One of our group has issues with claustrophobia. Smaller spaces such as enclosed passageways are not the problem. Nor are crowds. Rather it is restriction: The inability to move when enclosed, or when tightly surrounded by people. An example: Climbing the Statue of Liberty was difficult, due to bumper-to bumper people in a very long and narrow stairwell, who often stopped moving on the ascent. Will the Catacombs be a problem? Does climbing any towers such as Notre Dame restrict the ability to move forward or backward on the way? Any other sites to avoid? As long as an enclosed line keeps moving it should not be an issue. I already know they should avoid many EU hotel elevators ;-)
(apologies if this double posts. It did not show earlier, so am trying again).
Posted by
Big D
10 posts
The catacombs were not at all restrictive in terms of crowds; there was always plenty of room among the visitors.
I don't remember feeling crowded (in the sense you describe) at Notre Dame.
I do think I remember feeling crowded in the elevator on the Eiffel Tower for the few minutes we were on it.
Posted by
Ohio
2141 posts
Hi kj, the Catacombs should not be a problem. The passageways are wide and it isn't very crowded once inside (I think they let in 200 people at a time).
Notre Dame might be a problem. The spiral stairs are narrow and very tight. There are people in front of you and behind you and once you've started up, you're committed to continuing.
I haven't done the Sewer tour but I'd imagine that it's not great for someone who is claustrophobic.
The elevators at the Eiffel Tower are tight and crowded but worth it!
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3049 posts
Yep, like others I agree that catacombs should be fine, there's a few smaller passageways where it can get a bit bottlenecky but most of the chambers/paths are quite large and there's room to manuever/wait behind/etc.
Any medieval church tower that's crowded will be a problem though. The narrow spiral staircases with people in front and behind you - I don't relish the sensation either.
Posted by
1172 posts
Add me to the list who thinks that the Catacombs will be fine. Not sure if the Arc de Triomphe is on your list but if it is, that one may be an issue.
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1337 posts
I, too, find the Arc de Triomphe's spiral staircase to be claustrophobic...and at 31 it's embarrassing to see people much older than myself walking up the stairs like a champion and I get to the top and need to be resuscitated.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I am mildly claustrophobic and dreaded the Catacombs , but they were ok .
The stairs up the Towers of Notre Dame are tight narrow and crowded , however your friend can step back on entry and try to be last of group let up ( they let 20 people up at a time ) and at least there will be no one behind her , also bonus she can then go at her own pace .
Notre Dame it self is fine , there is a momentary bottle beck at entrance , and it is crowded inside , but not elbow to elbow , and the aisle around the church is wide so no need to feel crowded as you can step off to side etc .
Arc , solution - have her take the elevator . There is one short stairway still but she likely can manage it easily . The elevator is not promoted as there is only the one for thousands of visitors but anyone with a health or mobility issue may take it ( you don't have to specify it's a " mental" health issue , just say it's a health issue , they don't ask for id or anything to prove need )
The one place she should not go is the Palace itself at Versailles !!!! The masses in there are horrible ! You are literally shoulder to shoulder in some passage ways and no escape !
Posted by
Birmingham AL
346 posts
If you decide the Eiffel Toweer elevators are out yet still want to get that magnificent view, consider taking the elevator to the top of the Montparnasse Tower. The view is just as wonderful, MUCH less crowded, no reservation required, and pretty cheap. Then just picnic on the grass at the base of the ET in the evening to watch the sparkle, and you have the best of the ET, the view, and no claustrophobic situations.
Posted by
898 posts
I'd be a little wary of the catacombs. It's true that it's not crowded with people (live people), but it is a very enclosed space and there's no quick way out if you start feeling uncomfortable. I had a friend who really started to react in there, and she didn't have any previous issues with claustrophobia. And frankly, we felt like that was a sight we could have skipped.