A French resident has amplified warnings for female travelers to avoid visiting the Eiffel Tower alone at night, following an account from an Australian tourist who alleges she narrowly escaped a potential trafficking or abduction attempt in Paris. The incident, detailed by Perth personal trainer Djanaya, has resonated with others who have shared similar concerns about safety in the French capital.
Djanaya, who was in Paris for her 30th birthday, described being approached by a stranger near the Eiffel Tower who invited her to a party. After politely declining and stating she had a friend waiting, she claims a group began to follow her, leading her to believe she was the target of an abduction attempt. She reported that the individuals photographed her against her will and followed her onto the Paris Metro, attempting to block her exit from a train.
Marina Polta, who resided in France for eight months, brought Djanaya's story to wider attention, emphasizing the perceived dangers around the Eiffel Tower at night. "The Eiffel Tower is one of the worst things you can do in the evening as a girl," Polta stated in a social media post that gained significant attention.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travelers to "exercise a high degree of caution" in France, noting that serious crimes, including violent robberies, muggings, and sexual assaults, can occur, particularly in major cities and around tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower. The department also warns that kidnapping can happen anywhere.
Djanaya reported seeking assistance from the Australian Embassy after the incident and subsequently left France. She expressed dismay at receiving what she described as "nasty" remarks from some individuals online who accused her of fabricating her experience.
Polta, in turn, criticized those who dismissed Djanaya's account, stating that the backlash was more disturbing than the initial incident. "People, what the f**k is wrong with you? Oh, it's so scary to be a woman because we're getting accused of everything," she said, also condemning victim-blaming.
Numerous individuals, including some identifying as French locals, have commented on Polta's video, corroborating the sentiment that the Eiffel Tower area can be unsafe for women at night. Many shared their own experiences of being followed or feeling unsafe in Paris, with some advising tourists to dress inconspicuously and avoid typical tourist activities, and to remain highly aware of their surroundings.
Another woman recounted being followed by a stranger in Paris until she confronted him. She sought refuge in a bar before taking an Uber, only to later see the same individual loitering outside her hotel, which she found frightening.
Djanaya stated that the experience has made her more cautious and less inclined to travel alone in Europe in the future.