The Research Library (Haut-de-Jardin level) is open to all 16 years and up.
In each reading room, two seats are reserved for persons with reduced mobility and accompanying persons.
In the reading rooms of the Research Library (Rez-de-jardin level), at the François-Mitterand site, a certain number of seats are reserved for persons with reduced mobility.
When booking online, please select a ‘Reduced mobility’ seat.
If necessary, documents from closed stacks can be taken to the reader by a staff member.
In rooms M and U, visually impaired people can reserve specific booths fitted out with an equipement adapted to their needs (Cabines déficience visuelle).
Visyally impaired users can download on their smartphone the application AudioSpot to be guided IN FRENCH ONLY to and inside the François-Mitterrand site.
The applicarion is based on geolocation, permitting to visuallly impaired uses to move around independently inside the library, but also to access to the building from metro station 14 and RER station C.
installation und utilization guide for the audioSpot application [in French]
Line 89
Bus stops:
Line 62
Bus stops:
Line 64
Bus stops:
Line 132
Bus stop:
Line 325
Bus stops:
Line 6: West entrance (escalators, stairs and lift).
Line 14 (easily accessible for users with disabilities): East entrance (escalators, stairs and lift). If the lift is out of order, you are invited to use the RER C exit.
RER C line: East entrance (escalator to reach Line 14)
Some stairs encircle the library on three of its sides. They lead to the horizontal platform – the esplanade – where you will find the East and West entrances.
The stairs slowly decline along the rue Raymond Aron and the rue Emile Durkheim. In both streets, the gradient is 5%. Direct access is possible via the Avenue de France.
You will find some lifts near the East and West entrances. These lifts provide direct access to the entrance halls:East hall and West hall (hall des Globes).
Please note
When the weather is wet and rainy, you are invited to follow the anti-slip path on the platform or along the stairs. At François-Mitterrand site, the platform is currently fit out to offer a safe and waymarked path to the East entrance hall.A public car park is accesible on rue Émile Durkheim.
Upon presenting a justificatory document, a mobility impaired person can use the staff car park (entrance from Quai François Mauriac, 1.90 maximum height) which lifts provide direct access to the halls. He/she will be greeted in the car park.
Due to safety measures taken in the framework of Vigipirate Plan, it is imperative to call the 00 33 (1) 53 79 37 37 or send an email at accueil.handicap@bnf.fr mentioning the name and surname of persons present in the vehicule, the vehicule identification number, the day and reason of your visit and the arrival and departure hours. This must be made at least two days before your visit.
Entrance to the car park is possible
Guide dogs are allowed in the building.
Wheelchairs are available on request in the cloakrooms. An identity paper must be temporarily left in the cloakrooms.
Assistance can be provided to visitors from the outside to the reading rooms, exhibition areas or auditoriums. This service has been particularly conceived to answer visitors’ requests and help them make the best use of the library.
It is available during the opening hours of the library at François-Mitterrand site. If you plan to come during week-ends, please prepare your visit and call us several days in advance.
Access to reading rooms and exhibitions is free for the disabled person and the person accompanying him/her on presentation of ID.
Disabled people and pregnant women benefit from priority access.
The Public Library of the François-Mitterrand site is aaccessible to all age 16 and up
The Researche Library ( François-Mitterrand site, Richelieu site, Arsenal Library, Opera Library-Museum) is open to all age 18 and up upon justification of academic, professional or personnal research. Inscriptions of disabled people aret treated with priority and particular attention.
In the reading rooms of the Research Library (Rez-de-jardin level), at the François-Mitterand site, a certain number of seats are reserved for persons with reduced mobility.
When booking online, please select a ‘Reduced mobility’ seat.
to know more about the guided visits of our exhibitons [in FrEnch]
Due to renovation work at Richelieu site, the building is not easily accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Practical information for the Richelieu Site
Téléphone : 01 53 79 37 37 du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 17h, ou par courriel à
