousel 1/2 hr before your luggage.

Hi muskoka. With a name like that are you travelling from Canada? If you arrive at 2A on Air Canada, I'm pretty sure there are no washrooms until you have cleared the immigration kiosks.

After you have gone through immigration, there are washrooms in the area where you pick up your luggage. After you get your luggage, you walk out past customs into the main hall, where you will find even more washrooms.

As Flyboy says, passport control doesn't ususally take a long time at CDG. The longest I've waited was about 15 minutes and that was because two large aircraft arrived at the same time.

Anselm

As soon as you left the plane, you will walk a verrry long hall and there are bathrooms along that walk.
Our stop at Customs (last week) took perhaps 10 minutes at the most. There is a bathroom right where you stand waiting for your luggage.

I can't thank you all enough. The location of every restroom is indelibly printed on my brain since a stroke I suffered several years ago, and heading into another uncomfortable airport experience is not something I'm looking forward to. Yes, I am travelling from Toronto on Air France (whose airfares are outrageous - $1274. + taxes per person for steerage). Air Canada is not much better. But, it's our 25th anniversary, and we'll go!

In town, the major department stores, including Samaritaine and Galleries LaFayette, have rest rooms on their upper floors. You may need to inquire, about "les toilettes" or the "WC," since the signs are discreet. There are restrooms, as well, at the Gare de Lyon and the Concorde Metro stop. There also are occasional street restrooms that operate on coins, though they aren't always in working order. Also, one can always duck into a cafe, where there may or may not be a coin slot on the restroom door. The -- alas widespread - McDonald's hamburger outlets also have decently maintained rest rooms, and if you head toward them looking confident you probably will get away with it.

Finally someone asks a really good question! I'm right there with you. I'm planning a trip to India,and my biggest fear is the lack of bathrooms in stressful situations! Good luck,have a wonderful anniversary trip.

Well, it's certainly a relief to know that the many opportunities to embarrass myself will be greatly reduced owing to the kindness of your replies! Thank you, all. Massagediva: one of my friends is planning her 4th trip to India and I recall one of her comments about the availability of restrooms, particularly when driving from town to town either by bus or hired car: not much opportunity due to the number of people on the roads. You could get out, if desperate, but your every move will not be in the least private. I will ask her further for you with regard to the cities proper. And thank you for your good wishes.

well,that makes me feel sooooo much better!lol

Oh muskoka, every traveller when they arrive in a location that they have not been to before has the same worries as you do!

The first time we were in Milan "nature called". We were in a very small beautiful leather shop, after having a double expressi a bit earlier. All of a sudden -- yikes, I had no idea where to go! I asked the young lady clerk (who turned out to be the daughter of the owner of the shop).

I will never forget her. She took me by the hand, took me through a door, up some stairs and into their residential apartment. She opened the door to their bathroom (where there was a washing maching running) and closed the door with a smile.

When I came out of the bathroom there I was in their private living room all by myself. Can you imagine? I left the apartment, closing the exterior behind me and went downstairs to the shop. When I tried to thank her she brushed it off as it was "nothing". Well believe me it was something I will never forget.

My late DH always joked that to use a public restroom in a cafe first you had to order something, then you could use the restroom, but because you had ordered something, usually something to drink midmorning, midafternoon etc., well the whole cycle started all over again! The travellers nightmare, so to speak.

Have a wonderful trip. Best wishes to you.

Dave_in_Paris: I used to rely on McDo in Paris, until my last trip there. All I can say is that the McDo washroom near Les Halles was the most disgusting toilet I have ever seen. I still shudder to think about it.

Massagediva (and anyone else travelling where western-style toilets are in limited supply): Consider the advantages of skirts over trousers/shorts. A ready-made modesty screen if you're in the great outdoors, much easier to balance (without clothes around your ankles), and - ahem - easier to keep one's clothes out of the way.

By the way, I meant skirts instead of trousers. Not skirts worn over trousers.

Kate_W,
Funny you should bring that up. A friend of mine always has a sweatshirt or overshirt with her on hikes or out in the woods. When nature calls, she ties the shirt around her waist, faces and holds on to a tree and the shirt hanging from her waist hides her bare tush with the trousers are down.

I thought that was such a great trick!

I too am concerned about bathrooms as I've gotten in a terrible habit of stopping at EVERY one I see. I remember in Paris using the bathrooms at the Louvre every time I was in the neighborhood. I also used their coat check a couple of times when I was out for the day and realized I didn't need my raincoat (that was in March). Somehow I must have accessed that part of the Louvre free and without any lines - but I don't have a clear memory of it. I think I'll be able to find bathrooms in Paris for upcoming trip - but I am concerned about Rome.

Don't be at all concerned about Rome.You can go in any Bar/caffe and use their toiletta.I think they appreciate it if you buy something,but it's not necessary.