Last updated: March 30, 2026
In France, the Disability Act (Loi Handicap) of 2005 makes it a requirement for all public spaces to be accessible for people with disabilities.
At Go! Go! France, we are here to help you live and study in France. If you are a student with a disability, have any special needs or have any questions, just reach out to our team for help.
Key takeaways
- Larger cities are usually more accessible than older or rural areas.
- Trains and buses are usually accessible, but subways, such as in Paris, can be harder to use.
- Large supermarkets are accessible, but smaller convenience stores may have limited space and access.
- Most daily services (post, bank, healthcare and administrative services) are accessible in-person or online.
- Schools provide inclusive support, such as accessible facilities, adapted materials, and exam accommodations.
- Accessible housing is available, but early planning is key to finding the right fit.
- Go! Go! France can help you choose and enroll in the right school, apply for your student visa, find accommodation, and more.
Public transportation
Public transportation in France has become more accessible in recent years, but the level of accessibility still depends on the region and type of transport:
- Trains: The French national railway company, SNCF, has worked to make train travel more accessible. Many major stations now have elevators, ramps, and tactile paving for visually impaired travelers. Wheelchair users can use the Accès Plus service, which assists with boarding, transfers, and getting off the train. It’s best to book this service in advance by phone or online, especially for high-speed TGV trains.
- Buses: Many cities have modernized their public transit fleets with low-floor buses and accessible streetcars equipped with ramps and wheelchair spaces.
- Subway: Most subway lines are accessible for travelers with disabilities, but some areas are still hard to reach. For example, the Paris subway has many stations without elevators and lots of stairs, making it less accessible. To make travel easier, use route planners or apps like Bonjour RATP if you are in France.
- Taxis: Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available in larger French cities. You can also use services like Uber, which is available in most French cities. In larger cities, Uber offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles (Uber WAV).
Grocery stores
Large supermarkets like Carrefour and Auchan usually have wide aisles, ramps, automatic doors, special checkout counters for people with disabilities, accessible bathrooms, and reserved parking.
However, in smaller convenience stores like Franprix or Carrefour Contact, it can be harder to move between aisles.
Essential services
- Bank: Most banks in France have step-free access at their branches, and many ATMs are accessible for wheelchair users.
- Post: Most post offices in France have accessible entrances with ramps or automatic doors, and many offer dedicated service counters for customers with disabilities.
- Healthcare services: Most pharmacies in France are accessible to customers with disabilities. Large chains like Parapharmacie Lafayette usually have more space and better facilities, while small local pharmacies can be harder to access. Many clinics and doctors’ offices have accessible facilities. In bigger cities, you can find clinics with step-free entrances, elevators, accessible bathrooms, and staff trained to help patients with disabilities. Students can use online platforms like Doctolib to search for accessible clinics.
- Administrative services: Local government offices such as the Mairie and Préfecture are expected to have ramps, elevators, and support services. However, actual access can still vary, especially in older buildings or rural areas. Many online services through Service-Public.fr are also designed to be accessible.
Restaurants and cafes
In larger cities, most restaurants and cafes have step-free entrances, accessible bathrooms, and enough space for wheelchairs or mobility aids. Many places share accessibility details on their websites or on Google Maps, including information about ramps, door widths, and bathrooms. Some restaurants also offer menus in Braille or large print, and staff in tourist areas are often trained to help guests with different needs.
In smaller towns or historic neighborhoods, traditional bistros and older cafes may have steps at the entrance, narrow hallways, or limited bathroom access.
Cultural activities
France has a wide range of cultural activities, and many have become much more accessible for everyone.
- Museums: Most large museums in cities, such as MUCEM in Marseille, feature wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, tactile exhibits, and guided tours adapted for people with visual or hearing impairments.
- Movie theaters: UGC and Pathé offer assistive listening devices, audio description, and reserved seating for wheelchair users.
- Concerts: Most concert venues and theaters have accessible seating. Many festivals and public events now focus on accessibility, offering services like priority entry.
Language schools and universities
All of our partner schools are committed to accessibility and inclusion. They are open to making practical adjustments to improve your learning experience, whether you require mobility-related support or other accommodations such as assistive technology, alternative formats, or support for learning disabilities.
Many of our partner schools are also official exam centers for the DELF, DALF, or TCF. If you have a disability, we can arrange accommodations to make sure your exam experience is fair and accessible. These can include extra time, large-print exam papers, or seating near audio sources for students with hearing difficulties.
Student housing
With some planning, you can find accessible student housing in France. Here are some options:
- CROUS: Many CROUS university residences offer accessible rooms with features like wider doorways and adapted bathrooms, and they are conveniently located near campuses and public transportation.
- Homestay: Our partner language schools can also connect students with local housing providers or host families that fit their needs.
- Student housing platforms: We partner with Uniplaces, HousingAnywhere, and Studapart to help our students find accessible housing that meets their needs.
How Go! Go! France can help you
At Go! Go! France, we believe that studying in France should be accessible and stress-free for everyone, including students with disabilities or special needs.
Here’s how we help:
- Personalized support: We take time to understand your situation and recommend schools that fit your needs.
- Direct communication with schools: We confirm that your chosen school can meet your needs and make necessary arrangements.
- Visa guidance: We help you with the student visa application and school enrollment process.
- Accessible housing support: We help you find housing that meets your needs.
Have special requirements or questions? Our team is here to help! Contact us with any questions.
