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Eiffel Tower summit visit with a cane

No, I'm not planning to climb to the summit using my cane. But, we are considering taking the elevator during our stay in May. I use a cane when walking, and see this warning on the official Eiffel Tower web site:

"You have selected one or more ticket(s) for the Summit. THE EIFFEL TOWER INFORMS YOU :
For safety measures, individuals with reduced mobility (individuals in wheel chairs, but also persons possessing difficulties in movement, use of canes) may not visit the Summit."

Interesting, because if you indicate that you are buying a "handicapped ticket", they will sell you one, but then give the same warning.

Does anyone know if restriction is enforced? If not, would the visitor area at the summit be a problem for me with my cane?

Thanks

Posted by
7977 posts

I have no idea if that is enforced or if they allow someone who only needs a cane to get a cheaper ticket as 'handicapped'. I don't see any reason why a relatively mobile person who uses a cane would have any problem getting to and enjoying the summit. So you certainly CAN visit with a cane -- don't know if you MAY. I would be very surprised if anyone stopped you.

Posted by
152 posts

It didn't occur to me that one could use a cane as a prop to get handicap privileges and discount prices. Duh. I'm guessing that when the Eiffel Tower sells handicapped summit tickets, at a discount, they are accommodating individuals with issues other than mobility, like hearing or vision, because the mobility challenged "may not visit the summit".

So, who knows. Although it would be cool to get to the top, from what I'm reading, it may not be worth the time investment or hassle of queing.

Posted by
5697 posts

As I recall, there was one flight of stairs up to the summit. Obviously not accessible to wheelchairs, but if you can manage the stairs (yes, there is a handrail) you should be good to go.
And, as others have noted, the top level accessible by elevator is very good.

Posted by
7977 posts

There are no stairs involved in going to the summit of the Eiffel Tower. The elevator deposits you at the top. (unless I have totally misremembered this - we were there a couple of years ago)

Posted by
1117 posts

No stairs is my recollection as well. I did walk up to the 2nd level before taking an elevator from there to the top, so maybe I missed something. Are there stairs up to the first elevator level?

Posted by
152 posts

Thank you for your replies. I'll need to think about how "the summit" might fit into our schedule. I could manage a flight of stairs without the cane, with a handrail. It's just that I would have trouble managing several hours worth of being a tourist, queing, seeing the sights, etc., without the cane.
I wouldn't like to buy the "summit" ticket, plan to spend the time, only to be denied access. I suppose I could try calling the Eiffel Tower, and see how rigid they are with prohibiting those with mobility issues. Maybe it's it's a liability issue, and they just need to publish the statement to get off the hook.

Posted by
12 posts

I was there about two months ago. The elevator takes you to a level (floor) below the outside summit. (There are a number of tourist shops on this level). You will need to climb a set of stairs to reach the summit. If you can climb the stairs with the use of a handrail you should be fine. I do not remember if the summit level or the stairs are the type of open iron mesh that a cane tip might go through. Nonetheless, theoretically you do not "need to use the cane" to move up to the summit level (even though it may be helpful to have will waiting in line.

Posted by
7977 posts

Interesting. I was there a couple of years ago and remember no level below the top with shops etc except for of course levels and 1 and 2 where that is so. I don't remember extra stairs at the top at all. I will be going with my grandchild in April and will specifically check this out. Sometimes when stairs are not a concern, it is possible to overlook that they were there.

Posted by
152 posts

Thanks for the two recent replies. If there is a bag storage area near the elevators, I think I could put my collapsible cane in the bag, before getting in the queue for the elevators. With a handrail on the final ascent stairway, it would not be a problem for me. It could all be much ado about a non-issue, or a waste of precious brain energy trying to figure it all out.

I'm thinking about ordering our tickets, but find that they only process orders two months in advance of your date. Since we won't be there until May 19 or 20, I still have a few weeks to decide how to proceed.

Posted by
7977 posts

There is no bag storage at the Eiffel Tower and you cannot carry large bags there. If I were you I would just buy a regular ticket and show up and get in line for the top with your cane unobtrusively -- if you don't seem seriously mobility impaired I would be very surprised if anyone had any interest in stopping you.

Posted by
152 posts

There is no bag storage at the Eiffel Tower and you cannot carry large bags there. If I were you I would just buy a regular ticket and show up and get in line for the top with your cane unobtrusively -- if you don't seem seriously mobility impaired I would be very surprised if anyone had any interest in stopping you.

You are probably correct about carrying the cane in an unobtrusive way. I'll just have to decide how important it is to try for a summit attempt. Either way, we'll make the best of our time. Thanks for your insights and comments.

Posted by
7977 posts

I think you are worrying about it too much. You won't have a handicapped ticket; you will be like everyone else (I assume you don't have EU paperwork that declares you disabled). Write back and let us know how it went, but this is one where you just act rather than ask a lot of questions. It is easy to say no if you ask -- but no one is likely to rush up and pull you out of line if you are just using a cane to get around. (but let us know since there will be others with the same question in future)