Paris: Eiffel Tower Tour & Seine River Cruise Tour

@Meta description: Explore Paris with this combined tour of the Eiffel Tower’s second floor and summit, plus a scenic Seine River cruise, all for $63 per person in 135 minutes.

Key Points

• Includes access to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor and optional summit by elevator, with expert guides providing insightful commentary.
• Enjoy a 1-hour Seine River cruise with a live guide, offering a different perspective of Paris’s iconic sights.
• Meeting point is outside the Eiffel Tower, at 1 Avenue Elisée Reclus, not directly at the monument itself.
• Tour duration is approximately 135 minutes, with options to upgrade for summit access.
• Good value for money with skip-the-line access and guided commentary, ideal for first-time visitors.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments due to the physical requirements of the tour.

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Discover the Eiffel Tower and Seine River in One Excursion

This Paris tour combines the best of city views and river scenery in a compact 135-minute experience, costing $63 per person. It offers skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower, where a knowledgeable guide takes you through her storied history and helps you enjoy sweeping views from the second floor and the summit if you choose. The Seine River cruise provides close-up sightings of Paris’s famous bridges, Notre Dame, and the Champs Élysées, making it a well-rounded way to see the city’s highlights in a short time.

The tour is well-suited for visitors who want to maximize their time in Paris without long waits, thanks to priority access. While the meeting point isn’t at the Eiffel Tower itself but nearby at 1 Avenue Elisée Reclus, it’s easy to find thanks to the guide holding a City Wonders sign. The tour emphasizes expert narration, with guides sharing stories behind the landmarks, making the experience both informative and engaging.

Meeting Point and Access Details

The meeting point is outside 1 Avenue Elisée Reclus, at the intersection of Avenue Silvestre de Sacy and Avenue Elisée Reclus. A City Wonders representative in blue will await you there. It’s important to arrive on time, as late arrivals cannot be accommodated and refunds are not offered.

Public transportation options include the École Militaire metro station, about a 15-minute walk away, served by metro line 8, and the Champs de Mars RER C stop nearby. This convenient location helps visitors avoid the hassle of navigating directly to the Eiffel Tower, which can be crowded and busy.

The Eiffel Tower: Second Floor and Summit Access

The tour starts with a guided walk near the Eiffel Tower, where your guide shares the story of the Dame de Fer—the Iron Lady—covering her creation, near-demise, and her rise to fame. From the second-floor observation deck, you’ll enjoy impressive views of Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs Élysées while listening to entertaining commentary.

For those who opt for summit access, the guide leads you to the elevator that takes you 905 feet up for a bird’s-eye view of Paris. Keep in mind that waiting in line at the summit can take additional time, especially during busy periods. The guided tour ensures you make the most of your time at each level, with knowledgeable commentary enhancing the experience.

Scenic Seine River Cruise Included

Following your time at the Eiffel Tower, the 1-hour Seine River cruise offers a different perspective of Paris. The open ticket allows flexibility to do the cruise before or after the tower visit, depending on your preference. The cruise features a live guide, pointing out landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the bridges crossing the Seine.

The cruise’s scenic route makes it a relaxing way to see the city’s architecture and bridges up close. Review highlights mention that avoiding long queues for the cruise can be a challenge, especially in high season, but the ticket included in the tour helps streamline your sightseeing.

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Tour Itinerary and Stops

The tour begins at 1 Avenue Elisée Reclus and proceeds to the Eiffel Tower, where the guide introduces the landmark’s history and significance. You then visit the second-floor observation deck by elevator, with the option to ascend to the summit for panoramic views. The guided approach means you learn about the tower’s unique design and engineering secrets as you go.

After the tower visit, the tour transitions smoothly to the Seine River for the cruise, departing from the boarding point specified by your guide. This seamless combination of high-altitude vistas and riverside scenery offers a comprehensive snapshot of Paris’s most photogenic sights.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour lasts about 135 minutes, making it ideal for travelers with limited time. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking and to expect security checks and elevator lines, which are common at popular attractions. Large bags and baby strollers are not permitted, so pack accordingly.

While the tour is hosted in English, it is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments due to the physical demands of elevator access and walking at the sites. Be aware that summit access may involve additional waiting lines for the elevators, especially during busy periods.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This experience offers a balanced mix of iconic sights and insider knowledge. The skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower makes the experience more comfortable during peak times, and the expert guide enhances the tour with entertaining stories and facts. The combined sightseeing of the tower and Seine cruise ensures a well-rounded view of Paris, perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time.

One of the tour’s strengths, as noted in reviews, is the quality of guides, who are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach. The scenic views from the Eiffel Tower’s second floor and summit remain some of the best in Paris, particularly if you choose to ascend to the top. The cruise offers a relaxing complement, and the flexibility to do it before or after the tower visit adds convenience.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour provides excellent value, it does have some limitations. The meeting point is outside the Eiffel Tower, which means you need to arrive prepared and on time. Also, access to the summit involves waiting in line at the second floor to board the elevators, which may be frustrating during busy periods.

The cruise can be crowded, with some reviews mentioning long queues during peak season. Weather conditions can also affect the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower and the cruise experience, so plan accordingly.

Ideal Audience for This Tour

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see the Eiffel Tower from multiple angles and enjoy a scenic cruise without the hassle of planning separate tickets. It suits first-time visitors looking for a rundown of Paris’s landmarks in a short timeframe.

However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues due to physical access requirements. Guests who prefer a more leisurely experience or have specific accessibility needs might need to consider alternative options.

Final Review of the Eiffel Tower & Seine River Tour

This $63 guided tour offers a practical and engaging way to experience some of Paris’s most celebrated sights. The knowledgeable guides, skip-the-line access, and combined sightseeing make it a cost-effective choice for visitors eager to make the most of their limited time.

While the crowds and lines at certain points can be challenging, the overall experience is valued for professional narration and scenic views. The flexibility of the Seine cruise timing adds to its appeal, providing a relaxing break from walking.

If you’re seeking a well-organized, insightful, and scenic introduction to Paris, this tour delivers a balanced mix of highlights and insider stories that will enhance your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the meeting point at the Eiffel Tower?
No, the meeting point is outside 1 Avenue Elisée Reclus, at the intersection between Avenue Silvestre de Sacy and Avenue Elisée Reclus.

Can I access the summit of the Eiffel Tower with this tour?
Yes, if you select the option, the tour includes elevator access to the summit, but you will need to wait in line at the second floor to board the summit elevators.

How long does the Seine River cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and can be done before or after the Eiffel Tower visit, depending on your preference.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments, due to walking and elevator access.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there may be some walking and standing during the tour.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, transportation to the meeting point is not included.

What is the price for this tour?
The cost is $63 per person, which covers all activities and guided commentary.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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