The French Government has been working to improve the situation for disabled travellers. The 'Tourisme et Handicap' label provides disabled people with access to reliable, consistent and objective information about the accessibility of tourist sites and facilities, classified into four major types of disability (physical, visual, hearing and mental). Hotels, restaurants and other sites have passed a number of strict requirements and standards. On your stay this will be clear as those that have passed will be marked as ‘Accessible norms handicapes’ – although not an official rating this is helping to make France an easier place to visit for the disabled traveller.

This logo ensures the accommodation, restaurant or attraction is accessible to disabled visitors. For more information or a map of sites check www.tourisme-handicaps.org or email queries to : tourisme.handicaps@club-internet.fr

Additionally, a large number of sights are fully accessible for the disabled visitor. You can admire the paintings at the Orsay Museum, wonder at the Palace of Versailles, re-live the Da Vinci Code at the Louvre and scale to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

However, there are still some challenges that need to be considered when planning a trip to France. There are few kerb ramps, older public facilities and budget hotels lack lifts, cobblestone streets can be a challenge for wheelchairs and the Paris Metro can prove difficult.

With the SNCF, a traveller in a wheelchair ( fauteuil roulant ) can travel in both TGV and regular trains (make a reservation at least a a few hours before departure). Details are available in SNCF's booklet Guide du Voyageur à Mobilité Réduite . You can also contact SNCF Accessibilité (tel 0 800 154 753) which has information (French only) for travellers with physical, sight and hearing disabilities.