The most accessible attractions in Paris

When it comes to Europe’s most enticing cities, Paris can’t be denied, offering some of the world’s most iconic attractions. If you want to visit Paris and experience its most famous sights, you might wonder how accessible they are for people with limited mobility. We have analysed and ranked 10 of the most popular attractions in Paris to determine which locations are the most suitable. Read on to discover the results and learn about these must-visit Paris attractions.

Key findings

• Musée d'Orsay is the most accessible major attraction in Paris, achieving a near-perfect accessibility score of 9.8/10.
• Musée de l'Orangerie and Palace of Versailles came in joint second, with the Centre Pompidou rounding out the top three.
• Only half of the 10 top attractions in Paris offer on-site accessible parking.
• All 10 attractions in Paris that the study looked at are free to enter or offer free/discounted tickets to carers.

What are the most accessible attractions in Paris?

*The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral was not included as it is currently under reconstruction and is due to re-open in December 2024.

Paris’ top attractions by accessibility

Musée d'Orsay

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Full Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available: Yes
• On-site Accessible Parking: Yes
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.8/5
• Accessibility Score: 9.8/10

The Musée d'Orsay may not be as famous as the Louvre, but it is regarded as a must-visit attraction for anyone heading to Paris. The museum holds the world’s largest collection of impressionist and postimpressionist art. You can wander around and enjoy France’s treasured national collection of masterpieces from 1848 to 1914. It is recommended that you allow extra time to enjoy the masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Pissarro and Van Gogh.

The Musée d'Orsay is the most accessible attraction in Paris as it offers all the accessible facilities the study looked at and scored 4.8 out of 5 on Google Reviews. The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users; there are accessible toilets, wheelchairs can be hired, accessible onsite parking is available, and free/discounted tickets are available.

Learn more about Musée d'Orsay’s accessibility.

READ ALSO: REVEALED: Which continent has the most accessible iconic attractions?

Musée de l'Orangerie

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Full Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available: Yes
• On-site Accessible Parking: Yes
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.6/5
• Accessibility Score: 9.6/10

The Musée de l'Orangerie, in the Tuileries Garden in Paris, is renowned for its stunning display of Claude Monet's Water Lilies. These monumental paintings, showcased in two oval rooms, create an immersive experience not to be missed. The museum also houses an impressive collection of modern art, featuring works by artists like Renoir, Cézanne, and Picasso. Its intimate setting and focus on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces make it a must-visit for art lovers in one of Paris's greatest cultural venues.

Lynne, from the travel blog Wander Your Way, cannot speak highly enough of seeing Monet’s Water Lilies at the Musée de l'Orangerie: “This is THE reason we go to the Musée de l’Orangerie — to see these huge panels of artistic genius. Located in 2 separate oval rooms (that together make the infinity symbol, which I did not know until just now), these works of art are awing, amazing, and so very beautiful. I highly recommend taking your time in each room.”

The Musée de l'Orangerie is the second most accessible popular attraction in Paris. The museum offers all the facilities and features that the study looked at and also receives excellent reviews. Wheelchair visitors can access all parts of the museum; there are accessible toilets, wheelchairs available to hire, and on-site accessible parking. The Musée de l'Orangerie also offers ramps, lifts, automatic doors, and canes that are free of charge.

Learn more about Musée de l'Orangerie’s accessibility.

Palace of Versailles

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Full Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available: Yes
• On-site Accessible Parking: Yes
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.6/5
• Accessibility Score: 9.6/10

The Palace of Versailles is one of the world’s most majestic royal palaces. The Place of Versailles is the former home of France’s monarchy and was commissioned by the Sun King himself, Louis XIV, in the 17^th century. The envy of the world’s royalty, Versailles is a true icon and is today a scene of splendour for the millions of visitors who flock to explore the palace, park, and gardens every year. For its history, serenity, and artistic splendour, Versailles is a must-visit in Paris.

John, from the accessibility travel blog Wheelchair Travel, loved exploring Versailles: “I was especially pleased that the property was so wheelchair accessible. Elevators allowed me to access the different levels, and the only obstacle was the crowds. A visit to this historic chateau is definitely worth your time – regardless of your level of physical ability. I had a wonderful time, was able to ‘nerd out’ a bit, and will be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious palace tour anywhere in the world.”

One of the most wheelchair-accessible attractions in Paris is The Palace of Versailles, which was tied for second place in the study. Not only are all parts of the palace accessible to wheelchair users, but there is also on-site accessible parking, accessible toilets, and wheelchairs available to hire, and entrance is free for disabled visitors and their carers upon presentation of a permit, such as a mobility card.

Learn more about the Palace of Versailles’ accessibility.

The Centre Pompidou

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Full Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available: Yes
• On-site Accessible Parking: Yes
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.4/5
• Accessibility Score: 9.4/10

The Centre Pompidou in Paris is known for its inside-out architecture and vast modern and contemporary art collection. Home to the Musée National d'Art Moderne, it features works by masters like Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp, alongside modern temporary exhibitions. The building itself, with its exposed pipes and escalators, is a landmark of high-tech architecture. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Paris from the top floors, a restaurant, shops, and more, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Leni, from the travel blog Leni on the Road, has visited the Centre Pompidou and speaks very highly of her experience: “The visit to Centre Pompidou was an enriching and sometimes overwhelming experience. It opened my eyes to the vast and diverse world of contemporary art while allowing me to appreciate the beauty of both the iconic architecture and the artworks within.”

The Centre Pompidou is very accessible for people with limited mobility, offering all the facilities one would expect, including full wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and on-site accessible parking. The Centre Pompidou also offers guided tours for those with disabilities, allowing visitors to experience the greatest treasures of the museum with talks by a specialised lecturer.

Learn more about the Centre Pompidou’s accessibility.

READ ALSO: Grandparents' guide to the Tate Modern

Louvre Museum

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Full Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available: Yes
• On-site Accessible Parking: No
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.7/5
• Accessibility Score: 8.7/10

The Louvre Museum is one of the world’s most visited museums. It holds tens of thousands of works of art–from Mesopotamian, Egyptian and Greek antiquities to masterpieces by artists such as da Vinci (including his incomparable Mona Lisa), Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

The works of art that are housed in the Louvre come from all over Europe, and the museum is on the bucket list for many people visiting the French capital. Meredith Chadwick, the author behind the travel blog Away With Meredith, says there is so much on display that it is impossible to see everything in the Louvre:

“There's no way to see everything in one day, and odds are you wouldn't have much fun if you tried. Its breathtaking collection shows off some 38,000 pieces at any given moment, from prehistoric times up to the 21st century. In addition, it's the world's most visited art museum, raking in over nine million visitors in 2019!

“The Mona Lisa is a Louvre must-see. Created by the multi-talented Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci during the height of the Italian Renaissance, it's likely the most famous painting there is. The painting's fame is in part from when her image was printed in newspapers across the world when the painting was stolen in 1911 by the Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia.”

The Louvre Museum is a very accessible attraction as it has accessible toilets, is fully wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs can be hired, and there are free tickets for visitors with limited mobility and carers. The museum also offers recommended trails for wheelchair users, and specialist guided tours are available.

The Louvre does not offer onsite accessible parking, but there is a drop-off point for visitors.

Learn more about the Louvre Museum’s accessibility.

READ ALSO: What is the best country to live in for older people?

Luxembourg Gardens

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Full Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available: No
• On-site Accessible Parking: Yes
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.7/5
• Accessibility Score: 8.7/10

Luxembourg Gardens, also known as Jardin du Luxembourg, is arguably the most historic park in Paris. It was originally built in the 17th century as a garden for the Luxembourg Palace, which now houses the French Senate.

Inside the gardens, visitors can see numerous statues and fountains, a large central pond, and a huge variety of trees and plant species. The Palais du Luxembourg is the jewel in the garden's crown, but the museum and the Medici Fountain are also must-visit attractions.

In terms of accessibility, there are accessible toilets available inside the grounds of the garden, on-site accessible parking is available, and the gardens are free to enter for all members of the public. The only criterion that the Luxembourg Gardens do not offer is a service for visitors to hire a wheelchair.

Learn more about Luxembourg Gardens accessibility.

Palais Garnier

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Full Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available: Yes
• On-site Accessible Parking: No
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.7/5
• Accessibility Score: 8.7/10

The Palais Garnier, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture in Paris, is one of the world's most famous opera houses. Its opulent design, with a grand marble staircase, intricate frescoes, and a magnificent chandelier, is worth seeing alone. Beyond its architectural splendour, the Palais Garnier offers a rich cultural experience with opera and ballet performances. Visiting this historic venue is a must for those who appreciate music and architectural beauty.

In terms of accessibility, the Palais Garnier is very accommodating. The only area that the venue falls down is the lack of on-site accessible parking. However, the Palais Garnier offers dedicated areas to accommodate spectators according to their needs. Wheelchairs are also available to hire, and there is a 30% discount for disabled visitors and their carers.

Learn more about Palais Garnier’s accessibility.

READ ALSO: Opera house accessibility: Which opera houses are accessible in the UK?

Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Full Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available: No
• On-site Accessible Parking: No
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.7/5
• Accessibility Score: 7.7/10

Located in Paris on the hilltop of Montmartre, the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre is a unique place where people pray day and night and have done so for around 140 years. It is a historic landmark and welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world every year. An added bonus is that after exploring the basilica, visitors can wander around the charming, narrow streets of Montmartre.

The Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre is fully wheelchair accessible, accessible toilets are available to visitors, and admission is free to all. There is not any on-site accessible parking available, and wheelchairs cannot be hired at the attraction.

Learn more about Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre’s accessibility.

READ ALSO: Grandparents' guide to St Paul's Cathedral

Sainte-Chapelle

• Accessible Toilets: No
• Full Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Wheelchairs Available: Yes
• On-site Accessible Parking: No
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.6/5
• Accessibility Score: 7.5/10

Located within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle is a gothic-style royal chapel used by the former kings of France. Construction took place between 1238 and 1248; the result is a masterpiece renowned for its breathtaking stained-glass windows that depict over 1,000 biblical scenes. Visiting is an awe-inspiring experience, especially for those who can appreciate medieval art and architecture.

When it comes to accessibility at Sainte-Chapelle, the chapel itself is very accessible, despite being a medieval location and finishing towards the bottom of rankings. There is an access ramp on the ground floor of the monument, and access to the upper chapel is made possible via an elevator. However, there are no accessible toilets available and no on-site accessible parking.

Learn more about Saint-Chapelle’s accessibility.

Eiffel Tower

• Accessible Toilets: Yes
• Full Wheelchair Access: No
• Wheelchairs Available: No
• On-site Accessible Parking: No
• Carer Tickets or Free Entrance: Yes
• Google Review Score: 4.7/5
• Accessibility Score: 6.7/10

The Eiffel Tower gets over six million visitors every year, making it one of the most popular attractions in Paris. The Eiffel Tower, which was named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel, can be experienced in many different ways. Visitors can enjoy a daytime trip or an evening ascent amid twinkling lights, and on top of the spectacular views and stunning architecture that the tower boasts, there are some renowned restaurants that people can dine at.

The Eiffel Tower has implemented systems to welcome all visitors with accessibility needs, and there are accessible toilets available, and wheelchair users and visitors with accessibility needs can benefit from discounted tickets. Despite being accessible, visitors cannot hire wheelchairs, there is no accessible parking available on-site, and the top floor of the Eiffel Tower cannot be accessed by people with reduced mobility.

Rachy Lewis, who is a wheelchair user and travel writer, thought the Eiffel Tower was very accessible during her visit: “Whilst the top floor cannot be accessed by people with reduced mobility, the first and second are fully accessible. The staff explained to us this is a safety precaution designed to make emergency evacuations from the top floor simpler, faster, and less dangerous. There are 18 steps leading to the top of the Eiffel Tower, so there’s that to consider too…

“We actually visited the second floor first and enjoyed the stunning panoramic view from up high. It’s safe to say it was money well spent – I’m a sucker for a great view!”

Learn more about the Eiffel Tower’s accessibility.

Methodology

Looking at 10 of Paris’ most popular attractions as recommended by Google’s ‘things to do’ in Paris feature, we assigned a score out of 10 to each attraction based on how they performed against different accessibility criteria.

The criteria looked at were:

• Accessible Toilets
• Full Wheelchair Access
• Wheelchairs Available
• On-site Accessible Parking
• Discounted Carer Tickets or Free Entrance
• Google Review Score

You can see the full findings, scores, and resources used in this Google sheet.

READ ALSO: Accessible attractions you should visit this summer in the UK

This guide has looked at the most popular attractions in the French capital and uncovered the best Paris attractions for disabled visitors, revealing facilities available to those with mobility requirements.

This article was brought to you by Handicare, working with Age Co, who provide a range of home mobility products such as stair lifts, homelifts and bathing solutions. For more information about how they can help make your home more accessible, please get in touch.