Paris: Eiffel Tower Fully Guided Tour with Summit Option

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is often at the top of many travelers’ Paris wish list, but figuring out how to make the most of it can be a bit daunting. This fully guided tour, which includes skip-the-line access and the option to reach the summit, promises a streamlined experience that gets you to the tower’s best spots without wasting hours waiting in queues.

What we love about this tour is how it combines expert guidance with the convenience of elevator access—especially the summit visit, which is a real highlight for those craving a true panoramic view. Plus, the reviews repeatedly praise the knowledgeable guides, making the experience more engaging and educational.

A potential downside is that this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off—so you’ll need to coordinate your own transportation to the meeting point. Also, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, which might be a consideration if you’re traveling with someone with limited mobility. This tour is best suited for those who want a detailed, guided experience, and are okay with a relatively short visit (75 minutes total), but want to skip the long queues.

If you’re keen to explore the iconic Eiffel Tower with a knowledgeable guide and enjoy incredible views, this tour could be a strong choice—especially during busy seasons when lines can be very long.

• Skip the lines at the Eiffel Tower with dedicated elevator access, saving valuable time.
• Expert guides provide insightful stories and background about the tower and Paris.
• Flexible options include visiting the 2nd floor and optional summit access.
• Great value for money considering the guided experience, skip-the-line tickets, and panoramic views.
• Not suitable for mobility-impaired visitors or those requiring wheelchair access.
• Meeting point is outside the tower, so plan your transport accordingly.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The core of this experience is a guided tour that begins outside the Eiffel Tower at a designated meeting point, not at the tower itself. You get entry tickets to the 2nd floor via elevator, plus the option to ascend to the summit—a total of around 75 minutes of exploring with your guide.

This setup is ideal for travelers who want to skip long queues and avoid the hassle of buying tickets on-site. The expert guide will walk you through the history, architecture, and stories behind the Eiffel Tower, making the experience informative and engaging.

What isn’t included is hotel pickup or drop-off, and access for those with mobility issues is not available, so consider your own transportation arrangements. Also, note that security checks may cause some delays, especially during busy times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Meeting Point and Access

Your meeting point is outside 1 Avenue Elisée Reclus, at the intersection of Avenue Silvestre de Sacy and Avenue Elisée Reclus. A City Wonders representative will be waiting with a blue sign—so keep an eye out.

Getting there by public transport is straightforward: the École Militaire metro station (line 8) is about 15 minutes’ walk, and the Champs de Mars RER C station is nearby. Since the meeting point isn’t at the tower, leave extra time for walking, especially if you’re new to Paris.

The Tour Itinerary

Start at the Meeting Point

Once you gather, your guide will start with a brief overview of the Eiffel Tower’s history, including its construction, near-demise, and recent restorations. Our review from a past guest highlights how guides like “Ana B. from Peru” or “Hendricks” do an excellent job of making the history come alive, with many offering storytelling that’s both educational and entertaining.

Security and Elevators

Expect to go through security checks, which can be a bit slow during peak times, but your skip-the-line tickets mean you won’t be stuck outside in long queues. The elevator ride to the 2nd floor is a smooth experience, and your guide will accompany you, giving commentary en route.

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Exploring the Second Floor

Here’s where you’ll get amazing views and insights. The second level offers a chance to really appreciate the tower’s engineering, with views of the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, and Notre Dame. The reviews mention how much better this experience is with a guide, who can point out sights you might miss on your own.

Summit Access (if selected)

The summit visit takes around 45 minutes, and here is where you’ll reach 276 meters high in glass-walled lifts. This part is often the highlight for many travelers, offering panoramic views of Paris and its surrounding regions.

One reviewer noted that “the view from the top was simply incredible,” and another appreciated the guided commentary at the summit, which helped visualize the city’s layout. Keep in mind that weather conditions can impact the summit visit—it might be closed due to high winds or bad weather, which has been noted by some guests who received refunds for that part.

The Overall Experience

The reviews reflect consistent praise for the guides’ knowledge and ability to skip the queues, which substantially enhances the visit during busy seasons. As one guest from the US remarked, “our guide was very informative and kind,” making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable.

Some guests mention long security lines and the need for patience, but overall, the skip-the-line access is a major perk that saves hours of wait time, especially during peak seasons.

Pricing and Value

At $40 per person, this tour offers a lot of value—especially when you factor in the skip-the-line advantage, the guided commentary, and the access to both the 2nd floor and summit.

Many reviews emphasize that this is a cost-effective way to experience the Eiffel Tower without the stress of navigating solo or waiting in long lines. Given that regular tickets can involve lengthy queues, paying a little extra for the guided, skip-the-line experience is often worth it.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who value guided insights and want to maximize their time at a major Paris landmark. It’s well-suited for those interested in learning about the tower’s history from a knowledgeable guide, and who prefer elevator access to climbing or walking.

Because it doesn’t include hotel pickup or wheelchair access, it’s best for visitors who are comfortable arranging their own transportation and are physically able to explore. It’s also a good pick during busy seasons, as the skip-the-line feature helps avoid long waits.

The Paris Eiffel Tower Fully Guided Tour with Summit Option offers an enjoyable and informative way to experience one of the world’s most famous monuments. With skipped queues, a friendly expert guide, and stunning views, it strikes a good balance between value and experience.

While it’s not suitable for all mobility levels, for most visitors, it provides a hassle-free way to see the Eiffel Tower up close and personally. The tour’s blend of history, engineering, and panoramic sights makes it an excellent choice for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the tower’s story.

If you’re looking for a organized, educational, and convenient way to explore the Eiffel Tower with a touch of expert storytelling, this tour is worth considering. It’s particularly appealing if you want to skip the long lines and enjoy the view from the top without the typical crowds.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point outside the Eiffel Tower.

Where do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is outside 1 Avenue Elisée Reclus, at the intersection between Avenue Silvestre de Sacy and Avenue Elisée Reclus. The representative will be holding a blue sign.

What if I arrive late?
Late arrivals cannot be accommodated, and refunds will not be granted if you’re not on time.

Is the summit visit always available?
Not always. The summit is subject to weather conditions like high winds which can close it for safety reasons. If it’s closed, you’ll get a partial refund for that part of the tour.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is about 75 minutes, covering the second floor and, if selected, the summit.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Also, baby strollers are not allowed.

What’s the price?
It costs around $40 per person, which is a good deal considering the skip-the-line access and guided commentary.

Does the tour include tickets to the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, tickets to the 2nd floor are included, and the summit access is optional if you choose that add-on.

Is this tour good during peak seasons?
Absolutely, the skip-the-line feature is especially valuable during busy times when queues can be hours long.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later with flexible booking options.

Overall, if you’re after a streamlined, guided visit with fantastic views and insightful stories, this Eiffel Tower tour delivers a great experience. Just remember to coordinate your transport and be prepared for security checks, but beyond that, you’re in for a memorable glimpse of Paris from one of its most iconic landmarks.

You can check availability for your dates here: