Fer & Vent Climb forecast · Paris
Plan · accessibility

Accessibility at the tower

The Eiffel Tower is partially accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. This page summarises what we have observed on recent visits. For a specific case we strongly recommend calling the SETE visitor services ahead of time — contact information is on their official site.

Wheelchair access

  • Ground level and esplanade — the esplanade around the tower is step-free. There are a few areas of cobbles and uneven stone; most are avoidable with a short detour.
  • First and second floors — accessible via a dedicated lift. The second floor has viewing points, benches, a café, and a boutique, all step-free. We think of this as the main accessible observation level.
  • Summit (third floor, 276 m) — the lift to the summit is small and has an internal step on the way in. In practice it is not usable by most wheelchairs. SETE visitor services can confirm the current situation.

Visitors with reduced mobility (ambulatory)

For visitors who can walk short distances but tire easily on stairs, our practical recommendations are:

  • take the lift to the second floor; it is a short ride and lets you skip the busiest section;
  • sit on the benches on the north and east sides of the second floor — they catch the morning sun and the view is nearly as good as the summit for Paris's inner arrondissements;
  • if you want the summit, go in the first slot of the day; the queue is short and the lift is less crowded, which makes the small space easier.

Visitors with visual impairments

The tower's elevators have audio announcements for each floor. Signage on the platforms is large and high-contrast. Guide dogs are allowed throughout. There is no dedicated tactile model of the tower on the esplanade at the time of writing, but the SETE boutique sells small metal replicas that can serve the same purpose.

Visitors with sensory sensitivity

The tower can be loud in peak hours — tour groups, children, lift mechanisms. The quietest slots are the first morning hour and the last hour before closing. If you are sensitive to high places or to crowds, consider the second floor rather than the summit; it is still 115 metres high and the view is substantial.

The alternative: Tour Montparnasse

If you need a step-free summit experience with a wide view of Paris, the Tour Montparnasse (210 m) has a fully accessible top deck. It also looks out at the Eiffel Tower, which some visitors find more photogenic than looking out from it.

Call before you visit

Accessibility at the Eiffel Tower changes with maintenance works, which happen several times a year. Call ahead on the day of your visit — the SETE site publishes a direct phone number for visitor services. We cannot keep that number on this page because it changes.