Exploring Paris by Wheelchair: My Erasmus+ Summer School Experience and the Realities of Accessibility

Introduction and Key Details

My name is Fakhar Hanif, and I am a student at Europa-Universität Viadrina. As a wheelchair user, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a week-long Erasmus+ summer school course titled Marriage in Premodern Times at a host university in Paris, France, from 1 to 5 September 2025. The course explored historical perspectives on marriage, combining lectures, discussions, and site visits to enrich our understanding. This report details my experiences, the challenges I faced as a person with a disability, and the support I received through Erasmus+ additional funding. I hope my insights encourage and prepare future participants, particularly those with disabilities, to embark on their own international adventures.

Travel and Arrival

I traveled from Germany to Paris via ICE, a journey that took about a day. Deutsche Bahn (DB) proved to be quite accessible, with designated spaces for wheelchair users and staff assistance available at major stations. Booking assistance in advance was straightforward, and the process was smooth, ensuring I could board and disembark without issues. Upon arriving in Paris, I was excited but immediately confronted with accessibility challenges that shaped much of my experience.

Everyday Life and Special Experiences

The Summer School was an enriching experience, both academically and culturally. The course was well-structured, with engaging lectures and field trips to historical sites in Paris, such as archives and museums, which complemented the academic content. These moments made the challenges worthwhile, as they allowed me to connect with peers from different countries and immerse myself in Parisian culture.

However, daily life in Paris as a wheelchair user was not without obstacles. The city’s infrastructure posed significant challenges. Many areas, particularly older parts of the city, are not flat, with cobblestone streets and uneven pavements making navigation difficult. Public transport, including the Paris Métro, was largely inaccessible due to a lack of elevators or ramps at most stations. As a result, I relied heavily on Uber, which was a reliable and accessible alternative, though significantly more expensive than public transport. This made getting to and from classes manageable but added an unexpected financial burden.

Accommodation Challenges

Finding accessible accommodation in Paris was one of the biggest hurdles. I initially booked a hotel advertised as wheelchair-accessible, but upon arrival, I discovered it was not suitable due to narrow doorways and a lack of proper facilities, such as roll-in showers. This forced me to change hotels during my stay, which was stressful and time-consuming. Accessible hotels in Paris are not only limited but also considerably more expensive than standard accommodation, which made the Erasmus+ additional funding essential. I managed most of the accommodation arrangements myself, but the process highlighted the need for better resources and guidance for travelers with disabilities.

Additional Financial Support

I learned about the Erasmus+ additional funding for participants with disabilities through my home university. The standard grant was insufficient to cover the higher costs of accessible accommodation and transportation, so this additional funding was a lifeline. The person responsible at my university was incredibly supportive, guiding me through the application process and ensuring I had all the necessary information. Their assistance made the bureaucratic aspects of the program much easier to navigate, and I felt well-prepared before my departure.

Biggest Challenges and Solutions

The most significant challenge during my stay was the lack of accessible infrastructure in Paris. Beyond public transport, I encountered difficulties with inaccessible restaurants and restrooms. Many establishments lacked ramps or had steps at entrances, and accessible restrooms were rare. The city’s uneven terrain also posed a constant challenge for wheelchair navigation. To cope, I planned my routes carefully, relied on Uber for transportation, and sought out restaurants with ground-level access whenever possible. My advice to other wheelchair users is to research accessibility thoroughly in advance, prioritize accommodations with verified accessibility features, and budget for alternative transportation options like Uber or taxis.

Rating the Study Program and Host University

The study program itself was excellent, offering a deep dive into a fascinating topic with knowledgeable instructors and engaging content. The host university was welcoming, and the academic facilities were mostly accessible, though some older buildings required assistance to navigate. However, the host university could improve by providing more detailed accessibility information for external venues visited during the course.

Advice for Future Erasmus+ Participants with Disabilities

For students with disabilities or those traveling with children, my key advice is to start planning early. Research your destination’s accessibility thoroughly – check accommodation reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or contact local disability organizations for recommendations. Contact your home and host universities early to discuss your needs and confirm what support is available. The Erasmus+ additional funding is invaluable, so don’t hesitate to apply for it if you qualify. Be prepared for unexpected challenges, like inaccessible venues, and have a backup plan, such as relying on private transportation. Finally, don’t let accessibility concerns deter you – my experience in Paris was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and the opportunity to study abroad is worth the effort.

Local Infrastructure for People with Disabilities

Paris’s infrastructure for people with disabilities is inconsistent. While some modern buildings and tourist attractions, like the Louvre, have made strides toward accessibility, much of the city remains difficult to navigate for wheelchair users. The lack of flat terrain limited accessible public transport, and scarcity of accessible restrooms and restaurants were significant barriers. Future scholarship holders should be aware of these challenges and plan accordingly, ensuring they have sufficient funding and support to address them.

Final Thoughts

My Erasmus+ experience in Paris was a mix of challenges and triumphs. The academic and cultural rewards of the summer school were immense, but the accessibility barriers highlighted the need for better infrastructure and resources for people with disabilities. The additional funding and support from my university made this opportunity possible, and I’m grateful for the chance to grow personally and academically.

I hope my story inspires other students with disabilities to pursue an Erasmus+ stay, armed with the knowledge and preparation to make it a success.