France EDIA Resources

• Public transportation system and taxi – Tours
  • The public transportation system in Tours, France is well-organized and reliable.  There are two main transportation networks: the bus system that provides transportation over the entire city as well as surrounding areas, as well as the modern tram line that makes it easy to navigate the urban area. Operated by the company Fil Bleu, there have been significant efforts to ensure that public transportation is accessible and supportive to those with disabilities and physical mobility issues. Most buses and trams are accessible for wheelchair users, as they are equipped with low floors, and ramps. The main train stations are also equipped with elevators and ramps. All stations of the tram line are accessible (with a few exceptions) to allow people with wheelchairs or reduced mobility to be able to access ticket machines and platforms. However, Tranchée, Charles Barrier and Place Choiseul are not considered fully accessible because the approach slopes exceed accessibility standards. Students should therefore check both their boarding and destination stops through the Fil Bleu accessibility information before travelling. In addition, Fil Bleu also offers assistance services for eligible passengers with significant mobility or visual disabilities, including help with boarding and having an agent accompany you. Registration and eligibility requirements apply, so short-term international students should contact the service well in advance rather than assume that they can use it upon arrival. This service can be reserved by contacting Fil Bleu at +33 2.47.66.70.70 from Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
  • Tours is served by both Tours station and the nearby Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station, which handles many high-speed and intercity trains. Passengers who require assistance boarding, disembarking or transferring can request the free SNCF Assist’enGare service. Assistance can be requested online, by calling 3212 from within France or +33 9 72 72 00 92 from abroad, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Students should request assistance in advance and verify the accessibility of each station and train used. 
    - Moovit app is a useful route planning tool to navigate public transportation in Tours. The app provides real-time updates, schedules, ticket prices, and service alerts, as well as alert you when it is time to get off. 
    - Using taxis in Tours is also a viable option, and traditional taxis can be found throughout Tours at taxi stands, on the street, or available to be booked via phone. Uber is available in Tours. Local taxi companies include Urban Taxi. The app and website monTransport.com is an efficient and convenient tool to compare and book taxis. 
• Public transportation system and taxi – Paris 
  • The public transportation system in Paris consists of buses, trams, the metro, and RER trains, all that have accessibility features for persons with disabilities and physical mobility issues. The city buses are operated by Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) and the majority of them are wheelchair accessible, with lowered floors and an electronic ramp at the center door. The Paris Metro underground stations are not equipped to accommodate wheelchairs as the stations often have large gaps between trains and platforms, lengthy stairways, and a lack of elevators. The subway can also be very crowded, so it is important to be prepared for potentially long trips in a crowded train, that may pose challenges with getting a seat, and can get very hot.  
  • All bus routes within Paris have been declared wheelchair accessible, and buses generally use low floors and boarding ramps. However, not every stop on an accessible route has been physically adapted. RATP advises passengers to check the accessibility of their intended boarding and destination stops before travelling. 
  • The tram network is designed for step-free boarding. The historic Métro network remains much more difficult for wheelchair users: Line 14 is the only Métro line that is fully accessible from one terminus to the other. Other lines may have lifts or accessible sections but do not provide a consistently step-free journey. Students should not rely on a station merely because an elevator appears on a general map. 
  • Taxis in Paris may be taken from official taxi stands, hailed when the roof light indicates availability or booked by telephone or app. Students requiring an adapted vehicle should consider G7 Access, which operates more than 600 vehicles adapted for passengers using non-folding wheelchairs. Vehicles may be requested immediately or reserved through the G7 app, website or the dedicated number +33 1 47 39 00 91. The service operates 24 hours a day, and adapted taxis use the same regulated fare structure as standard Paris taxis. Uber is also available in Paris.  
• Terrain and Walking Conditions 
  • Tours: The climate in Tours is a temperate oceanic climate that is influenced by the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, making their summers warm. Tours is situated in the Loire Valley, characterized by flat and low terrain which makes it easy to navigate, especially for individuals with mobility issues, since it reduces the need for navigating steep inclines or hills. Tours is also a pedestrian-friendly city with well-maintained sidewalks, wide streets, and accessible public spaces that provides safe and easy movements for everyone. 
  • Paris: Areas along the Seine and many central boulevards are comparatively level, but Paris is not entirely flat. Montmartre is situated on a prominent hill and may involve steep streets and long stairways, while Belleville and Ménilmontant also contain substantial slopes. The Paris tourism office notes that Sacré-Cœur may be approached by funicular rather than by the surrounding steps, although students should verify the accessibility of the complete route. Historic paving, crowded sidewalks, construction, narrow shops and basement washrooms may create additional barriers. 
• Paris and Tours have temperate climates with warm summers, periodic rain and occasional thunderstorms. The Paris tourism office reports an average July low of approximately 16.2°C and an average high of 25.7°C. Tours has a similar summer climate, with an average July high of approximately 26°C and an average low of approximately 14°C. Conditions are not continuously humid, but warm periods may feel muggy, particularly before rainfall or thunderstorms. 
• Heatwaves can raise temperatures substantially above seasonal averages in both cities. Students should monitor Météo-France forecasts and heat warnings, particularly before walking tours and outdoor excursions. They should pack breathable and lightweight clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat; carry water; take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned locations; and bring a light waterproof jacket. Students with medical conditions affected by heat should discuss suitable precautions and accommodations before departure. 
• If you have specific accessibility and mobility needs that may not be supported by resources available at the Institut de Touraine, you do have the option to stay off-campus to access suitable accommodations, such as a hotel or apartment. These accommodations are paid for separately and may be more expensive than what the accommodation at the Institut de Touraine would cost.  If you require a private accommodation for health reasons, it is advised to research your own accommodations (i.e., hotels) in the area that are in close proximity to the residence. Please note that Summer Abroad does not book private accommodations for students, and that students are also responsible for additional incurred fees (paid directly to the hotel or booking website).  
• We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs.

Departing from Canada  

Sunflower Status  

Canada is a Sunflower-Recognized country. Which means, you can find individuals and organizations across various sectors who are trained to understand the meaning of the sunflower lanyard.  

Airports  

Canada has 27 airports that are sunflower recognized. 

 Students based at the University of Toronto are encouraged to visit Pearson Airport for departure. 72 hours before departure, students should visit the airports accessibility webpage and contact their mobility and accessibility customer service for more information regarding specific accessibility support.  

 Airlines  

 There are many airlines that depart or arrive in Canada.  

While we recommend Air Canada and West Jet, students are required to research the best airline for their situation. Summer Abroad has no official partnership with any airline.  

Arriving in France 

Sunflower Status  

France is a Sunflower-Recognized country. Which means, you can find individuals and organizations across various sectors who are trained to understand the meaning of the sunflower lanyard.  

 Airports  

Students who are travelling to and from France, will be able to find the following airports that offer accessibility supports: 

 Charles de Gaulle 
Lyon Airport 
Nice Airport  
Orly Airport  

 Students are encouraged to visit the airport accessibility webpage for more information on specific accessibility supports at least 72 hours before departure.  

 Airlines  

There are many airlines that depart or arrive in England. One of which is Air France.  

Students are required to research the best airline for their situation. Summer Abroad has no official partnership with any airline.  

 Students are encouraged to check out our Sunflower Recognized Airlines Resources page for more information about the accessibility supports particular airlines offer and best tips.  

 For more information check out Hidden Disabilities Airports and Airlines Around the World. 

• France’s society has seen a shift in social attitudes towards mental health, with a heightened awareness of mental health issues. There are many initiatives being brought forward to combat misconceptions surrounding mental illness, such as the Fondation de France’s “Let’s Talk About Therapy” workshop, a large-scale public discussion in 8 French cities that led to recommendations taken up during France’s Mental Health Convention in 2021. Despite progress, mental disorders still continue to be taboo as there is sometimes misunderstanding, fear, and stigmatization that accompanies discourse surrounding mental illness. For this reason, if you require mental health support while abroad, it is important to remember that these stigmas come from a cross-cultural difference, and do not stem from ignorance. 
• If you have an existing or anticipated mental health condition that may affect your participation in a Summer Abroad course, please contact your Accessibility Advisor and the Summer Abroad office as early as possible, ideally before applying. Early planning gives the University and its international partners more time to explore appropriate academic and non-academic supports. 
• Students who require disability-related accommodations must register with U of T Accessibility Services and request a tailored Letter of Accommodation for Summer Abroad. 
• Summer Abroad students also have access to International SOS services through the University of Toronto, which can assist with locating medical and mental health professionals abroad and provide medical, security, emotional and logistical support. However, appointments may take time to arrange, and English-language providers may have limited availability. International SOS should therefore be treated as an additional in-country resource rather than a substitute for advance accommodation and continuity-of-care planning. 
• If you anticipate ongoing mental health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor or other healthcare provider before travelling to develop a continuity-of-care plan. Bring an adequate supply of prescribed medication, confirm that it is legal at the destination, and consider whether telehealth follow-up is available. For questions about the tailored Letter of Accommodation process, contact summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.  

• France is considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world, with the climate for 2SLGBTQ+ people in France being generally progressive and inclusive, with multiple anti-discrimination legal frameworks and provisions that support equality and protection against discrimination. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2013, and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation is prohibited by law. The social attitude toward sexuality in France has consistently led with a “laissez-faire” attitude, meaning that they prefer not to interfere in personal matters and respect the privacy of others. Both social attitudes and laws concerning gender identity are generally supportive, however non-binary gender recognition does not exist. 
• However, it is important to note that individual experiences can vary. In rural areas or smaller communities, the level of visibility and acceptance may differ from larger urban centers. It is always recommended to exercise personal judgment and consider local customs and laws when navigating LGBTQ+ issues in specific locations, especially while exploring the country on your own. Being aware of local attitudes and customs can help ensure a safe and positive experience during your time in England.  
• Summer Abroad is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you have any concerns or require support regarding your 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can assist you in finding additional resources as well as explore your accommodation options.  You may also contact the U of T Sexual & Gender Diversity Office via sgdo@utoronto.ca  

• France is generally a safe destination for women travelers. However, it is important to always be vigilant and adhere to basic safety precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and travel in groups. There are low incidences of petty crime, but there is always a chance of pickpocketing, purse, or phone snatchings, especially in busy crowds. Stay informed, travel with friends, remain cautious, and use trusted transportation instead of walking alone, or late at night. 
• If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”) 
• Emergency contraceptive pills (i.e., Plan B) are available behind the counter from pharmacies, hospitals, schools, and family planning clinics, meaning that they are able to purchase without a prescription. 

• The majority ethnic group in France is white Europeans of French descent, however their local population comprises of multiple ethnic groups including large minority communities of Asian, North African, Middle Eastern, and African communities. Tours is generally safe for racialized students, but racial discrimination and harassment can occur. People of color may experience discrimination that comes in various forms, which includes micro-aggressions such as being stared at or other direct methods such as receiving inappropriate comments, or being racially profiled by the police.  It is important to be aware of local customs and cultural norms and take steps to ensure your safety, including always carrying identification and using trusted transportation services.  
• If you feel unsafe or experience racism during your time in the Summer Abroad program, we encourage you to report the incident immediately to the Summer Abroad office or reach out to the On-Site Coordinators, who will contact U of T Safety Abroad to provide immediate support, including connecting you with U of T Resources such as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO). 

• France is a secular country that emphasizes the separation of religion from public affairs, seen in a principle known as “laïcité,” which impacts how religious practices may be perceived and accommodated. 
• Tours 
  • Christian places of worship are readily available in Tours. The active Cathédrale Saint-Gatien is open daily, and Tours also has Catholic parishes, Protestant churches and other Christian congregations. Service information is usually published in French, so students seeking an English-language or denomination-specific service should contact the church in advance. 
  • Muslim students can consult the Mosquée de Tours, located at 18 rue Lobin, for prayer times, Ramadan and Eid arrangements and other religious activities. Its published programming includes activities and prayer arrangements for both men and women, although students should confirm women’s facilities, accessibility and current service times directly with the mosque. 
  • The Jewish Community of Tours operates the synagogue at 37 rue Parmentier. The community states that it holds services on Friday evenings, Saturday mornings and afternoons, and during Jewish holidays; visitors are encouraged to contact the synagogue for current prayer, class and communal-meal schedules. Students should make contact before attending rather than arriving without notice.  
• Paris 
  • Paris offers extensive access to places of worship for many faith traditions. The Paris tourism office’s directory of places of worship includes Catholic and Protestant churches, Orthodox cathedrals, mosques, synagogues and Buddhist temples. Examples include Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Grande Mosquée de Paris, the Grande Synagogue de Paris and the Buddhist Pagode de Vincennes. Catholic churches are widespread and many hold services daily, while international and diaspora congregations may offer services in English or other languages. 
  • Muslim students can consult the Grande Mosquée de Paris for daily and Friday prayer times, religious services and community information. Paris also has numerous neighbourhood mosques and prayer spaces, although information may be available primarily in French or Arabic.  
  • Jewish students should contact the relevant synagogue before attending a service to confirm schedules, visitor procedures and identification requirements, particularly for Shabbat and religious holidays.  
  • Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and other communities are present across Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region, but students may need to travel outside the central tourist districts to reach a particular tradition or congregation. Students from Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Bahá’í or other smaller faith communities may find fewer dedicated facilities in Tours than in Paris. The principal barriers for multi-faith students are likely to be limited English-language information, services held only on particular days, distance from accommodation, and the need to contact minority-faith communities in advance. Students requiring regular worship, prayer space, fasting arrangements or accommodation for religious observances , should identify local resources before departure and discuss any program-scheduling needs with Summer Abroad staff. 
• Multi-faith students who travel to France must be aware of French society’s dedication to being secular. In public spaces, some religious symbols and attire may be restricted (such as government buildings). It is important to be mindful of laws regarding religious symbols and attire in public spaces. 
• If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator well in advance, ideally within one month of admission notification. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning your Summer Abroad experience.   

• Students with religious or plant-based dietary requirements will find considerably more options in Paris than in Tours. Paris has established halal and kosher restaurant networks as well as many vegetarian and vegan establishments. Tours has halal and vegetarian options, but students requiring strictly kosher meals will need to plan more carefully and may benefit from accommodation with kitchen facilities. 
• Halal 
  • Tours: PagesJaunes provides a directory of restaurants identifying themselves as halal in Tours, including addresses, telephone numbers, opening hours and customer information. Students can also search Tours through H Spot or other halal restaurant apps. These directories do not independently guarantee certification, so students should contact the restaurant and ask which certification organization approves the meat, whether all menu items are halal and whether pork or alcohol is handled in the same kitchen. 
  • Paris: Students can use H Spot, a France-wide halal restaurant directory and app that identifies establishments by location and distinguishes restaurants associated with certification bodies such as AVS, ARGML and the Grande Mosquée de Paris. Other restaurant platforms may label food as halal based only on information supplied by the restaurant, so students with strict requirements should ask to see the current halal certificate and confirm whether all meat is certified. 
• Kosher 
  • Tours: Dedicated kosher restaurant options appear to be limited. The Synagogue de Tours operates a small kosher grocery service carrying products including meat supervised by the Beth Din, wine and grape juice. Students should contact the synagogue before visiting to confirm.  
  • Paris: The Consistoire de Paris kosher-business directory lists restaurants, caterers, bakeries, butchers and grocery businesses supervised by the Beth Din de Paris.  
• Vegetarian and Vegan 
  • Tours: The HappyCow Tours directory identifies vegetarian, vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants as well as nearby health-food stores. The selection is smaller than in Paris, so students should identify several options near the Institut de Touraine, their accommodation and planned field-trip locations. 
  • Paris: The HappyCow Paris directory lists fully vegan and vegetarian restaurants, vegan-friendly restaurants, bakeries and health-food stores. Paris has a large selection across different neighbourhoods, but students should check recent opening information because restaurants can relocate or close. 
  • The French term végétarien generally means no meat or fish, while végétalien or vegan indicates the exclusion of animal-derived ingredients. Students should still ask about meat or fish stock, gelatin, lard, dairy and eggs. Items such as soup, sauce, pastry, quiche and vegetable dishes may contain animal-derived ingredients that are not obvious from the menu description.  
• Planning Ahead 
  • Students with strict religious diets, serious allergies or medically necessary restrictions should identify grocery stores and suitable restaurants before departure, bring portable snacks for excursions and request clarification rather than relying only on menu symbols.  
  • There are also apps you could consider using while traveling, that can be helpful for finding food that works for your individual dietary restrictions or needs. These include Spokin, Find Me Gluten Free, and Vanilla Bean. Alternatively, using a translate app if you are unable to communicate in French, can help when confirming food meets your specific requirements.