Self-cleaning public toilets have only existed since the eighties but now they belong to Paris urban landscape. These ‘sanisettes’, as they are called, are free toilets in a city of pay toilets. To enter one of those big boxes, you must not be claustrophobic. You also have to be patient: what with out-of order toilets and toilets occupied by homeless people, there is often a line of tourists and Parisians for the remaining toilets. When the person before you leaves the WCs, you still have to wait for the cleaning. Finally, it’s your turn. After this memorable experience, you will be able to tell that you peed in a giant can 😉

Useful link: Where to find self-cleaning public toilets in Paris

Other articles about Paris street furniture on this blog:

• Metro entrances in Paris
  
• Wallace fountains