PARIS BY WHEELCHAIR -- Part 13

PROGRESS MADE, BUT MANY CHALLENGES REMAIN

The Bateaux Parisiens captain, before leaving the dock, invited us to sit up front, beyond the passenger seating, where my wife could truly see out onto the Seine and all the monuments along it.

The price was very reasonable (15 euros).

Next to the accessible restroom was a pair of vending machine that had ice cold sodas, waters and more -- and it even took credit cards.

We got hundreds of great photos from or digital SLR and iPhone cameras.

It was a smooth, safe ride.

It lasted about an hour -- a perfect amount of time to get a feel for the location of Paris' grand monuments.

PARIS BY WHEELCHAIR -- Part 12

PROGRESS MADE, BUT MANY CHALLENGES REMAIN

Bateaux Parisiens assured that because one of us uses a wheelchair for mobility, we would benefit from early boarding.

We were assured that there is a larger restroom on the main deck level reserved for people with disabilities.

We were taken by ramp and boarded without having to bump up or down any steps -- and without my wife having to worry about being carried in her wheelchair.

We were seated near the front.

We found the great accessible restroom.

PARIS BY WHEELCHAIR -- Part 2

PROGRESS MADE, BUT MANY CHALLENGES REMAIN

Les Duc Lombards has been a popular jazz club for more than three decades.

Centrally located, it has outstanding national and local acts.

We saw Laurent de Wilde, who we have seen perform every time we’ve been in Paris.

Unlike some underground “cave” clubs that are off limits to wheelchair users, Duc Lombards is on level ground.

While the main restrooms are downstairs without an elevator – a very common thing in the heart of Paris – there is a main level bathroom reserved for people with disabilities.

There is not a bad sightline in the house and they are excellent about seating wheelchair users.

As for acoustics, the room is perfect to hear classic jazz trios.