Eiffel Tower Summit Floor Entry & Illuminations Seine Cruise

Authentic Eiffel Tower and Seine River Experience for $150.50

This tour offers a comprehensive Parisian adventure with entry to the Eiffel Tower’s summit and a 1-hour Seine River cruise at night. Priced at $150.50 per person, it is ideal for those seeking stunning city views and a relaxed evening exploring Paris from above and along the water. The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, and it is recommended to book around 30 days in advance to secure your spot.

While the tour provides exclusive access to the summit, it does not include a guided tour at the top or on the cruise, meaning visitors are free to explore independently after elevator access. The self-guided cruise features an audio guide in 14 languages, helping you learn about the sights along the Seine. This tour suits visitors who appreciate flexible sightseeing and enjoy spectacular views at sunset or after dark.

Key Points

• Includes access to the Eiffel Tower summit and a 1-hour Seine cruise at night
• Price of $150.50 per person, with bookings generally made 30 days in advance
• Tour duration of around 3 hours, starting and ending at the Eiffel Tower
• Self-guided experience after elevator access, no full guided tour at the top or on the cruise
• Cruise departs from Port de la Bourdonnais, Pier 3, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
• Suitable for most travelers except those with reduced mobility

Starting at the Eiffel Tower with Exclusive Summit Access

The tour begins directly at the Eiffel Tower’s meeting point on Av. Gustave Eiffel in 75007 Paris. Guests are provided with an Eiffel Tower entry ticket to the summit floor by elevator, which grants access to all three levels, including the famous third-floor observation deck. This is a notable feature, as not all tours include the summit, allowing for breathtaking panoramic views of Paris from above.

Once inside, the elevator ride takes visitors to the top of the Eiffel Tower, where spectacular vistas of the city unfold. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to reach the highest point of this iconic monument, offering a more comprehensive experience compared to standard visits that only include the first or second floors.

Navigating the Tower: From Entry to the Summit

After booking your entry ticket, the process involves host assistance in English up to the second floor, guiding visitors through the initial stages. From there, guests continue independently to the summit via the elevator, allowing for flexible pacing. The tour does not include a guided commentary at the top, so visitors are encouraged to take their time enjoying the expansive views and capturing photos.

Some reviews indicate that the pacing can feel quick because guides are fast-moving, which might pose a challenge for those wanting a more leisurely experience. The elevator access ensures easy mobility for most, although people with reduced mobility are not allowed on the summit floor.

Exploring Iconic Parisian Landmarks from the Tower

From the summit, visitors can spot famous landmarks such as the Louvre Museum and the Pont Neuf bridge. The Louvre’s architecture is particularly notable, while the Pont Neuf stands out as Paris’ oldest bridge with a single arch, symbolizing the French-Russian alliance through its winged sculptures representing Sena and Neva.

While the tour does not include guided commentary on these landmarks, the views from the summit provide a unique perspective of Paris’s architectural gems. The evening light enhances the city’s charm, making this a favorite time to visit.

The Seine River Cruise: An Independent Nighttime Adventure

After ascending the Eiffel Tower, guests head to the cruise departure point at Port de la Bourdonnais, Pier 3, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The 1-hour Seine cruise is operated by Bateaux Parisiens and begins from the bottom of the Eiffel Tower.

The cruise ticket is valid for up to a month, offering flexibility in scheduling. During the cruise, guests enjoy an audio guide in 14 languages, enriching the experience with information about Paris’s most famous landmarks along the waterway. The illuminations of the city at night create a magical atmosphere, with views of Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame, and other iconic sights.

Travelers find the independent cruise to be a relaxing way to see Paris’s illuminated skyline without the need for a guided group. This part of the tour allows for personal pacing, photo-taking, and appreciation of the city’s nighttime ambiance.

Notable Stops and Landmarks Visible from the Tour

Aside from the Eiffel Tower itself, the Louvre Museum‘s impressive architecture is visible from the tower, offering a glimpse of Paris’s historic and artistic heart. The Pont Neuf, with its single arch, is also easily seen, symbolizing French-Russian ties with statues of nymphs of Sena and Neva at each end.

The gothic cathedral of Notre Dame is another prominent landmark that can be admired from the heights of the Eiffel Tower, especially when lit at night. These sights collectively contribute to the spectacular panoramic experience that this tour aims to deliver.

Practical Details: Meeting Points and Accessibility

The tour begins and ends at the Eiffel Tower on Av. Gustave Eiffel. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making access straightforward. The cruise departs from Pier 3, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, simplifying the transition between activities.

Host assistance is provided up to the second floor in English, but the tour is not guided at the top or on the cruise. Groups are limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a manageable size for comfort and safety.

It is important to note that people with reduced mobility are not allowed to access the summit floor, which may impact some visitors. The tour is non-refundable unless force majeure restricts access for over two hours, in which case refunds are proportional to the restricted areas.

Pacing, Timing, and Overall Experience

The total duration of approximately 3 hours includes entry to the Eiffel Tower, time to reach the summit, and the separate cruise. Visitors generally spend around an hour and a half inside the tower, with the remaining time allocated to the Seine cruise.

Although the experience is self-guided at the top and on the water, the views at sunset or after dark make this a romantic and picturesque choice for many. Some review comments suggest that guided commentary during the tower visit is limited, which might be a disadvantage for those wanting more detailed narration.

Final Verdict: Balancing Highlights and Limitations

This Eiffel Tower summit and Seine cruise tour offers a solid value for $150.50, combining unmatched city views with a relaxing cruise along the Seine. The access to the summit is a major plus, providing a 360-degree panorama of Paris from its most iconic structure.

However, the lack of a guided tour at the top and independent cruise experience may not suit visitors seeking comprehensive commentary or guided storytelling. The group size cap ensures a comfortable experience, but some reviews highlight pacing issues and confusing instructions.

This tour is especially fitting for those who value flexibility, great vistas, and an evening cruise to see Paris illuminated. It is less ideal for mobility-restricted visitors and those who prefer full guided tours with detailed narrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Eiffel Tower summit included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides entry to the summit floor via elevator, giving access to the highest observation level of the Eiffel Tower.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including time inside the Eiffel Tower and on the Seine cruise.

Can I explore the Eiffel Tower independently after the guided assistance?
Yes, after the host assistance up to the second floor, you can continue independently to the summit via the elevator.

Is there a guided commentary at the top of the Eiffel Tower?
No, the tour does not include guided commentary at the summit; visitors explore at their own pace.

Where does the Seine cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Pier 3, Port de la Bourdonnais, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

How long is the Seine cruise ticket valid?
The cruise ticket is valid for up to a month, allowing flexible scheduling.

Are children or mobility-restricted visitors able to access the summit?
People with reduced mobility are not allowed on the summit floor. The tour is generally suitable for most travelers except those with mobility restrictions.

What is included in the price?
The package covers the Eiffel Tower entry ticket to the summit, host assistance in English, general information about the tower, and the 1-hour Seine cruise with audio guide.

Is the tour guided at all stages?
The tour includes host assistance up to the second floor, but no guided tour at the summit or on the cruise.

What should I know about the booking process?
It is best to book about 30 days in advance; confirmation is received at booking, and most travelers can participate. The tour is non-refundable unless restricted access occurs due to force majeure.