Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Summit or 2nd floor

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to experience the Eiffel Tower without the hassle of long lines, a dedicated reserved access tour might just be the ticket. These tours offer a more streamlined way to get to the top, combined with expert guides who share interesting tidbits along the way. We haven’t done this specific tour ourselves, but based on reviews and details available, it looks like a solid choice for travelers who want to maximize their time at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

What really draws us in are the dedicated reserved entrance—which can cut down wait times considerably—and the guided experience that adds extra context to the views. On the flip side, a potential pitfall is that you’ll still face some queues for security and elevators, especially during peak season. Still, for those wanting a smoother, more informative visit, this tour seems well worth considering, particularly if you’re short on time or want to avoid the crowds.

This experience suits visitors who appreciate a bit of storytelling with their sightseeing, are comfortable with a 2-hour commitment, and who value skipping the typical queues. It’s especially handy if you’re traveling with family or a group that prefers a guided overview rather than wandering solo. If you’re a history or architecture buff—or simply want to enjoy breathtaking views with less fuss—this tour could be a real highlight of your Paris itinerary.

Key Points

• Skip the lines with dedicated reserved access, saving precious time.
• Expert guides offer engaging stories and insights about the Eiffel Tower and Paris.
• Flexible access to the 2nd floor and optional summit, with unlimited time inside.
• Included in the price: elevator access, guide, and entry ticket.
• High ratings with 4.4/5 from nearly 5,000 reviews reflect consistent satisfaction.
• Potential wait times for security and elevators remain, especially in high season.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for more than just elevator rides—you’re getting a guided experience that starts at a designated meeting point near the Eiffel Tower. The tour lasts around 2 hours, during which you’ll join a small group with a professional guide. The guide’s role is to escort you from the meeting point to the tower, share fascinating facts, and point out major sights visible from the observation decks.

You’ll begin by exchanging your voucher for your ticket at the meeting location, then head straight to the Eiffel Tower’s dedicated entrance, which is a significant perk. Instead of standing in standard queues, you’ll bypass the typical lines, thanks to your reserved tickets. This is particularly helpful during peak season, when security checks and elevator waits can stretch out for up to 25 minutes or more.

Once inside, you’ll take the elevator up to the second floor, which is often described as the perfect vantage point—offering sweeping views of Paris, and plenty of photo opportunities. If you’ve opted for the summit access, your guide will help you navigate the additional queues to reach the top. Keep in mind that even with reservation, there can still be some wait times for security and elevators, especially during busy days.

Most reviews highlight the value of the skip-the-line advantage. One traveler noted, “Great tour, our guide Emmanuel was fantastic – very informative, fun and kept everyone informed. Much better to prebook as you skip the queues etc.” This means you’ll spend less time waiting and more time soaking in the views or snapping photos.

The Guided Tour Experience

The main benefit of going with a guided tour is the context and stories shared along the way. Many reviews praise guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience both fun and educational. One reviewer commented, “Sol was an amazing guide. We learnt so much about the Eiffel Tower from her!” which shows how a good guide can elevate the tour from a simple sightseeing trip to a memorable experience.

Your guide will escort you from the meeting point to the tower, explaining the history behind the Eiffel Tower, which was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, and sharing fun facts that you might not discover on your own. They’ll also point out important Parisian landmarks visible from the observation decks, such as Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and Les Invalides.

Once you reach the second floor, your guide will leave you free to explore at your own pace. Many reviews stress the importance of this balance—having someone explain the key sights before giving you free time to enjoy the views. If you’ve chosen to go all the way to the summit, your guide will help you navigate the wait lines to access the top. Keep in mind that the summit can involve additional wait times—up to 20 minutes in high season—so planning your visit accordingly is wise.

The Views and Photo Opportunities

From the second floor, the panoramas of Paris are simply breathtaking. Travelers frequently mention the stunning views of famous landmarks, with one reviewer noting, “You’ll love the views from the Eiffel Tower, especially when the weather is clear.” The Eiffel Tower’s position makes it a perfect vantage point for photos, especially during sunset or at night when Paris lights up.

If you opt for the summit access, that extra level of height provides a different perspective—more expansive, and often described as awe-inspiring. While some reviews mention that the walk up the stairs isn’t included (and that’s probably for the best—those stairs can be steep), the elevator ride offers a smooth ascent with excellent views.

Price and Value

At $54 per person, this tour is a bit on the higher side compared to standard tickets. However, considering the skip-the-line feature, guided insights, and the convenience of a dedicated entrance, many travelers find it worth the extra cost. Several reviews emphasize the value, with comments like “Very nice and informative guide…The Eiffel Tower was very interesting and love learning about its history.”

It’s useful to think of the price as covering not just access but also the time saved and the added knowledge. For travelers with limited time in Paris, this can be a real advantage, allowing you to experience the Eiffel Tower without losing hours standing in queues.

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Accessibility and Practical Details

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for travelers with mobility needs. The meeting point is at the Paris Lounge (38 avenue de la Bourdonnais), which is easy to reach via Metro lines 6, 8, and RER C. You’ll need to exchange your voucher for a ticket here before heading to the tower.

Remember, children under 4 need a ticket—so include them in your reservation. Also, security checks and elevator waits are part of the experience, but your pre-booked tickets help you skip the long lines.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Arrive on time at the meeting point, which is well-organized according to reviews.
• Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to explore the viewing decks.
• Bring some Euros for tips or snacks, though the tour price mainly covers entry and guidance.
• Be mindful that in high season, wait times for elevators, especially to the summit, can extend up to 20 minutes.
• If you’re prone to vertigo or nervous about heights, remember that the summit involves additional lift queues and some exposed views.

If you’re someone who values skip-the-line access and appreciates a guided experience, this tour will serve you well. It’s ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time, learn a bit about the Eiffel Tower’s story from a friendly guide, and enjoy stunning views without the hassle of long waits.

Families with children over 4 will find this suitable, especially if they prefer a guided approach. However, it’s not a walk-up tour—so if you prefer to explore at your own pace without a guide, a standard ticket might suit you better.

For travelers who enjoy storytelling, historical context, and catching the best photo spots, this can turn a typical sightseeing stop into a memorable part of your trip. And if your schedule is tight but you still want to see the Eiffel Tower illuminated at sunset, this guided, reserved access makes it easier to fit into your plans.

How do I meet the guide?
You meet at the Paris Lounge (38 avenue de la Bourdonnais). Once there, you’ll exchange your voucher for your ticket before heading to the Eiffel Tower.

What does the tour include?
The ticket includes entry to the Eiffel Tower, elevator access to the 2nd floor, optional summit access if selected, and a guide to escort you part of the way.

Are there any wait times?
Yes, despite the reserved access, security checks and elevator queues can still take up to 25 minutes during high season. Summit access may add an extra 20-minute wait.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 4 years old need a ticket to enter. The tour is generally suitable, but note that children should be comfortable in heights and guided environments.

Can I stay inside the Eiffel Tower as long as I want?
Yes, your ticket allows for unlimited time once you’re inside, so take your time enjoying the views.

Does the guide accompany us inside the tower?
No, the guide accompanies you from the meeting point to the tower but does not go inside with you. You’re free to explore at your own pace afterward.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Is there any food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might find vendors inside the tower for snacks or beverages.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a 50% refund.

This tour offers a great way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower without the usual wait times, with the added bonus of insightful guides and unbeatable views. Whether you’re short on time or just prefer a smoother experience, it’s a solid choice for making the most of your Paris visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: