If you are visiting France and need to use the restroom, the easiest thing to do is to step in a coffee shop. Just ask: “est-ce que je peux utiliser vos toilettes s’il vous plaît” (may I use your restroom) with a smile, and it should be no problem.
Do you flush toilet paper in France?
France – Contrary to popular belief, many places in France have toilets that you can actually safely use and you'll be able to flush the paper.
How do people poop in European toilets?
A step-by-step guide on how to use a Western toilet seatStep 1 – Sit directly onto the toilet seat – do not stand or squat on it.Step 2 – Use the toilet paper provided to wipe away excess waste and throw it in the dustbin provided.Step 3 – Flush the toilet with your hand to remove waste from the toilet.More items...
How do you use the toilet in Paris?
Once you're inside, wait for the door to close, then use the toilet. There's no need to flush--the sanisette will do that for you....Parisian sanisettes come in several styles, but all have the same basic design:You press a button to open the door. ... You do your business, then open the door and exit.More items...
Do the French still use squat toilets?
Squat toilets are generally non-existent in Northern and Western Europe. France and Italy are an exception and have some squat toilets remaining in old buildings and public toilets because they used to be the norm there in the early 20th century.
Why are European toilets so weird?
European toilets typically utilize a washdown flushing system in which water inside the toilet is forced out through water flowing from the rim of the bowl. The neck of the toilet hole tends to be larger so there is less of a chance of clogs, but the bowls may require more frequent cleaning from any leftover residue.
How do you dry your butt after using a bidet?
Most Bidets have a built in air dryer for you to use. If the one you are facing does not, use toilet paper or other paper towels to dry yourself off. Do not throw any toilet paper into the Bidet.
Why does Paris smell like pee?
And while we're on the subject of slightly less pleasant smells, we have to mention this one too. In Paris in particular the streets frequently smell of urine thanks to the French habit of pipi sauvage (open-air peeing).
Is there toilet paper in Paris?
Toilet paper is just like at home, either in rolls or individual pieces like tissues. But sometime there's none at all, so keep a tissue packet handy. Public toilets (in some Métro stations, near tourist sights, in parks) are now free, including the snazzy Belle Epoch ones at the Place de la Madeleine.
How do you flush a toilet in France?
Sometimes, the button is on top, but there are two of them and pressing both will make the toilet keep flushing. Sometimes, you need to pull the lever up, but not too hard or it might come away in your hand. Frequently, there is a large, rectangular bar on the back wall that you need to push.
Can you poop in a squat toilet?
They invented the Squatty Potty, a stool that raises your knees above your hips to put you into a squat-like position when you poop. Squatty Potty's inventors say squatting moves your colon into the ideal position to go without straining.
Are there unisex toilets in France?
In France – where 52% of the population has used a unisex toilet – an equal proportion (52%) said they were perfectly comfortable to use one.
Why do French toilets have no seats?
There were still some toilets with no seats but the porcelain is actually more hygenic than plastic. It was obvious from the shape of some that they were manufactured to be without seats. There were lots of the self-contained, self cleaning type, especially in Paris and free to use.
How many buttons are there in French toilets?
The French toilets are now equipped with 2 buttons: they will control the amount of water flushed. So press the small one when you went number one, the bigger one for “la grosse commission” (French expression to say poop).
How to excuse yourself from a restaurant in France?
If you are with company in a restaurant in France and need to use the bathroom, first excuse yourself from the table. Just say to the people with you “Veuillez m’ excusez” (more formal), or just “Excusez- moi.”
What is a hole in the ground called in France?
And if you are out of luck, you may find “des toilettes à la turques” - a hole in the ground (squatters): they are still very common in France. Put your feet on the foot platform, and squat…. Unfortunately, French women don’t have a superpower I could share with you to avoid peeing all over their shoes….
What does the hostess say when she takes your coat?
In the best-case scenario, the hostess will volunteer the info when she takes your coat or accompanies you to the living room. She’ll say something like: “Les toilettes sont à gauche” (“The rest room is on the left”) and you should memorize the door.
What does "le petit coin" mean?
Le petit coin, le trône – other words for the toilet, common slang.
What is a salle de bain?
But in France “la salle de bain” is for bath and showers, and may not have a toilet (which often is located in a separate room)…
Where are urinals common?
Urinals are extremely common in public toilets in France (as in a highway rest area, a restaurant, a movie theater…). And not discreet at all.
How many gallons of water does a toilet flush in France?
These buttons control the water amount being flushed. These "toilettes à double chasse" are designed to save water, and they do—about 69.000 liters (18,200 gallons) per year for a family of four, according to Ecovie.com, so it's quite a good move for the planet.
Do toilets have rolling seats?
Some toilets in restaurants or cafés are sometimes, though rarely , equipped with a rolling seat cover. If you encounter these, they are often motion activated, but there is sometimes a button you can push.
Is there a public restroom in France?
The public restrooms in France are infamous. Unfortunately, public restrooms in France are sometimes a little too public, as there is a cultural tendency to urinate "au dehors" (outside). Chevalier-Karfis, Camille. "How to Use a French Dual Flush Toilet.".
How many toilets are there in Paris?
Self-Washing Toilets (Sanisettes): Paris has over 400 Sanisettes or self-washing toilets placed strategically around the city. In previous years these were known known as public pay toilets. Since 2006 however, Paris Council has made all of these free to the public.
How old do you have to be to use a toilet in Paris?
It is recommended that children under ten years of age be accompanied by an adult when in use. (reports have been made that these toilets may initiate the cleaning cycle while smaller children are inside.) Fast Food Toilets: For many visitors to Paris finding a toilet in places such as KFC and McDonalds should be a sure thing.
What are the new sanisettes supposed to look like?
According the city of Paris the new sanisettes are supposed to look like a tree trunk, and to include the following attributes; The use of renewable energy.
Why is it not common to use "bathroom" in Paris?
These terms are not commonly used basically because a bathroom usually does not have a toilet in it. Look out instead for a recognizable illustration, or the words Toilettes and W.C.
What is a Turkish toilet?
Turkish Toilets. Known as elephant feet toilets, Turkish toilets or squatting toilets, this is a sight which many of us dread in Paris. Although they are not as common as they once were, you will still find them in older buildings.
When are saniettes out of service?
Note: Sanisettes will often be out of service after 10pm and before 6am. Threy are a technical piece of machinery which can often be out of order. It is recommended that children under ten years of age be accompanied by an adult when in use. (reports have been made that these toilets may initiate the cleaning cycle while smaller children are inside.)
Is there a tipping tray for a public toilet?
Ten years ago the majority of public toilets were paid toilets, now you will be hard -pressed to find a paid toilet. In some cases there may still be a tipping tray for the toilet attendant who cleans and maintains the facilities, however this is not a compulsory fee.
When I first moved to France in the early 1980s, was the squatter the most common commode?
When I first moved to France in the early 1980s, the squatter was by far the most common commode in public restrooms of all kinds. Once I even stayed briefly in an apartment equipped with one, a bombsight for the bowels that served double duty as the floor of the shower stall.
Do squat pots need a drain?
The Wikipedia article on this misbegotten monstrosity says yes, but I don’t believe it for a second. A squat pot has to be inset into the floor, cement-sealed all around its ten-foot perimeter and hooked to a drain going down many inches below floor level, rather than just bolted into place and linked to the nearest in and out pipes. Plus it needs one of those old-fashioned high-mounted pull chain tanks with a long downpipe to flush it. Getting all of that in place has to be substantially more laborious and time-consuming.
Is a squat toilet a toilet?
For the benefit of readers fortunate enough to have never had to deal with this tragic miscarriage of plumbing design, a squat toilet is not so much a toilet as a target. It consists of a thick, contoured ceramic slab, usually about 2.5 feet square, installed flush (ho-ho-ho) with the floor, incorporating a drain hole in the back and two raised platforms where you’re supposed to put your feet. It was obviously invented by someone who didn’t know a bathroom fixture from a hole in the ground.
What was the state of the toilets in France?
On previous visits to France we were horrified by the state of the toilets, both public and in cafes. They were frequently squat toilets , almost never had paper and were often stinky and unflushed.
Where are squat toilets?
This especially true at highway rest stops, public toilets in rural places and not so rural places. For example, at the cathedral at the top of Vezelay, France there are squat toilets. For another example, highway rest stops in Switzerland between Zurich and Locarno have squat toilets.
Is squats still a toilet?
Lynnb48 back to your original point......................I agree, there has been a noticeable 'improvement of facilities'. Squats are still toilets, even if it's not what you are used to, it is the maintenance and cleanliness that counts.
Is toilet water good?
Toilets are excellent and so is the water.
Did cafes have toilets?
Toilets in cafes were often still downstairs but now they were clean and with basins and hand-driers, lots with automatic taps and even automatic flushes.
Is French Food Safari on SBS?
By the way lynn48. French Food Safari is now on SBS on Thursday nights. And the July, French issue of Gourmet Traveller is now in the shops. Some lovely food and stories for those of us who need a French hit now and then between trips to France. Roll on 2012!
Is porcelain toilet seat hygenic?
There were still some toilets with no seats but the porcelain is actually more hygenic than plastic. It was obvious from the shape of some that they were manufactured to be without seats.
What is a European toilet?
The vast majority of European toilets are similar to our own. But in a few out-of-the-way places, you might find one that consists simply of porcelain footprints and a squat-and-aim hole. If faced with a squat toilet, remember: Those of us who need a throne to sit on are in the minority. Throughout the world, most humans sit on their haunches and nothing more. Sometimes called "Turkish toilets," these are more commonly found in, well, Turkey.
Where are Turkish toilets found?
Sometimes called "Turkish toilets," these are more commonly found in, well, Turkey. Getting comfortable in foreign restrooms takes a little adjusting, but that's travel. When in Rome, do as the Romans do — and before you know it, you'll be Euro-peein'.
Where are coin op toilets?
Coin-op Toilets on the Street. Some large cities, such as Paris, London, and Amsterdam, are dotted with coin-operated, telephone-booth-type WCs on street corners. Insert a coin, the door opens, and you have 15 minutes of toilet use accompanied by Sinatra Muzak. When you leave, the entire chamber disinfects itself.
How much do you tip at a toilet?
Most common is the tip dish by the entry — the local equivalent of about 50 cents is plenty. Caution: Many attendants leave only bills and too-big coins in the tray to bewilder the full-bladdered tourist. The keepers of Europe's public toilets have earned a reputation for crabbiness. You'd be crabby, too, if you lived under the street in a room full of public toilets. Humor them, understand them, and carry some change so you can leave them a coin or two.
How to find a restroom?
No restaurateur would label his WC so those on the street can see, but you can walk into nearly any restaurant or café, politely and confidently, and find a bathroom. Assume it's somewhere in the back, either upstairs or downstairs. It's easiest in large places that have outdoor seating — waiters will think you're a customer just making a quick trip inside. Some call it rude; I call it survival. If you feel like it, ask permission. Just smile, "Toilet?" I'm rarely turned down. American-type fast-food places are very common and usually have a decent and fairly accessible "public" restroom. Timid people buy a drink they don't want in order to use the bathroom, but that's generally unnecessary (although sometimes the secret bathroom door code is printed only on your receipt).
Is it worth paying for a public toilet?
Paying to use a public WC is a European custom that irks some Americans. But isn't it really worth a few coins, considering the cost of water, maintenance, and cleanliness? And you're probably in no state to argue, anyway. Coin-operated toilets are the norm at highway rest areas, train stations, and even at some sights. (Many coin-op WCs have self-cleaning toilet seats; stick around after you're done to watch the show.)
Is it traumatic to travel to a foreign toilet?
Foreign toilets can be traumatic, even in Europe, but they are one of those little things that can make travel so much more interesting than staying at home — every world traveler has one or two great toilet stories that give "going local" a very real meaning.
Where are coin operated toilets?
Specifically, in Paris, the capital city, there are coin operated toilet stalls all over the city. These are pretty simple to operate: you put in a coin or two, usually amounting to a Euro or less, and then you are granted access to the small stall on the inside where you can take care of your business.
Where is the pay toilet?
Another location on the West Coast of the United States that is still experimenting with the idea of the pay public toilet is Portland, Oregon. The city has spent some money in recent years to revive the concept as a European style public restroom that people pay to get into. The idea was met with mixed reviews, and may be discontinued. People in the U.S. are just not used to the idea of having to pay to use the restroom. However, the idea of the use of pay toilets and restrooms in the U.S. is growing in popularity among eco-friendly cities across the country.
How much does a pay toilet cost in Singapore?
The people of Singapore would like to do away with the pay washrooms of their country, but that is not likely to happen anytime soon. The cost? About 10-20 cents (in local currency). Usually this is paid to an attendant, but in some places there are now turnstiles that let you into the washroom. Not unlike just about every other off the street option for a public toilet, the pay toilets in Singapore are generally just a standard public restroom that you need to pay to keep up the maintenance on. A cheap way to make sure the restroom you use is enjoyable to use.
Where are the public toilets in Turkey?
The turnstile operated public toilets of Turkey are most common in places like bus stations and some underground shopping centers. The cost is about a lire or less, which is not much to have access to the restroom, especially if you are out on the bus and really need a break. The folks in Turkey keep their public toilets quite clean, considering their use, so you know your money is being well spent and put to good use to help make going to the bathroom an enjoyable experience for everyone. A mix of West and East in Turkey makes for an interesting public pay toilet system.
Do you have to pay for a toilet in Singapore?
Not unlike just about every other off the street option for a public toilet, the pay toilets in Singapore are generally just a standard public restroom that you need to pay to keep up the maintenance on. A cheap way to make sure the restroom you use is enjoyable to use.
Do pay toilets have attendants?
In Mexico, the pay toilets have a turnstile and often an attendant. You are really paying to get the toilet paper, and maybe a towel for drying your hands, which the attendant will give you once you have paid the small fee in coins to get through the turnstile. It is interesting that here, you actually see the person that your money is going to, as opposed to the faceless box that you enter in some other countries and cities. Mexico may not be revolutionizing the way that pay washrooms are operated, as this concept borrows from several other systems, but they do the job well.
Can you use a public toilet in South Africa?
In South Africa, it is not the public toilets that you will be paying to use. It is not against the law for private businesses to charge people to use their facilities. Which makes sense - if you own the toilet and you are paying for the water and maintenance, you should be able to charge people to use it. So, if you are in South Africa, and you need to use a restroom, look for a free public facility or be prepared to pay for a private one. Actually, the practice of making customers pay for a toilet is catching on around the world.
What are the toilets called in Paris?
Today, nearly all of the vespasiennes or pissoirs are gone, and tourists of both sexes are served by modern, self-cleaning toilets known as sanisettes on boulevards and in parks throughout the city.
What time do toilets open in Paris?
(Toilets in the suburbs usually aren't free, so if you venture outside of Paris, keep a few 20-cent coins on hand for emergencies.) Here are a few more things you should know: Sanisettes are normally open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.
How to tell if a sanisette is occupied?
Check the control panel to see if the sanisette is occupied. If the red light is off or a sign says "Libre," the toilet is ready for action.
How to dry hands after using a WC?
After you've finished your business with the WC, stick your hands into the receptacle below the mirror. The sanisette will squirt your hands with soap and water (assuming that the device is working correctly), and a few seconds later a hot-air blower will dry your hands.
What happens when you step inside a sanisette?
When you step inside, a sensor in the floor causes the door to close and lock. You do your business, then open the door and exit. The door closes again, the toilet is automatically cleaned and disinfected by a motorized mechanism, and a green light signals that the lavatory is ready for the next user. In the past, sanisettes were pay toilets, but ...
What is a sanisette?
Sanisettes are complex, high-tech devices, and you may encounter one that's out of order. If that happens, look for another one, or head for the nearest café. Sanisettes are clean, but they can come with surprises, such as the dead mouse that we saw crushed under a sanisette's door near the Bastille.
How many lavatories are there in Paris?
In addition to sanisettes, the city of Paris has two dozen public lavatories that are open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. The lavatories have attendants and are mostly located near major public buildings and tourist attractions.
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1- Don’T Ask For The Bathroom in French to Avoid An Embarrassing Mistake!
2 – Using The Toilet in A French Café
- If you are visiting France and need to use the restroom, the easiest thing to do is to step in a coffee shop. Just ask: “est-ce que je peux utiliser vos toilettes s’il vous plaît” (may I use your restroom) with a smile, and it should be no problem. If it’s a big and busyParisian café, just get in and open your eyes for a staircase – toilets are oft...
3 – Asking to Use The Restroom in A Restaurant in France
- If you are with company in a restaurant in France and need to use the bathroom, first excuse yourself from the table. Just say to the people with you “Veuillez m’excusez” (more formal), or just “Excusez-moi.” Then get up (you don’t need to say where you are going) and go towards an employee, and ask: “Où sont les toilettes s’il vous plaît”. Easy enough.
4 – Asking For The Toilet in A French House
- If you get invited to someone’s house, it’s a bit more complicated. In the best-case scenario, the hostess will volunteer the info when she takes your coat or accompanies you to the living room. She’ll say something like: “Les toilettes sont à gauche” (“The rest room is on the left”) and you should memorize the door. If she doesn’t, then wait for her to get up, follow her (but not into the …
5 – Using The Public Restroom in France – Watch Out!!!
- In major cities, you’ll also have what is called “une sanisette”, an automated public restroom (featured on the main picture of this article). You need to pay to get in. It’s usually relatively clean. The instructions are easy enough, it’s not rocket science. However, one word of caution: these toilets “self clean” – meaning the entire room will get cleaned automatically after you exit and lo…
6 – What About “Les Urinoirs” in France?
- Urinals are extremely common in public toilets in France (as in a highway rest area, a restaurant, a movie theater…). And not discreet at all. French womenand kids often have to walk in front of a row of urinals to access the stalls. Or the sinks… How charming.
7 – What Is “Une Dame Pipi”?
- “Une dame pipi” is a very old but still used name for a bathroom attendant. There is another term ” un /une employé(e) sanitaire” but really, nobody uses it. I’ve even asked a “dame pipi” to check, and she said she called herself “une dame pipi”. They are still quite numerous in France, believe it or not. If there is one, you need to leave a tip – sometimes a certain sum is mandatory (such as i…
8 – What Are These Buttons on The Top of A French Loo ?
- The French toilets are now equipped with 2 buttons: they will control the amount of water flushed. So press the small one when you went number one, the bigger one for “la grosse commission” (French expression to say poop). In old houses however, there still may be a tank flush, with a handle hanging from it – you need to pull on it rather strongly – without breaking it though…
9 – What Is A Bidet ?
- In older houses or elegant hotels (well, now elegant hotels… before very low class hotels…) you had what is called “un bidet”. It’s a very small tub. You sit on it, facing whatever part you want to wash to the water, and can wash your privates (or your feet) quite easily this way. It’s quite practical actually.
10 – No Hand Shower on French Toilets
- Unlike in many countries in the world, French toilets are not equipped with a small hand shower. Nor do we have intelligent Japanese like stalls. I guess the loo is still quite classical in France.