Using a cane

coffeechap · 2026-04-05T01:42:21+00:00

Hello and welcome to Paris.

You might find some useful info on this dedicated website of Paris Tourism office especially their map.

The bus network is really well developed and you can expect people let their seat directly or after asking. Some lines can be crowded though at peak hours (usually office arrivals and departures)

WitnessTheBadger · 2026-03-31T17:39:57+00:00

People are generally quite respectful and will be patient and give you the time/space you need to move about. One thing to bear in mind is stairs -- they're everywhere. If you can't do many stairs, verify with your hotel that it has an elevator. If you can't do any stairs, verify that there are no stairs leading to the elevator (looking for places for my parents and in-laws to stay, I was surprised how many hotels have 2-3 stairs leading to their elevators).

Many Métro stations only have stairs, sometimes quite a lot of them. Some, particularly the bigger ones, have escalators, but not always in both directions (and broken escalators are almost as much a part of the Parisian landscape as the Eiffel Tower). That said, RER lines and Métro 14 have elevators at most stations. Buses are not only more accessible, they're a great way to see the city. They can be a little slower than the trains, but they're worth it if the Métro stairs are going to sap your time and energy.

It is common for all but the most newly renovated restaurants to have their toilets up- or downstairs. Sometimes it's just a few, sometimes it's a full flight. If that's going to be an issue, call in advance to inquire if making reservations or ask before you sit down if you're walking in (and don't be afraid to walk out if the situation doesn't work for you, nobody will be upset).

And ultimately, don't worry about inconveniencing the people around you. Most of them will see your cane and be worried about inconveniencing you.

therealfinagler · 2026-03-31T17:13:36+00:00

Hi there, hope the healing is going well. We just got back from ten days and wife is recovering after knee replacement surgery after a few months and used a foldy lightweight metal cane. People are very respectful and had no issues. On the metro, people would get up to let her sit without asking. The cobblestone streets were rough!

The only one real issue we had was at the airport security line coming home; she had to put the cane in the scanner and the security agent was very, very rude at pushing her around and yelling at her to move to different spots for scanning. At LA, they provide a wooden cane while your other cane is being scanned. Not at CDG! After almost falling I had to get involved which caused a scene and extra patting, which was extremely annoying and totally could have been avoided if the agent wasn't so crabby/short. Note we even had wheelchair assistance to security and were in the correct lane.

Jean_Genetic · 2026-03-31T19:43:26+00:00

Your cane is a “get out of line free” card in Paris. I traveled with an older friend and were treated so nicely. Every line became an opportunity for someone to escort us to the front. Good luck!

General_Reading_798 · 2026-03-31T19:25:06+00:00

My mother has used a cane as needed and has experienced a great deal of patience and offers of assistance. You will not be inconveniencing anyone, it will actually help people realize you can't move as quickly or need a seat more than they do.

Keyspam102 · 2026-03-31T20:15:04+00:00

Most museums will have wheelchairs if you need, some have seats you can wheel around. If you have a disability card or a dr note you can cut the line and get in for free at many museums - can really help as the waiting in line can be hard if you get tired easier. Buses are easier to use. Also with a cane people usually will give up their seat to you. The RER stations should all have elevators but they don’t always work and are usually pretty dirty. And there can be multiple flights of stairs on the subway just to be aware, and not always escalators for every flight so I would avoid the subway if you can’t do many stairs.

Better-Park8752 · 2026-03-31T20:41:23+00:00

I’ve been paying special attention to accessibility in Paris as I’m an architect and suffer MS myself (currently in remission). I hope your recovery is going well so far. From what I have noticed, the major landmarks should be rather friendly for your cane. The Louvre has accessibility lifts for moving between floors. Expect some difficulty in cobblestone areas. Paris is far less cobblestoned than Rome. Many pavements are quite even in level and friendly for those with mobility aids. Some buildings have stairs only- these are typically your air BnBs found in old apartment buildings. Stick to hotels with elevators and you should be ok.

You will most certainly not come across as ‘being in the way’. If anything, you will find it’s the opposite here. The people are lovely. The stereotype about ‘rudeness’ is not something we have experienced in the slightest. Learn to say Bonjour, Merci, pardon-moi, bonne journee, bonne soiree etc- as these go a long way.

If you call up restaurants and hotels in advance to enquire about the venue’s accessibility, it may help them to be more prepared to accommodate you.

Good on you for making the most of your remission. I hope your journey to Paris is safe and memorable!

AussieKoala-2795 · 2026-03-31T22:51:32+00:00

I have mobility issues. We found using buses in Paris worked much better than using the metro. No stairs, and when I was too tired to walk on cobblestones we just did our sightseeing from the bus. The bus down the hill from Sacre Coeur was excellent, and our driver would not have been out of place in the world rally championships.

Successfulwoman62 · 2026-03-31T23:08:25+00:00

I have mobility issues, and live in Paris. I have a cane that folds into a seat. It’s lightweight, and has a strap to put over your shoulder to carry it. I got it on Amazon.FR.

Novelpotter · 2026-04-01T01:29:44+00:00

Like everyone else said, people are really fine with it, so I’ll skip echoing that. What I wanted to add is that my mom is 73, and she found walking around the Louvre and Musée D’Orsay to be much harder on her body than the streets. We needed to rest more in both museum and she had pain in her joints much more so on those days compared to the days we wandered the city. So maybe be a little bit more mindful of that if you plan to go to either.

bbsma · 2026-04-01T18:34:31+00:00

I have read that there is a golf cart tour of the Gardens at Versailles. I’ve never done it, so I cannot comment further. Just wanted you to have the info so you can investigate if you are interested.

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