Toilets in Paris: Where to Find Them Without Stressing Out
Paris is a dream to walk through – until you suddenly have to pee. Fast.
It’s a common concern for visitors, especially if you’ve read stories about locked restrooms, closed facilities, or mysteriously missing toilets.
But Paris isn’t as bad as its reputation suggests. You just need to know where to look, and what to avoid.
This post rounds up real traveler tips and local advice so you’re not stuck hunting down a restroom while crossing your legs in the Marais.
Public Toilets: Free but Hit or Miss
Paris has over 400 public toilets called sanisettes. They’re free, self-cleaning, and dotted all over the city. In theory, they’re a great solution. In practice, not always.
Many are out of service. Some don’t have soap or working sinks. And if you’re sensitive to smells or sketchy cleanliness, they might not be a great option.
Locals recommend carrying tissues or wipes just in case, even if the unit has an automatic cleaning cycle.
Still, they work fine for many people, and in a pinch, they’re usually better than nothing. They’re especially useful outside of museum hours or in less central neighborhoods.
Don’t Count on Bakeries
A hot topic: some travelers hope to grab a croissant and use the restroom. But locals are unanimous: bakeries almost never have toilets for customers.
Not because they’re stingy, but because most are small operations with cramped workspaces, vertical staircases, and no room for a customer bathroom.
Even in an emergency, staff might not be able to help. If you want a pastry and a toilet, look for a café or salon de thé instead (next section).
Cafés Are the Most Reliable Option
Cafés are everywhere and generally offer restrooms if you’re a paying customer. The easiest move is to walk in, order a coffee at the bar, and ask for the toilet. It’s a cheap and fast solution, plus you get a decent espresso.
Just be aware that very small places might not have bathrooms due to space limitations.
Many travelers suggest skipping chains like Starbucks which now sometimes require codes or restrict access. Independent cafés are usually more relaxed.
McDonald’s and other chains used to be a go-to for a free toilet stop. That’s changed. Some locations now use token systems, often requiring a purchase. A few even have attendants or locked access.
Some travelers now avoid fast food places altogether for this reason.
Museums and Cultural Spots
Museums are a surprisingly good option, even if you don’t feel like seeing art. Many visitors mention using toilets at places like the Musée d’Orsay, Louvre, or Cluny. There are even restrooms hidden beyond the entrance areas.
Just note that with the current one-entry policy at most museums, popping in just for the bathroom might not be worth it unless you already have a Paris Museum Pass or plan to explore inside.
Free museums are more flexible and can double as a bathroom stop and a quick cultural break.
Department Stores
If you’re near the major shopping areas, department stores are among the best bets for clean restrooms. Galeries Lafayette, BHV, Le Bon Marché, Printemps, and La Samaritaine are all safe havens.
Some charge a small fee (€1 or €1.50), but some are completely free, especially on upper floors.
They tend to be cleaner and better maintained than sanisettes or fast food places, and many even have lounge areas.
Hotels
Several people mention slipping into 4- or 5-star hotels to use the lobby restrooms. If you look like you know where you’re going, no one will stop you.
U.S.-branded hotels like the Hyatt or Hilton are often the safest bet for this. Avoid old-school places like the Ritz or Meurice, where staff are more watchful.
Lutetia is an exception as you can enter and turn left immediately, away from the front desk, to find the toilets.
Libraries, Train Stations, and Malls
Less obvious but still helpful: public libraries often have restrooms and don’t restrict access to residents unless you want to borrow books.
Big train stations like Gare de Lyon or Gare du Nord have paid facilities, although cleanliness can vary.
Some shopping malls, like the one under the Louvre, offer sparkling clean restrooms for a small fee, and are open to all.
Apps That Help You Find a Toilet
There are several recommended apps for all this: Flush, ICI Toilettes, Où Sont Les Toilettes (green icon), and Xiaohongshu (for those familiar with Chinese apps).
Don’t expect them to be 100% reliable, however. Many toilets listed might be out of service or locked. But they’re still useful for locating the nearest options.
Payment and What to Carry
Some public restrooms require payment, usually €1 or €2. Many visitors successfully pay with credit cards, including contactless. Still, carrying a few coins is wise.
Toilet paper may or may not be available, so packing tissues or wipes is strongly advised. Hand sanitizer too.
Fun Closing Note
You may have heard of the controversial Uritrottoir introduced back in 2018: