Since childhood, Hayleigh Barclay had dreamed of a Parisian adventure. However, her visit to the City of Lights offered both fun and frustration for the wheelchair user. Hayleigh and her family traveled aboard the Eurostar between London and Paris, and Hayleigh noted that the access was “very good” and the staff was engaged addressing her and not her fellow travelers about her which hadn’t always been her experience in Britain.
Unfortunately, this positive experience was short lived.
“I was let down by the lack of accessible transport. We were advised before travelling to Paris that the Metro wasn’t the best for wheelchair users and that I would be better avoiding it.”
So instead, they booked an accessible taxi to take them from the station to their hotel. When the cab arrived after a lengthy wait, the vehicle was only accessible if Hayleigh’s wheels were collapsible and if she, herself could sit in one of the seats. As neither was feasible, they took the one hour walk to their hotel. Wheeling or walking over the cobbled streets was the family’s sole means of accessing the sights of Paris. Of course they encountered the usual issues of old inaccessible buildings and toilets, but they had already anticipated that reality.
While the infrastructure was less than stellar the same can’t be said for the Parisian people. “I was considered a valued customer and given the same choices and options as everyone else,” shares Hayleigh. And although she encountered some difficulties when it came to getting around, she still encourages other intrepid travelers to go out and see the world.
“I think the main priority for any disabled traveller would have to be planning. I know it seems such a simple piece of advice but I cannot stress it enough.”
Be sure to share this post with others to encourage them to embrace their travelling soul – like Hayleigh!