Where can I find public toilets/restrooms, please?

"Où se trouve les toilettes, s'il vous plait?"

If you like to be prepared in regard to where the public toilets are in Paris (and indeed throughout France), then you're in luck ...

A little cultural tip - the word 'toilet' is not generally used by many Americans, who are more familiar with asking for the 'bathroom'. If you ask for a bathroom in Paris, people will think you wish to take a shower or bath.

So learn to say 'toilette' and you'll be fine :-)

You will notice these public toilets in Paris, and despite your misgivings, they are completely clean and sanitary. They are made of fibreglass, and as soon as someone exits and closes the door, it locks. The toilet module is then cleaned from top-to-toe and disinfected, ready for the next person. The whole process is extremely fast, so if you're waiting outside, it won't be for long.

The toilettes are now free - the sign 'Acces Gratuit' means 'Free access' If you'd like to plan your toilet stops in advance, this website will help tremendously:

http://www.sitorsquat.com - a sample map is below, simply type the city name on the web page search to zero in on your area:

You can also find toilets in Starbucks, but you may need to make a purchase in order to get the key to the toilet.

The larger stores like Galleries Lafayette, Printemps etc will of course have toilets/restroom if you are near them.

If you choose to use the loo (toilet) in an older cafe, you might be surprised to be confronted with a Turkish Toilet - two shoe prints on the ground and a gaping hole. These are generally very smelly and totaly impractical for women as squatting down and trying to prevent your clothing from touching the floor is a feat reserved for only the best contortionists.

It's always a good idea to have a small packet of tissues (Kleenex) in your bag - just in case.

If you know of other public toilets, drop me a note by clicking the ADD A COMMENT link below - thanks! Have fun :-)

PS - if you'd like to buy a small ebook which includes maps of all the Sanisette public toilets in Paris, the website is here >>