Paris: Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Access

Discover the Eiffel Tower with Guided Access to the 2nd Floor and Optional Summit

The Paris: Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Access tour offers a practical way to see one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. For $49 per person, visitors enjoy access to the 2nd floor by elevator, with the chance to upgrade to summit access and enjoy unparalleled views of Paris from the very top. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a manageable experience that fits into a busy sightseeing schedule.

This tour departs from a conveniently located meeting point in Avenue de la Bourdonnais, near the Eiffel Tower, so there’s no need to go directly to the monument to collect tickets. Instead, guides from Mon Petit Paris meet guests there to provide tickets, explanations, and assistance, helping to avoid long queues and streamline the entry process—especially valuable during high season when wait times can reach up to 25 minutes for security and elevators.

While the core experience focuses on access to the 2nd floor, those who opt for summit access will find breathtaking views from the tower’s highest level. An optional Seine River cruise can also be booked, adding a relaxing water perspective to the city’s sights. The entire experience balances informative narration with free time to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for travelers who want a blend of guided insights and personal discovery.

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Key Points

• Includes guided access to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower via elevator.
• Optional upgrade to visit the summit for the best panoramic views.
• Meet at a nearby souvenir shop for easy ticket exchange, avoiding long lines at the tower.
• Tour duration is about 1.5 to 2 hours, with a flexible pace.
• Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing stories and history about the Eiffel Tower.
• Optional Seine River cruise available for a full Paris experience.

Meet Your Guide at a Convenient Location in Paris

The tour begins at the souvenir shop on 19 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower itself. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure prompt departure. It’s important to note that your voucher is not the ticket; tickets must be exchanged at the meeting point before entry. This system helps keep the process smooth and avoids confusion.

The meeting point is outside the Eiffel Tower, so travelers do not need to navigate through the surrounding crowds to find the ticket booth. Guides from Mon Petit Paris are well-known for their clarity and helpfulness, making the check-in process quick and easy.

Since large bags and baby strollers are not allowed, travelers should pack accordingly. The tour operates rain or shine, and no luggage or non-folding strollers can be brought inside. This makes the experience suitable for most visitors, but those with bulky items should plan to leave them elsewhere.

Climbing the Eiffel Tower’s Second Floor by Elevator

Once the guide leads guests through security, the elevator takes everyone up to the second floor. The views from this level are striking, offering sweeping perspectives of Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Les Invalides. From here, visitors get a great sense of Paris’ layout while learning about the tower’s history and engineering.

The guide’s narration covers interesting facts and stories about the Eiffel Tower, making the ascent both informative and engaging. Stops on the second floor include opportunities to walk on a glass floor—located 200 feet above ground—which adds a thrill for visitors curious about the tower’s structure.

Guests are free to explore the second floor at their own pace. If the summit option is booked, they can ascend at their leisure. The elevator queues for the summit can add up to 20 minutes during busy times, so the flexibility to enjoy the second floor first helps maximize sightseeing time.

Optional Summits and Champagne Bar Experience

The summit access elevates the experience, offering spectacular city views from the highest point of the Eiffel Tower. Visitors who choose this upgrade can enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar, adding a celebratory touch to their visit.

Upgrading to the summit requires waiting in line on the second floor for the elevators—with potential wait times up to 20 minutes during high season. The views from the top are described as breathtaking, with the ability to see Paris’ famous landmarks from a whole new perspective.

For those not interested in the summit, the second floor alone still provides excellent panoramic views and is a popular choice for many due to shorter wait times and easier navigation.

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Walk on the Glass Floor and Explore the First Level

On the way down, visitors are encouraged to stop at the first floor, which features a glass floor that offers a 200-foot-high view down into the tower’s structure. It’s an exciting experience, especially for visitors wanting a bit of thrill and a different perspective of the Eiffel Tower.

The first level also provides additional viewpoints and photo opportunities, making it a great spot to pause and take in the scenery before concluding the tour.

Including a Seine River Cruise for a Complete Paris Experience

For travelers seeking a more comprehensive exploration, an optional Seine River cruise can be added. This cruise offers a relaxing way to see Paris’ bridges and historic sites from the water, complementing the stunning views from the Eiffel Tower.

While this cruise is not included in the base price, it is available as an add-on for those wanting a full day of sightseeing. Combining the tower visit with the cruise provides a well-rounded experience of the city’s landmarks.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

This tour is designed to be easy and efficient, but a few practical tips can enhance the experience. Since waiting times for security and elevators can be up to 25 minutes during peak season, arriving early is recommended. Large bags, non-folding strollers, and glass objects are not permitted inside, so pack accordingly.

It’s worth noting that tours operate rain or shine, so visitors should dress for the weather. Since the ticket collection requires visiting the meeting point, there’s no need to go directly to the Eiffel Tower, saving time and stress.

The tour is conducted in English, with an optional audio guide available, ensuring clear explanations throughout the visit. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing guides to provide personalized attention and answer questions.

Comparing Value and Experience

At $49, this tour offers good value, especially considering the priority access and expert guidance. Many reviews mention the knowledgeable guides and skip-the-line benefits as highlights, with some noting that the experience of the summit can be limited by waiting lines if the upgrade isn’t pre-booked.

The duration of 1.5 to 2 hours makes it suitable for travelers wanting a concise yet enriching experience. While the summit offers the most breathtaking views, the second floor alone remains a compelling destination with excellent vantage points and interactive features like the glass floor.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This guided Eiffel Tower experience is perfect for visitors who value expert insights and priority entry to avoid the long lines. It suits those interested in learning about the tower’s history, seeing key Parisian landmarks from the tower, and adding the summit for an extra special view.

Travelers with limited time or large luggage may find the meeting point more convenient than navigating the tower’s queues directly. The optional Seine cruise is an excellent addition for those keen on experiencing Paris from multiple angles.

Final Thoughts on the Eiffel Tower Guided Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of guided narration and free exploration on the Eiffel Tower. Its affordable price point and convenient meeting arrangement make it a popular choice, especially during busy seasons when line-skipping becomes a major advantage.

The guides’ friendliness and knowledge are consistently praised, ensuring that visitors leave with more than just photos—they gain a deeper appreciation of the tower’s significance. The view from the summit is a highlight, though the second floor itself remains a fantastic vantage point.

This tour suits those who want a guided, hassle-free visit with flexibility to upgrade for the topmost views. It’s well-organized, informative, and offers options to tailor the experience to personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include tickets for the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, the tour includes tickets to the second floor, and if the summit upgrade is selected, tickets for the top are included.

Where do I meet the guide?
The guide meets at the souvenir shop on 19 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, near the Eiffel Tower. It is important to arrive 15 minutes early.

Can I access the summit without booking the upgrade?
No, summit access is optional and requires an additional purchase. Guests with summit tickets can still enjoy the guided experience on the second floor.

Are large bags or strollers allowed?
No, large bags, non-folding strollers, and glass objects are not permitted inside the Eiffel Tower.

Is the tour available in other languages?
The live guide operates in English, with audio guides available as an option.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour runs for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on line wait times and personal pace.

Can I combine this tour with other activities?
Yes, an optional Seine River cruise can be added to enhance your Paris visit.

What happens if the summit is closed?
If the summit is closed for maintenance or safety, the guided tour will proceed as planned with no refunds or discounts.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly for the weather.

What are the main benefits of booking this tour?
Highlights include skip-the-line access, expert guides, flexibility to explore, and viewing the city from the iconic Eiffel Tower.

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