Caesars' Trip to Paris on Eurostar
13th April 2005
Caesar outside The Louvre with Eiffel Tower in the distance |
The Background
Eurostar is the high speed rail service from London to Paris and other European cities, via The Channel Tunnel.
Initially, no dogs were allowed on the Eurostar service, because of the restrictions upon animals entering the United Kingdom. However, with the advent of Pet Passports more and more assistance dog partnerships are able to travel further afield together, rather than the dog having to remain at home and the person with the disability having to make alternative arrangements for their own assistance.
About 18 months ago the Eurostar service became available for Guide Dog partnerships, and after much negotiating by ADUK, other assistance dog partnerships became eligible to travel on the service on 12th April 2005.
Wendy & Caesar had helped, in a small way, with Eurostar staff training on behalf of Dogs for the Disabled, so it was wonderful that they were able to be the first assistance dog partnership to use the service on 13th April 2005.
Of course, it wasn't quite as simple as buying a ticket and setting off; between 24 and 48 hours prior to check-in on the return journey Caesar had to be prepared by a vet under the rules of the Pet Passport Scheme. As the journey was a day trip, Caesar was prepared by his own vet the day before the journey. |
Wendy takes up the story: After setting off very early from home on the south coast, myself, Caesar and our friend Susan arrived at the Eurostar terminal to catch the 09.09 to Paris. Check-in, Passport Control and boarding the train were a breeze, and we were soon on our way. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, glanced through our guide book and map and before long we had passed through The Channel Tunnel, the French countryside and were arriving at Gare du Nord.
We headed for The Eiffel Tower, and were delighted by the spring flowers in The Champs du Mars.
Next was a ride on a Batobus along The Seine and a walk to the Musee d'Orsay.
N.B. Using the Batobus as a wheelchair user is not for the faint hearted ... say no more!
From Musee d'Orsay we headed over the Seine to Jardin des Tuileries where we had a picnic before passing by Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel on our way to The Louvre. A fascinating building where one is challenged to marvel at the site of contemporary glass pyramids nestled in the courtyard of a medieval fortress. By the time we had negotiated entry for Caesar, we had so little time left we were only able to visit the museum shop!
All too soon it was time to catch a taxi and head back to Gare du Nord, for our return journey.
Once again the Eurostar staff were very helpful, and once again we were whisked through check-in, Immigration and onto the train for the journey to London. We enjoyed a super dinner with champagne and by 21.00 we were safely back at Londons' Waterloo Station. Caesars' papers were checked upon arrival and then we were free to continue our journey home.
Without a doubt, this was the best train journey I have ever taken with Caesar, and would not hesitate to travel Eurostar again.
 Many thanks Eurostar, excellent service!
Disclaimer: This page is intended to give an account of our journey only, and if you are considering taking your dog abroad from the U.K. you should seek advice from your Vet and DEFRA regarding the Pet Travel Scheme.
"Paris Sky"
Copyright©2000~2005
k9assistance / WAMMorrell
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