Travel Tips for Paris with Health Considerations

Hoping to go to Paris with my son in late February this year. I will be about four weeks out from my last chemo treatment which has taken over the last six months of my life. Hoping by then I will have more firm colostomy output and less diarrhea.

Can anyone help give advice about bathroom and toilet availability while out sightseeing, eating etc? I will take all my supplies with me. Any tips from anyone living there? I have done some trips in the US with no problems, but remember in England last year that I sometimes had difficulty finding public restrooms.

We are still working out where to stay, I would rather rent a place for the week so we can do some of our own meals and shop from the markets. I am very susceptible to cold from the chemo and have bad foot neuropathy too, so interested to see if the heating there will be good as February is a pretty wet month anywhere in Europe!

This is my second recurrence with cancer (2008 and 2010) so this trip is one of my Bucket list items...I am SO excited! Thanks in advance for any help at all...!

Hi Terry, I can't help you out with your question about toilet availability in France. But I notice you have the same problem I do with your feet. I also finished my last chemo treatment a few weeks ago and was hoping all the side effects would be gone by now. I could drink and eat cold foods again. And could finally taste food again, but I still get numbness in my feet and fingertips. I am hoping the neuropathy will go away soon. The diarrhea has finally subsided. And I can't wait to go away on a vacation again. I hope this neuropathy isn't a permanent side effect. Good luck with your vacation Donna.

Hi Terry, I'm delighted to hear you're heading to one of my favourite cities in the world. Having lived there for about 6 years, I don't think you'll find it too different from London. There are plenty of restrooms around the place...it's just a matter of knowing where to find them. You'll find all the public buildings, department stores, and cafes are the best bet.....although some of the older cafes may still have the squat / Eastern European style toilets. You're right to stay in self-catering as it will give you a chance to live like the locals and get your croissants at the local boulangerie (bakery) for breakfast and head out for dinner if the mood takes you. I know you'll love it there as long as you have even half an interest in art / culture. As long as you bring plenty of supplies, you'll not have a worry. Bon Voyage, Colm

Hey Donna, in 2008 I took Xeloda for five months, got bad foot neuropathy and very bad cracked feet and hands, it took another six months to completely go away. I wore Born shoes and flats for a good four months, gradually going back to low heels. This time I am having Oxaliplatin infusions, no cracking of skin, but much worse pain, like frostbite. I can live with warm drinks, never was much of an ice fan!

My advice, start planning a trip, new experiences have a way of making me forget pain. Besides, after having cancer twice I always say to myself that this could be the best I'm ever going to feel! Don't wait for the return of how you used to feel, you have to get on with life!

Colm...thanks for your thoughts! I am thrilled to hear from someone who lived there for six years! What area/arrondissement were you in? Do you have a recommendation for me? I am definitely wanting a good Boulangerie nearby! And great cheese!

Squat toilets! Quelle horreur!

Hi Terry. Lucky you, going to see Paris next month. We will be there in April. To get ready for the trip, go see Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen, if you haven't already. Then read David McCullough's book, The Greater Journey. Colm knows best because he speaks from experience. I would only add that you should not let your anxiety inhibit the joie de vivre that's in store for you. PB

My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister

Hi there again Terry, Yep I'm almost getting jealous of you right now!! Don't worry about the squat toilets.....the last one I saw was a few years back. I actually lived in the 17th arrondissement, next to Parc Monceau, which I'd recommend for a walk if you get a chance. I walked through it every day on my way to work in the 8th.........hmmmmm! brings back happy memories. It really depends where you're planning on staying for recommendations, but I know you'll not go too far wrong if you try Poilane, rue du Cherche-midi or Cohier in rue du Faubourg St Honore in the 8th for both your bread and croissants. Just remember, Parisians buy bread in the morning for eating in the morning and again in the evening for dinner. They're very particular about freshness. You'll find markets all over the city, but most close on Monday as there's no fresh produce available. For really fine pastries and the likes, you'll love Fauchon near place Madeleine. I'd recommend travelling as much as possible by foot to make sure you miss out on nothing, but for a start I'd recommend the open top bus tour which will give you an overall idea of the city and where you'd like to explore during your week. Then buy a carnet of tickets for the metro and you'll be able to travel wherever you want. (A carnet is a block of 10 tickets for the metro or bus) You'll find it hard to get value out of the tourist day tickets as you'd have to spend most of the day underground to get any value. Just one word of warning about train stations and metro in Paris....watch out for pick-pockets! In all my time there I never had one problem, but I always like to warn folk. And if you're to visit only one Art Gallery while you're there, I'd recommend Musee d'Orsay and finally I'd like to recommend Musee Jacqmart Andre on Faubourg St Honore....its a fantastic look behind the scenes at the rich life in Paris during the 19th century and a wonderful passion these people had for collecting art. They also have a wonderful restaurant, like the Musee d'Orsay for lunch. Gosh, I could go on and on!!!! Sorry for rattling on! LOL Just remember to take PB's advice and relax and enjoy. Take care, Colm

Colm, it sounds like you might be familiar with other European capitals. Any recommendations for Amsterdam in early April? PB

I love reading the optimistic - forward-thinking posts like these.

I haven't traveled much outside the US but lots of travel in this country, in my small RV (selling it now - can't travel anymore). I had a few years of living in it and seeing this country ... Amish people and culture, so many different Native American peoples, German communities, mountain people ... so different - and different is only different.

My two weeks in Southern France were filled with major highlights. Memories flood all around me. Small villages off the tourist paths, arts, gypsies I conversed with (a gift from a small powerful woman), all the conversations with no common language (an older man asking why I was there), Mary Magdalene churches so different from my limiting Southern Baptist history, fresh bread on every street (cheese and yogurt), friendly people in a politically incorrect time ... beauty everywhere, earth smells, no trash, glass recycled not tossed. I totally missed seeing Paris, and all the other 'places to see' and loved the 'ordinary' France.

Colm, your comments took me back to your profile. It looks like it's time for an update.

To everyone, I love being given a peek at the joys and highlights of your lives.

TerryD - you are so correct, this may be the best I ever feel. I am mostly housebound now (not stoma issues) and have arranged my small space with art things in 'near reach' beside my recliner, and computer, scanner ... such near my bed. Books are everywhere. Art, books, and computer for communication ... and my writing ... and research ... I have access to the world.

Hi Primeboy, gosh I'm not the globetrotter you think! LOL But I was lucky enough to work throughout a lot of Europe in the late 80s, 90s, and some of the early years in the millennium, helping set up new hotels. As for Amsterdam, I've been a few times, but only on short visits to see friends there. I can highly recommend the Rijksmuseum in the Museum Quarter (Rembrandt's Night Watch is here...one of my favorites) and also the Anne Frank Huis. I defy anyone not to shed a tear there. Life in Amsterdam is extraordinarily relaxed and I've always found everyone so welcoming. As for the cafes there, you'll be amazed........not for everyone, but once again the atmosphere has to be experienced. I'd actually recommend taking a bicycle for a day or two to travel around. There's probably the best bike network I've ever come across and I think April would be a wonderful time of year to get out and about. It has been over a year since I was last there, so I can't really recommend any restaurants. Hope this is a good starter for you though.

And Hi Carol, Happy New Year. Sorry I thought I'd covered most of my earlier years in my profile. Oops! I'm glad you've had a chance to experience rural France. I try and get across a few times a year to see friends in Normandy and also in Paris but this past year has put paid to that. I am already planning a visit as soon as I get my reversal. I'm afraid I love my food and nothing would keep me away from France for too long...or even Italy for that matter. I've been lucky enough to live near Florence for another 2 years too! Take care, Colm

PS!! Sorry Terry!! I just noticed and I didn't mean to hijack this forum as a travel adviser!! I'm not one, really!!

You must be joking, Colm! No problem hijacking this thread as it is clearly turning out to be a fantastic travelogue and provoking more thought from others! Have at it, I say!

Thanks for all the great tips. I love art, so I will definitely be taking your tips with me for Paris. Musee D'Orsay sounds perfect! I am also very interested in the Russian Emigre community that settled in Paris after the Revolution. There is a church called St Genevieve of Paris, Church of Our Lady Joy Of All Who Sorrow on the rue Saint-Victor that I must see. It is filled with Eastern Orthodox Icons by Leonid Ouspensky, who wrote much about the Theology of Icons and was a master himself at creating them. His work "The Meaning of Icons" written with theologian Lossky is a classic.

Will definitely watch out for pickpockets!

As for Amsterdam...think of all the art there. Rembrandt, yes, but also the Van Goghs! So much more brilliant to see in person! And don't get me started on Italy and the food there...oh yummy!

Went to get my chemo pack unhooked today. Now only one treatment left. Treated myself to a trip to Barnes and Nobles and stocked up on a guidebook, maps, "The Greater Journey," thanks for that tip PrimeBoy! Brushing up on my very rusty French with some podcasts...

DawnEagle...loved your memories of Southern France...that will have to be a later trip!
On this one, my sister in England is going to pop over for the weekend with her husband. Next year, we want to go further and see Giverny and some of the south...this is our way of getting our feet wet!

Thanks everyone for such great input!

In my various trips around the globe, I have discovered (particularly in Europe) that the best toilet facilities to be found are in the McDonald's restaurants, and they don't seem to mind if that's your only purpose to visit their establishment!

Head for the "Golden Arches" mate, best crappers in town bar none!    

Bon voyage mon ami!

P.S.    If you have the time, check out Monet's garden in Giverny. It's like you have stepped into one of his paintings.

http://giverny.org/monet/welcome.htm

Well Terry, you certainly have been doing your homework! Well done! I've actually visited Eglise St. Genevieve..........you could spend hours there. I'm afraid I've not always been religious, but this is a wonderful church. It just dawned on me that I should also recommend picking up a copy of Pariscope when you get there.......it's a small magazine but great for knowing what's on and where. You'll find that there are plenty of music recitals in some of the small churches and most of these are free (libre). It would be terrible to miss out on something while there. I got a copy every week and always made sure I had it for my days off. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. And Good Luck with your last Chemo treatment. Take care, Colm

We (English) have lived in France for the past 16 years, and you should have no problem in finding public toilets. Note though, that some of the smaller villages and out-of-the-way towns sometimes have more primitive facilities, so it's best to plan your stopovers accordingly.

Remember always to carry spare supplies with you for the inevitable(?) leaky day.

Have a great trip.

Hi Terry D.,
While in France, you will be able to visit any hospital in a reasonable-sized town
and have, without delay or question, access to the stoma nurses. All supplies that they need to give you are free of charge, as are their services, that is, if you have your European card with you.
It used to be E111. I'm sure you won't be going without it. No bar or cafe would ever object
to your using their facilities, with or without an explanation. It would be nicer for you to take a little refreshment, but if you can't, a small tip leaves the English in a better light. Have a brilliant
trip, but bear in mind that in February you will have to go deep south and it is still not brilliant,
France is cold in February and if you are driving through, you may encounter lots of snow!!!!

Bon Fortune, xxx

Marilyn

My wife and I did a tour of Europe in late 2004 and had no difficulty with toilets anywhere. However, as someone has already said here, look for those golden arches! Mac's are very good. I travel (and yes, I am a disabled person) with difficulty but my patient and graceful wife guides me around thus I get a great insight into these basic establishments! We carry a small backpack with spare bags and baseplates, (I use a two-piece system), and also carry some drainable bags to cope with any tummy upsets. Also in the "kit" is a 500 ml squeeze bottle of water, a pack of wet wipes and a pack of dry. Wherever you can, head for a disabled person's toilet, as these are very often a baby change room too and they have bins for disposal of nappies AND our bags.

Most of all, carry ample supplies in your carry-on luggage rather than them going into the hold. If your luggage gets lost or delayed you still need your supplies.

Finally, relax and have a great holiday!!!

Douglas

Great tips everyone! Yes, on carrying on supplies on the plane, I precut my wafers before I left, to avoid having to take the curved scissors in the carry-on bag. Fortunately, my stoma pretty much stays the same size......and haven't had to use them this way yet but have to stay prepared!