Where to Go in Paris When Nature Calls

Set Your Mind at Rest and Take Along this List of Free Toilets

Mar 19, 2009

You're in the most romantic city in the world, strolling along the Seine, or perhaps the Champs-Elysées, when you get the call and there's not a toilet in sight.

Thanks to the American fast food invasion, pop into any McDonald’s or Burger King for immediate relief. They’re located all over Paris and while the toilets will be crowded, at least they’ll be reasonable clean and you won’t have to buy anything to use them. Also check out the local equivalents; in Paris, for example, the Le Quick chain (France’s answer to McDonald’s) provides clean, free facilities.

Department Stores

When the need arises, head for the large department stores. Most toilets in department stores are also the most easily reached by wheelchair as you have access to elevators. Some are downright fabulous; for example, at the Bon Marché on rue de Sèvres, the ladies’ toilets are equipped with large separate lockable stalls and a glamorous makeup area. Check the directories on the main floor of any store to locate them or ask a sales person.

Hotels

Look to the larger hotels chains such as the Holiday Inn, Best Western, or any of the hotels chains for clean, safe toilets, not meant for general public use but still available to you. Simply go into the lobby and ask the front desk. If you are staying in one of these hotels, ask for a list or pamphlet showing the locations of their other hotels for a handy reference should the need arise. Most chain hotels also have elevators to get to the toilets and the opening hours are longer than most other venues.

Hospitals

Head for the visitors’ entrance to find safe, clean toilets. Hospitals are marked on streets and also on free city maps you can get at any metro station, so you’ll always be able to locate one wherever you are.

American Express Office

Located at 11, rue Scribe in one of Paris’ poshest shopping areas, the washrooms are free but open only during business hours (usually 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

Shopping Centers or Malls

The Les Halles shopping centre and the Carrousel du Louvre have facilities that are well marked and easily identifiable. You can enter the Louvre mall by its own entrance on rue de Rivoli.

Museums

In Paris, most museums require you to pay an entrance fee before you can reach the facilities. However, the toilets at the Georges Pompidou Center are located just before the entrance and are free. Also, entrance at the Musée Carnavalet at 23, rue de Sévigné, is free and the friendly staff will guide you to their facilities.

Local Town Halls (Mairies)

Each arrondissement in Paris has its own town hall. Ask to use the facilities here and you’ll probably be directed to somewhere in the bowels (no pun intended) of the building. Instead, head for the administration offices and look for free washrooms there.

Cafés

Last on my list, because technically these toilets are for customers only, so it is a courtesy to order at least a coffee afterwards. Some cafés still have the “Turkish” or “squat” style of toilets and are best avoided.

The copyright of the article Where to Go in Paris When Nature Calls in France Travel is owned by Stefanie Gabrych Fraser. Permission to republish Where to Go in Paris When Nature Calls in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.