Q & A

Subject: Traveling in a wheelchair.

Question: I use a wheelchair. what, given this is the most economical way to get from CDG into the city and then, the next day, out to Orly ? Also, I’m looking for a restaurant with a bizarre decor for lunch the one day we have in Paris this time... any suggestions? I’m taking my partner to La Casserole for our dinner but I’d like a surprise pour moi aussi!

Answer:

I could not find any firsthand information about getting into Paris in a wheelchair. I asked some travel writer friends and they sent back two replies, some links and comments, see below. In general the cheapest way into Paris is the RER(commuter train) and Metro(subway). In theory both are wheelchair accessible, I would ask at the information desk at CDG, if this is the case. There is also Air France shuttle buses that go from CDG and Orly into Paris and back. They cost more than public transpiration but less than a taxi. I do not know if they are wheelchair accessible. Lastly, is taking a taxi, the most expensive way, can also be the fastest at non rusher hour times. My parents once made it from Gare de L’est to CDG in twenty minutes. If I get any more information I will send it along.

Jeff,
Wheelchair-bound people can certainly use the RER (super-metro). There are lifts (elevators) at CDG and most of the city metro stations. In some cases, you need to get station staff (who have the key) to work the elevator. I'm not certain about the bus - I think its baggage space could accommodate one wheelchair.
I'll see if I can find definitive info and a contact point.
Was it you or your questioner that wanted a 'bizarre' restaurant in Paris? Not sure whether that applies to the decor or the food, and 'bizarre' probably depends on what you find normal. If you hunt around, there's probably a Thai restaurant that will skin a snake in front of you before cooking it... My favorite exotic food in Paris is Japanese.
Mike K-H
I'll show you things you'd never find....
http://www.franceforfreebooters.com