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This app allows you to use the restrooms for free in Paris

undefined undefined 27 février 2025 undefined 09h30

The Editor

© Stoniko / Shutterstoke

Launched this summer during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the ICI Toilettes app is quite revolutionary. And for good reason, it lists all the free toilets in Paris, including those at shops and restaurants for anyone who really dislikes public restrooms. However, it could very well disappear soon.

We all know that when nature calls while strolling the streets of Paris, and you’re still 30 minutes on foot from your destination, finding a place to relieve yourself can turn into a real-life escape game, especially if you’re not capable of peeing standing up. Thankfully, for those extreme situations, there’s ICI Toilettes, a truly revolutionary app that helps you find an appropriate spot among the more than 25,000 restrooms registered all over France!


A successful app…

Launched in 2022, ICI Toilettes maps out throughout France the public restrooms with free access for users. This includes restrooms available in public spaces, as well as those accessible in shops or restaurants. It’s a concept that has proven its worth!

It quickly reached over 100,000 downloads and 250,000 connections.

However, despite the clear interest in such a device, we must wait until 2024 and the Olympics in the capital for the concept to finally be extended to the streets of Paris. And even if the app might only be in operation temporarily, until December 15, 2024, its undeniable success has led to the extension of the adventure, as 60% of restaurants and businesses participating in ICI Toilettes have agreed to continue being listed on a voluntary basis. Yet today, its future is not guaranteed.


... still threatened

Indeed, while the benefits of the app, in terms of hygiene, convenience, and public health are recognized by everyone, it's important to note that holding it in for too long can present issues.

The dangers long established, ICI Toilettes is threatened with closure due to lack of support and funding, mainly from the city of Paris. And while the founder of the app, Thomas Herquin, hopes for a response from the district municipalities, its future is still a mystery.

For now, however, the Parisian merchants who have joined the project continue to defend it, highlighting some clear benefits. Because, not only do they normally cover €100 per month for partner venues (a compensation that doesn’t currently exist in Paris), but ICI Toilettes also provides hygienic products for free. This initiative is widely praised by both the owners and the users!