A Paralympic Paris!

Last week I took some time off to join some of the world’s top Disabled athletes in Paris for the four-yearly extravaganza that is the Paralympics. Alongside watching the Para Dressage, we also managed to do a fair bit of touristing in the city, exploring its accessibility at a time of historic significance. Here’s what we did:

Eiffel Tower

I had pre booked entry to the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed a leisurely walk from our hotel in Monteparnasse which was a couple of miles. This gave me a good opportunity to explore Paris’ rollability and in general it was good. Like most European cities Paris has its fair share of cobblestones, but there was plenty of routes around in most cases. The pavements are generally quite wide and it’s relatively flat with the majority of road crossings being dropped or low level kerbs. Most of the crossings did not have buttons to press, which was confusing at first and I’ll admit I’m still not entirely sure how they worked.

Navigation was fairly easy with the Tower itself acting as a landmark and the Seine cutting through the central area of the city.

There’s a dedicated priority entry lane to the space below the Eiffel Tower and we were waved straight through. I decided to use the toilets ahead of joining to queue for the lift and here is where it went a little wonky. There was only one very tiny platform lift taking you down to the incredibly busy and cramped underground toilets. As you can imagine there was quite the queue to use the lift and the space and noise at the bottom made the whole thing quite stressful. I would recommend anyone visiting to find toilets outside the complex!

We then went through the queue to the lifts which was extremely busy and very narrow in places. In this area communication was a little bit poor but we were in the lift holding space in around 10 minutes. The lifts on the Eiffel Tower travel diagonally up the four legs of the Tower, I thought this was rather cool personally but Sacha, who was travelling with me, found the speed and movement of the lift unnerving. The lift takes you just past the halfway point of the tower which offers 360° views of Paris. It was a lovely clear sunny day of our visit so we were fortunate to be able to make the most of it.

After about 45 minutes we caught another lift back down and we were directed around the other side of the lift so that we could board first. Once down there was little to do at the base of the tower so decided to make our way back South towards our hotel, marvelling all the way at the delicious foods on offer in Paris’ many patisseries, delis and boulangeries!

Our plan was to use the Hotel’s pool to relax ahead of another busy day however this was not to be. Despite checking ahead of time, our hotel pool proved itself in accessible and had no steps for entry, only a ladder. This was a shame but it’s important to note that the hotel was very apologetic and offered a discount alongside complimentary breakfast by way of apology which was gratefully received.

Image Description: Me in my wheelchair sitting at the very base of the Eiffel Tower.

Disneyland

I couldn’t possibly go to Paris and be so close to Disneyland without making time to visit. Disneyland Paris is a place of nostalgic joy for me and, despite the torrential rain, it once again proved itself as a uniquely wonderful theme-park experience.

Wheelchair users visiting Disneyland are entitled to a priority pass upon presentation of a form of evidence (I used my Nimbus Access Card). Unlike the old return time system, the priority card gives you direct access to all suitable attractions. My card was a blue card which meant there were only a couple of rides unsuitable for me due to their evacuation procedures.

To truly make the most of Disney you have to visit over a few days, however a day visit is perfectly possible if you prioritise the attractions you are interested in and know your way around the park. We had a lovely day, despite poor weather, and managed all the rides and attractions we were interested in, including watching both the parade and the nighttime spectacular. We were able to use the priority viewing area for this which gave us the most incredible view.

With all the controversy going on with The DAS access pass in the US parks at the moment, it’s nice to know that Disneyland Paris remains to be a safe haven for disabled visitors, with excellent staff training, incredible facilities and a magical atmosphere.

On a sidenote, we used G7 taxis to get around, including visiting the park. In every instance the taxi drivers were professional and the vehicles were properly converted for wheelchair access, including having dedicated tiedowns and seat belts for wheelchair users which were used on every occasion. The taxis were booked on an app and it was easy to track your taxis arrival to the minute. After speaking to a driver, it was clear to me that this service had been improved ahead of the games, I truly hope this is something that stays in place for residents as it offered a great level of flexibility and accessibility, something generally quite rare.

Image Description: A selfie taken on one of the turrets in the Disney castle, I couldn’t believe it was wheelchair accessible!

Paris 2024

The following day we had to get up at the crack of dawn to wander down to Monteparnasse Station and get our shuttle to the games. These struggles had to be pre-booked and cost a grand total of €8 per journey, this offered exceptional value for money. The shuttles were properly kitted out with wheelchair tiedowns, seatbelts and dedicated lifts. The volunteer drivers were friendly and professional.

The para dressage was being held at the palace of Versailles, a truly beautiful setting for sport. The road the shuttles dropped us off on was very cobbled and uneven which made for quite the bumpy ride! We had been warned of the poor food selection available and had visited the boulangerie in the morning to get ourselves some lunch, we were glad we did!

The atmosphere at the venue was truly wonderful. There was good accessibility throughout and my only complaint was the lack of shelter which proved quite challenging as the heat of the day kicked in. Every rider competing did service to the sport of Para Dressage and all the teams presented excellently. It was lovely to spectate a sport I had previously been so involved in, the quality of the horses and strength of the partnerships on show was so pleasing to see.

At the end of the day, the shuttles returned us to Monteparnasse (after a small delay caused by a seating issue). Again the journey was very easy and the volunteers were friendly and efficient and kind.

Image Description: A morning mist sits over the lake with the palace of Versailles in the far distance.

Image Description: A perfect ringside seat for the Para Dressage!

The Louvre

We had a leisurely morning on our last full day in Paris and decided to check out the Latin Quarter and the Louvre. Once again we used G7 Taxis to get us there which was easy and quick.

We didn’t have to queue at all to enter the Louvre and tickets for Disabled visitors and one companion are completely free which is excellent. The interior layout is a little confusing which several lettered lifts through the building. The museum is vast, bigger than I could’ve imagined and you really need a couple of days if you want to see everything. We focused on the typical touristy things, such as the Mona Lisa. There is actually a wheelchair access area so that you do not need to battle the crowds to see the famous painting. The spaces we explored within the museum were all extremely accessible and there were several staff available to direct us when we got lost or stuck at the many staircases.

I would definitely recommend visiting The Louvre to anyone heading to Paris. It’s a really interesting location and set in the beautiful fortress with extensive grounds. It really was a spectacle. We even managed to see the Olympic flame which sat in the centre of the gardens. As a true bonus, wheelchair users have a special front row seat to the Mona Lisa which is pretty cool!

After our visit, we were quite hungry and made our way up the road to find some food. Luckily, we stumbled into Angelina’s, which unbeknownst to us is a tea room famous for its hot chocolate. The food was truly exceptional and the hot chocolate was life-changing! Once again the staff were really lovely, even allowing us to skip to queue outside on enquiry.

Image Description: In my wheelchair sitting just outside the Louvre with the impressive fortress/palace in the background.

Paralympic Legacy

This is the first time I had ever visited a city during a Paralympic games, there was certainly a difference in the way I was accepted and treated as a Disabled visitor which was quite distinct. Whilst this was truly lovely, it saddens me to think that it’s likely that things will revert back once the games are over.

Every four years Disabled people are plunged into the spotlight, and during this period our accessibility challenges are highlighted and positive conversations are heard in the general populace about Disabled people. However, on each occasion the issues raised slowly fade back into obscurity in the months following. Disabled people exist outside of the Paralympic sphere and we face accessibility issues and attitudinal barriers every day. Many of us work tirelessly and contribute just as much to society as our Paralympic counterparts. Whilst I was in Paris, I felt seen and respected but I couldn’t help but feel this was due to the event around me and the media surrounding it. I can only impress the importance of the continuation of the conversation, Disabled people should been seen as productive members of society every year, all year. Our needs, hopes and goals should be respected, regardless of our jobs and status. We should not need to be seen on the Paralympic stage to be recognised.

Overall I had a truly lovely trip and I would certainly be keen to return to Paris in the future. Admittedly I enjoyed the city itself more than I thought I would which was a pleasant surprise and we didn’t do everything. I just hope that when I do return I have an equally good experience, once the Paralympic glitter dust settles.

Image Description: The Paris 2024 billboard on the stands at the games.