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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 14:23:58 GMT
In 1980, the very first "sanisette" appeared on the streets of Paris. These are automatic, self-cleaning public toilets, but strangely enough, numerous visitors to the city are afraid to enter one, even though they have been free for more than two years, just in case it was a matter of principle. Right now, all of the old models are being replaced by the new models. Not only are they handicapped accessible, but they are also built in a style to match the Vélib posts and automats as well as the new advertising signs. So here is one of the new models. They include a water button on the back for filling plastic bottles or a personal cup. The French have never gotten the hang of drinking directly from a water spout. There is also a large neighborhood map on the side. Here is the door to get in. It rolls aside like in spaceships. Remember your last trip in a spaceship? Don't forget to read the instructions and rules! Time to go inside. I think they are positively luxurious. There is a big mirror for the ladies, and very pleasant natural light during the day. And yes, they are heated in the winter. How do you get out of this place? Ah, that was a relief. Time to hit the streets again and take more photos.
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Post by bixaorellana on Aug 23, 2009 17:16:28 GMT
It's spotless! (I hope you aimed.)
I think people might avoid them because they've been so horrified by porta-potties in the past. This is hygenic luxury, though.
How does the hand basin work? The very idea of being able to wash ones hands sets it light years apart from the a porta-potty.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 17:21:29 GMT
They work with the sensor that makes the water flow automatically as you approach your hands.
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Post by lola on Aug 23, 2009 18:02:48 GMT
It's nice when a city acknowleges basics like that. Beautifully done, Paris.
In Chicago last weekend, my husband went out near midnight to move our car and save a few bucks on parking. He came back saying he'd stopped at a 7-11 quick mart and overheard a woman begging in vain to use the bathroom, saying she'd tried three places already. Bob told her to come try our hotel lobby, and failing that he'd have had her and her boyfriend come use ours. The girls and I would have been startled at that last resort, but I think it was sweet of him.
We were near the lakefront parks and the Loop, so there should have been public options, but probably nothing that late.
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Post by lola on Aug 23, 2009 19:19:13 GMT
I love the way it cleans itself after every use.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 19:19:56 GMT
Yes, I have been to the lovely Madeleine metro WC, a major tourist attraction.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2009 22:43:56 GMT
Great pics! Like Jazz, I'm wondering at passerby's reaction at you carefully taking photo of a toilet That's just the kind of thing that attracts me too ;D Is it always that clean though? Do the cleaners run on a timetable to keep it that spotless?
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Post by lagatta on Aug 23, 2009 23:29:58 GMT
Since these sanisettes are disabled-accessible (and wonderfully comfy - a parent could help his or her child in them) they take up quite a bit more room than the original model - which I remember back in the 1980s. Is the larger size a problem in terms of where they can be installed?
Beforehand, they were never very expensive but it was annoying that they required an odd combination of exact change. It is so wonderful to be able to relieve oneself, and it annoys me greatly when a café won't let me use their WC. This happened to me last on a very cold day here in Montréal - I had been walking a long way in the cold and rilly rilly had to pee!
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Post by imec on Aug 24, 2009 1:50:17 GMT
We could never find one which actually dispensed any drinking water
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2009 5:05:27 GMT
Is it always that clean though? Do the cleaners run on a timetable to keep it that spotless? There are no cleaners; they are completely automatic. Things tip up and get brushed and disinfected in secret places.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2009 15:23:37 GMT
Arr...yes ofcourse. I've used those kind before, but it wasn't as interesting looking as the ones in your pics.
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Post by traveler63 on Aug 24, 2009 23:24:57 GMT
Very timely K2 - They really look nice and I am glad to see that Paris is doing this and they look so clean.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2009 10:52:39 GMT
You would not believe the number of people that I see taking pictures of this particular sanisette, which is in a main tourist area. They photograph it, they pose in front of it, they pose in the open door with a thumbs up sign, they pose holding their belly... They need to make postcards of this thing!
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Post by patricklondon on Sept 4, 2009 9:59:28 GMT
This is one of the things that takes a bit of getting used to: the interior is always a bit damp from the washing, and the floor (on the earlier models at least) definitely feels as though it's floating. But don't be alarmed, it's not going to do a Laurel and Hardy on you....
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Post by nic on Sept 7, 2009 5:22:20 GMT
Oddly enough, it looks almost exactly like the ones throughout San Francisco. They used to cost a buck, but are now free for the public.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2009 5:35:35 GMT
They're all made by the same company -- JC Decaux.
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Post by fumobici on Sept 7, 2009 15:46:35 GMT
Seattle bought some too. Crazy expensive, but maybe a rational investment still.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2009 16:55:00 GMT
Why would anybody buy them? JC Decaux installs them free and maintains them in France in exchange for an advertising contract.
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Post by nic on Sept 7, 2009 22:06:33 GMT
Good question. Though, I don't think the ones in SF actually have any advertising on them; the city map is all you get. I'll take some pictures next time I go over.
Interesting, though. I wondered if there was some sort of connection between the two -- they were too close in design to not be associated.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2009 5:21:00 GMT
JC Decaux gets a contract for a number of advertising spaces in the city -- bus stops, free standing signs, billboards along the expressway, etc. -- and in exchange for that they provide all of the 'urban equipment' on the street -- bus stops, directional signs, area maps, toilets, and of course now the bicycle programs. Not only do they provide it, but they are in charge of maintaining all of it and keeping it clean.
Advertising must bring in a shitload of money!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2009 11:01:50 GMT
Returning from lunch today, I saw that the sanisette was waiting invitingly in its usual location just as a call of nature made itself felt, so I decided to use it rather than photographing it this time. In any case, it is much more spacious -- and probably cleaner -- than the restroom at the office. I pushed the button, and the large curved door retracted, just like on the U.S.S. Enterprise. In I went.
Lessons learned the hard way of course made me verify that toilet paper was available in sufficient quantity, and I was soon settled in quite comfortably. Then I started thinking about various possibilities, once it was too late. What if the button on the outside turned green again and somebody pushed it? Would I be put on full display at the worst possible moment? I told myself that the electronics were sophisticated enough for that not to happen. After all, wasn't the cold vacuum of space outside? But what if a desperate person started clawing at the door? We all know how desperation can give a person superhuman strength. Could I resist an unexpected opening by holding on to the emergency handle on the inside without my nether regions leaving their refuge? I was starting to regret how spacious the place was...
The only solution was to finish up as quickly as possible, which I did without incident. Fully clothed, I pushed on the 'big flush' button, but I was immediately challenged by the robot commander woman. She said "you have chosen a standard flush, but you may reconsider and select the smaller flush if you wish." Since I did not feel her laser pistol pressing into the small of my back, I decided to maintain my choice, so she continued "the flushing will begin once you have opened the door to leave." Didn't she know that a lot of us prefer to see the stuff flushed away before we leave?
She did not accept any bargaining, and her threats continued when I opened the door. "You have 5 seconds to leave this facility before the cleaning process begins." Since I didn't want to risk my life, I got the hell out of there.
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 5, 2009 14:10:38 GMT
My lawyer will be contacting you.
Your very upsetting story has triggered crippling constipation in my sensitive constitution.
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Post by mockchoc on Mar 21, 2010 8:56:41 GMT
That was hillarious! I am however too scared to enter one incase I don't know how to get out.
Give me a French lesson s'il vous plait?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2010 11:41:32 GMT
Pictograms! As you can see in photo #7 there are the same symbols as for operating the doors in lifts. (I have seen numerous people enter these things and stand there wondering why the door is not closing -- because they have not pushed the button.)
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Post by mockchoc on Mar 22, 2010 5:50:53 GMT
I can manage that then. At least now the hedges will be safe. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2010 11:54:02 GMT
I can now confirm that the heating is totally adequate on a frigid day.
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Post by tod2 on Nov 25, 2010 15:15:40 GMT
Brass monkey's is it Kerouac? ;D
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Post by Jazz on Oct 24, 2011 15:14:44 GMT
Just arrived home from 3 weeks in Paris. My first visit to one of these luxury public washrooms was my last day in Paris. Wonderful! This is a significent note for all travellers who may be like me and often need a 'break'...it gets expensive having endless cups of coffee, a glass of wine etc. They are great! They are very spacious and immaculate. More so than 75% of the washrooms I visited in Paris, certainly roomier and not up or down a flight of stairs. Once you get over the fear that the door will open and you will be exposed. The oval mirrors are about 3 feet high! hmm, noted the empty winebottle beside the toilet. As my friend pointed out, it is also often used for 'brief romance". When you leave the cleaning cycle goes into action, including washing the floor! ***highly recommend. (will save much money)
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Post by lagatta on Oct 24, 2011 23:29:24 GMT
That would be a VERY brief romance. Une p'tite vite! I'll leave that to younger people...
Is there a MAP of them? I often need a break, and have a mental map of public facilities here where one is not asked to have a coffee or glass of wine - both of those are diuretic, so a bit self-defeating.
Jazz, someone else I know, also a longterm Toronto resident and now practically a neighbour of mine in la Petite-Italie, Montréal, has also just returned from 2 weeks in Paris!!!!
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