Paris: Eiffel Tower Access w/ Audioguide and Optional Cruise

Key Points

• Affordable Price: The tour costs $55 per person, including access to the 1st and 2nd floors by elevator, with an option for summit access.
• Flexible Duration: The experience lasts between 2.5 to 5.5 hours, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
• Guided and Self-Guided Options: An audioguide app is included for self-guided narration, while a tour guide is available to provide insights and assistance.
• Spectacular Views: From the second floor, see iconic Paris landmarks like Trocadero and the River Seine; from the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Montmartre, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and more.
• Optional Cruise: You can choose to add a cruise to see the city from the Seine, enhancing your Paris experience.
• Meeting Point and Accessibility: The tour begins at Place de Sydney; note that access to the 3rd floor is restricted for visitors with certain physical conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Eiffel Tower: From the Meeting Point to the First Floors

The tour starts at Place de Sydney, located at the corner of Avenue de Suffren and Rue Jean Rey. The host greets you here and takes you through the security checks before entering the Eiffel Tower. Once inside, you gain entry tickets to the 1st and 2nd floors by elevator.

From the second floor, visitors enjoy sweeping views of Paris, including Trocadero, Ecole, and the River Seine with its bridges. The transparent walkway at this level, perched 187 feet above ground, offers a thrilling perspective of the city below and the sprawling urban landscape. This level allows for plenty of photo opportunities and scenic viewing without the crowds typically found on the ground level.

Ascending to the Summit: What You Can Expect

If the optional summit ticket is selected, an elevator takes you 377 feet up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Here, a 360-degree view unfolds, revealing Paris’s most famous landmarks. You’ll see the Sacré-Cur atop Montmartre, the Invalides, and the Montparnasse Tower, along with the Arc de Triomphe.

From the summit, at 905 feet above ground, the sights include the Louvre, Orsay Museum, and the Grande Arche de la Défense. The panoramic vistas are especially impressive during clear days, allowing for memorable photos and a true sense of Paris’s scale.

The Audioguide: An Informative Companion

The included downloadable audioguide app offers rich narration about the Eiffel Tower’s history and architecture. This self-guided component enables visitors to explore at their own pace and enjoy detailed stories about the tower’s design and significance.

In some cases, the guide may be complemented by a tour guide who explains the tower’s history and shares interesting anecdotes. Multiple languages are available, including English, French, Spanish, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian.

Skip the Lines and Enjoy Efficient Access

One of the major advantages of this tour is skipping the long lines for tickets and security, thanks to pre-booked access. However, travelers should be prepared for potential waiting times at security and elevators, especially during busy periods. Those with summit tickets might experience additional lines on the second floor before reaching the top elevators.

The tour’s structure allows guests to avoid the typical hassle of waiting in queues, providing more time to enjoy the views and the experience itself.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Optional Cruise: Seeing Paris from the Seine

Adding a cruise to this Eiffel Tower experience offers a different perspective of the city’s iconic skyline. While reviews do not specify details about the cruise, it’s included as an option, making it a versatile choice for those wanting a full Parisian adventure.

The cruise provides a relaxing way to see famous bridges, quays, and waterfront landmarks, complementing the tower visit and offering a complete picture of Paris from the water.

Meeting Point and Transportation Tips

The meeting point at Place de Sydney is accessible via Metro N° 6 at Bir-Hakeim, RER C at Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel, or Bus 82 at the Champ de Mars stop. The tour host or a tour escort will assist with security checks and guide you toward the tower.

Travelers are advised to bring headphones and a charged smartphone to utilize the audioguide app effectively. Large bags or luggage are not permitted, so plan accordingly.

Practical Information and Visitor Guidance

The tour typically lasts from 2.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on the selected options and crowd levels. Weather conditions can affect access to the summit, with some reviews noting weather-related disruptions or delays.

Visitors with mobility impairments should be aware that access to the 3rd floor is restricted for safety reasons, as it can only be reached by elevator and cannot be evacuated via stairs.

The tour offers small group options, which can enhance the experience by providing more personalized attention and easier navigation through security and elevators.

Evaluating the Tour Value and Limitations

At $55 per person, this tour provides good value, combining entry tickets, audioguide narration, and the option to visit the summit. The flexibility to explore at your own pace, along with the skip-the-line advantage, makes it appealing for visitors seeking a stress-free experience.

However, potential drawbacks include waiting times during busy periods and restrictions for those with certain physical conditions. The meeting point’s obscure location and the long security lines might pose logistical challenges, so arriving early is recommended.

Final Thoughts on the Eiffel Tower Access Tour

This tour offers a practical, cost-effective way to access the Eiffel Tower’s most iconic levels with guided support and self-guided narration. The views from the second floor and summit are highlights, especially for fans of panoramic cityscapes.

Ideal for travelers who value skip-the-line access, flexibility in timing, and the option to include a river cruise, this experience suits those looking for a comprehensive yet manageable Eiffel Tower visit. While not suitable for visitors with mobility impairments, it caters well to most others seeking a memorable Parisian moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the summit access guaranteed with this tour?
You can choose to add a summit ticket when booking, which grants elevator access to the top. Without this option, visitors only access the first and second floors.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts from 2.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on options selected, crowd levels, and waiting times.

What is included in the ticket?
The ticket includes entry to the 1st and 2nd floors by elevator, an audioguide app, and the option for summit access. The cruise is included if selected.

Are there any physical restrictions for visitors?
Yes, access to the 3rd floor is restricted for visitors with certain physical conditions or mobility impairments for safety reasons.

Can I do the tour without a guide?
Yes, the audioguide app allows for a self-guided experience at your own pace.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to the meeting point is not included; visitors should plan to arrive at Place de Sydney via public transit.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby