Paris on Wheels - with the Eiffel Tower letting us down....

Well, I just spent an incredible few days playing host to family from overseas. My uncle, his helper, and my cousin were here from South Africa and we had a magical few days. The morning spent hovering over maps planning our days with baguettes and coffee surrounding us and the day spent walking/rolling, talking and laughing none stop. We managed to navigate the narrow side walks and stairs with the wheelchair, we conquered all! From Luxembourg gardens to St Germain and St Michel, Le Grande Epicerie to Notre Dame, Pompidou to Rodin, The Orangerie to The Arc de Triomphe, Chez Janou to Le Tambour, and then the finale of Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower.

Every single place was amazing and accomodating. Moving tables and chairs, putting out ramps and rollers, opening doors that did not exist - you name it, our days were smoothe and nothing could stop us. Until, we got to the Eiffel Tower. Every single place we went let all four of us in through the priority line allowing us to enjoy everything together. The Eiffel Tower, nope, they would only let my uncle and his helper through and my cousin and I would have to stand in the HUGE line, making it impossible for us to go up and enjoy it together; for me to point out what is where and to enjoy this last monument together. Nothing we said would make a difference. We were told they are the rules, if we were little kids it would be fine but but because we are adults we must stand in line. If they let us all up they would have to let everyone else with wheelchairs up.. there was NOBODY else in front or behind us. In fact I am sure my uncle was the ONLY wheelchair at the Eiffel Tower.

So, my uncle and my cousin went up, which was great, and his helper and I sat at the bottom. They still made it up but it sure did put a dull cap on the incredible few days in Paris.

Dear Eiffel Tower,

WHAT IF: you simply said only 4 people up instead of 2 adults and 2 children? Really, what is the difference? It is a mission in itself to make it there with a wheelchair so to allow the group up together would be such a lovely and friendly solution.

If you want any tips of where to go and how to navigate with a wheelchair, just ask. We had a magical magical time.

Pippa