Eiffel Tower Access up to 2nd Floor or Summit & River Cruise

If you’re dreaming of seeing Paris from every angle—both from its iconic monument and its winding river—you might be considering a tour that combines both experiences. This particular package, offered by Allejo, promises a 3.5-hour journey through the heart of the French capital, featuring a scenic boat cruise along the Seine and a guided visit to the Eiffel Tower. While it sounds like a wonderful way to tick off two major sights, it’s worth breaking down what you’re really getting, especially since reviews suggest mixed experiences.

What we like about this tour is how it offers a decent overview of Paris’ most famous landmarks—from the water, you get a panoramic view of Notre Dame, the Louvre, Les Invalides, and more. Plus, the guided elevator trip to the Eiffel Tower promises a memorable view, with a guide sharing stories and facts that bring the experience to life. On the downside, some reviews highlight that skip-the-line access isn’t included, meaning you might spend time waiting in queues—something to consider if you’re after a seamless experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a taste of both water and elevation views without overly long or complicated arrangements. However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive, skip-the-line experience or a more personalized tour, it might not fully meet those expectations. Still, for the price and what’s included, it’s a practical choice for many visiting Paris for the first time.

Key Points

• Combination Experience: Enjoy a scenic Seine River cruise plus a guided Eiffel Tower visit within a manageable 3.5-hour window.
• Good Value: For around $107.85, you get a boat cruise, elevator access to the Eiffel Tower, and an informative guide.
• No Skip-the-Line Tickets: The Eiffel Tower tickets are obtained on-site, which means potential queues, especially during peak times.
• Audio Commentary on Water: The Seine cruise features multilingual audio guides that highlight key landmarks, adding context to your water tour.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers loved the views and guide, while others were disappointed by the lack of skip-the-line access and confusing logistics.
• Ideal for First-Timers: This tour suits those wanting a quick, structured overview of Paris’ highlights, especially if they prefer guided commentary.

What to Expect from This Tour

Itinerary Breakdown and What It Means for You

The tour kicks off at 13 All. Paul Deschanel, where you’ll meet your coordinator and be guided to the boat departure area. The one-and-a-half-hour Seine cruise offers a chance to see Paris from the water, gliding past some of its most famous sights. You’ll pass the Louvre, Notre Dame, Les Invalides, and the Pont des Arts—each offering a unique perspective that’s often more relaxed than navigating on foot.

While the cruise features audio commentary in multiple languages, it’s self-guided in terms of pacing, so you’ll want to be flexible. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to snap photos and enjoy the panoramic views of Paris’ historic architecture and bridges without the crowds that often pack the streets.

Next, you’ll head to the Eiffel Tower, where your guide will meet you on-site. The guided elevator ride takes you either to the second floor or the summit—depending on your choice. This is a highlight, as you get to see Paris from above with insightful commentary from your guide, who will share stories and facts about this world-famous landmark.

The Eiffel Tower Visit: What’s Included and What Not

Your tickets to the Eiffel Tower are arranged by your guide during the tour, but skip-the-line access isn’t included. This means you might face some queues, especially during busy periods. The guide will assist with the tickets and help you navigate the process, but be prepared for some waiting. The elevator access does make the ascent easier compared to climbing stairs, particularly if you’re traveling with children or have mobility concerns.

The Parisian Landmarks You’ll See from the Water

Since there’s no live guide on the boat, the audio commentary is your primary source of information during the cruise. Some travelers appreciated this, noting that the commentary brought the city’s landmarks to life. Others found the lack of a guide on the water a bit impersonal or disconnected from the landmarks.

Highlights include Louvre Museum’s grand exterior, the golden dome of Les Invalides, and the Pont des Arts, famous for love locks. You’ll also sail past Pont Neuf, Paris’ oldest bridge, offering a sense of history and continuity, along with views of Île de la Cité and the Notre Dame façade from the water.

How the Experience Feels: Pros and Cons

Based on reviews and the tour structure, here’s what makes this tour worthwhile:

• Stunning views of Paris from both the Seine and the Eiffel Tower’s summit or second floor
• Great for photo opportunities—especially during the cruise and from the tower
• Decent value considering the multiple sights covered in just over three hours
• Informative guide during the Eiffel Tower visit, making the ascent more engaging

However, some aspects could be improved:

• Queues at the Eiffel Tower can be long without skip-the-line tickets
• The self-guided cruise might feel less personal or detailed compared to a guided commentary
• The logistics of coordinating the timing might be confusing, as noted in some reviews

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes, making it manageable for most travelers. The tour maximizes around 100 participants, so it tends to be a comfortably-sized group, but during peak season, expect some crowding.

Price and Value

At $107.85 per person, this tour is priced fairly for what it offers. You’re getting a boat cruise, escalator-access to the Eiffel Tower, and a guide, which collectively represent good value, especially since entrance tickets to major sites can quickly add up.

When to Book

Most travelers book around 62 days in advance, suggesting that slots fill up reasonably early—particularly in peak seasons. Confirming the exact Eiffel Tower time happens 24 hours after booking, so flexibility might be helpful.

Accessibility and Convenience

The meeting point is near public transportation, making it straightforward to reach. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though if you’re concerned about queues or want priority access, consider other options.

What Real Travelers Say

One reviewer called the experience “a scam” because they expected skip-the-line access and a dedicated guide on the cruise. They noted that tickets are not prepaid, and they faced long lines at the Eiffel Tower. Conversely, another traveler raved about their guide, Yemine, who was “very kind and precise,” making the visit memorable.

A third reviewer mentioned some confusion about logistics, noting the tour involved two separate tickets and a somewhat unclear schedule. This highlights the importance of reading the details carefully and being prepared for some coordination.

Final thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those who value seeing major Paris sights with a reasonable budget, this combo tour offers a decent way to do so. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors who want a structured overview of the city without the hassle of booking each site separately.

If you’re okay with potential queues and are looking for a guided experience at the Eiffel Tower, this could be a good pick. But if priority access or skipping long lines is a priority, you might want to explore other options that include skip-the-line tickets.

Ultimately, this tour balances value, convenience, and a taste of Paris’ highlights. It might not be perfect—no tour is—but it’s a practical choice for travelers wanting to maximize their time and see a lot in just a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower?
No, it does not. Tickets are obtained during the tour, which means you could face lines, especially at busy times.

Is the Seine River cruise guided?
No, the boat cruise features audio commentary in multiple languages but no live guide.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, including the cruise and the Eiffel Tower visit.

Can I choose to visit the 2nd floor or the summit of the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, when booking, you can select between access to the 2nd floor or the full summit.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the elevator access and manageable duration suggest it could be suitable for most travelers, including families, but always check personal comfort levels with queues.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide is English-speaking and engaging, making the experience accessible for most visitors.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and perhaps a water bottle. Be prepared for the possibility of waiting in lines at the Tower.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Last-minute changes might not be accepted.

To sum it up, this combined Seine River cruise and Eiffel Tower tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to see some of Paris’ most iconic sights. While it’s not without its limitations—mainly the lack of skip-the-line access and some logistical ambiguity—it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a guided overview without breaking the bank. If you’re okay with a bit of waiting and enjoy panoramic views, this experience can add a memorable layer to your Paris adventure.