The Novotel Toulouse Centre Compans Caffarelli is convenient to the conference centre in Toulouse, and about a 20min wheel from Place Wilson in the centre. The hotel is set in pleasant surroundings with a nice urban park just behind it. These notes are intended to assist wheelchair users or handicapped travellers considering it as a place to stay while in Toulouse. I stayed here four years ago (see review here) and found it good, but I can no longer recommend it. The main change is to the bedroom.

The room was difficult to navigate. When I stayed here before, the gap between the end of the bed and the workdesk was a little tight, but I could reach all areas of the room with no great difficulty. However, now the gap between the bed and workdesk was much tighter – I estimate 600mm or less (24”) – and I was unable to pass through. This meant that half the room was inaccessible to me, including the workdesk, the power sockets, a chair and table, and the TV and TV remote control.  Apart from that the points made in the original review are still valid.  

Because of the difficulties navigating the room and getting in and out of the bath I would not recommend this hotel for wheelchair users travelling alone. Ambulant disabled, or wheelchair users with walkie companions would get by okay.

 

Toulouse, France - Restaurant (Michel Sarran)

Restaurant Michel Sarran (21, Bd Armand Duportal - 31000 Toulouse)

This is currently considered one of the best restaurants in Toulouse. These notes are intended as a guide to a wheelchair user or disabled person who plans to visit (and I recommend you do!).

The restaurant is situated about halfway along Blvd Armand Duportal. Be careful wheeling along this route. Like most streets in Toulouse, it lulls you into a false sense of security as you wheel along well maintained and smooth path only to be ambushed by a trench bug across the way just big enough to trap the front casters, or a pothole, or a stretch of unfinished paving. Just keep one eye fixed on the road and you'll be fine!

Access to the restaurant from the street is completely level. The restaurant itself is spacious enough to move comfortably between tables. There is a courtyard at the back that is down four steps. Staff will carry you down if need be, but you can just as easily eat at street level.

There is no accessible toilet. However, the toilets are on the same level as the dining room and have sliding (pocket) doors which open to about 28" (70cm) or a little more. Although maneuvering was tight I was able to get my chair into the toilet enough to have access to the toilet and the sink which was sufficient for my needs. A power chair, or a wide or long manual, would have more difficulty.

The food was outstanding - an epic meal so I recommend you give it a try if you are in the area.