Eiffel Tower Lunch and 2nd Floor Visit

If you’re thinking about booking a tour that combines the iconic Eiffel Tower with a nice meal, you’ve come to the right place. This experience promises skip-the-line access, panoramic views, and a traditional French lunch right on the tower’s ephemeral terrace. While it sounds pretty perfect on paper, it’s worth digging into what it truly offers—and what might not meet expectations.

We love the idea of avoiding long lines and getting quick, easy access to one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. The panoramic views from the 2nd floor are definitely a highlight, especially with the added bonus of a traditional meal served in a transparent structure that offers a unique dining experience. But, it’s also fair to acknowledge some downsides, like the mixed reviews on the meal quality and the overall value. This tour could suit those who are eager for a smooth, guided visit combined with a memorable meal, but perhaps less so if you’re after a gourmet dining experience or a completely seamless adventure.

Here’s a comprehensive look at what this tour involves, the pros and cons, and helpful tips to decide if it’s right for your trip to Paris.

Key Points

• Skip-the-line access saves you time at one of the world’s most visited landmarks.
• The panoramic views from the 2nd floor are a major highlight, offering great photo opportunities and insight into Paris’s layout.
• The lunch on the terrace provides a traditional French meal, though experiences with the food vary.
• The tour includes an audio guide in multiple languages, helping you learn more as you explore.
• Some travelers report disappointment with the meal menu, so consider whether this is a culinary highlight or just a convenient way to eat on-site.
• The combined options for city tours and Seine cruises can round out your day, but check what’s included before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Eiffel Tower Lunch and 2nd Floor Visit

This experience is designed as a combination of sightseeing, dining, and optional city exploration. You start by meeting at the designated spot near the Iéna Bridge, where a local guide from ParisCityVision will be waiting with a sign. From there, you’ll gain priority access to the Eiffel Tower—meaning you skip the often-long lines for security and lift access.

Once inside, you’ll use an audio guide in your preferred language to learn about the Tower’s fascinating history, from its 1889 debut as a temporary exhibit to its status as a global symbol of France. Expect some waiting at security checks, but overall, the priority access should significantly cut down on wait times.

The Ascent and Views

As you ascend, you’ll reach the second floor, which offers incredible views over Paris. You’ll see landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Sacré-Cœur. This is a perfect spot for snapping photos or simply marveling at the city’s layout. On the way down, you’ll stop at the first floor and have the chance to walk on the spectacular glass floor, located 57 meters above the ground. This can be a fun, slightly nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re not comfortable with heights.

The Meal on the Terrace

After soaking in the vistas, it’s time for the highlight for many: the meal. The tour includes a traditional French lunch served on a terrace structure, which is described as ephemeral—meaning it’s a temporary setup that might not be there forever. The menu typically features cured meat platters, soup, and Truffade, finished with dessert and drinks included.

From reviews, it seems the quality of the meal can be hit or miss. Some find it enjoyable, especially given the setting. Others, like one traveler, mentioned that they received just a cold cuts platter instead of a full meal, which was disappointing. It’s worth noting that the meal is considered more of a light lunch rather than a gourmet experience.

Additional Options: City Tour and Seine Cruise

For those who want to expand the experience, there’s an option to include a city tour and a Seine river cruise. These can add a lovely extra layer to your day, offering different perspectives of Paris. Just be aware that these are additional options, so verify what’s included and what costs extra.

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The Practicalities: Timing and Group Size

The tour lasts about five hours, so it’s a solid half-day outing. Starting times vary, so check your booking details. Meeting at the specified location—on the quay near the Iéna Bridge—is straightforward, and the GPS coordinates are provided for convenience.

The group size tends to be manageable, and the skip-the-line access helps avoid some of the chaos that can come with visiting such a popular site. Still, travelers should prepare for security checks and some waiting, even with priority tickets.

Cost and Value

While the price can seem steep, the value depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a convenient, guided experience with priority access, it’s probably worth it. But if gourmet dining or premium views at the summit are your priorities, you might find better options elsewhere.

One reviewer expressed frustration, noting that they felt they lost money because the meal wasn’t what they expected, and the overall experience didn’t meet their hopes for a more satisfying meal or tour.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating is 2 out of 5 based on four reviews, with some common themes. A traveler in January 2020 mentioned that the city tour was not very engaging and the restaurant menu didn’t appeal to them, feeling it was not worth the cost. Another traveler in December 2019 shared a similar sentiment, saying they received a cold cuts platter and had to leave to find other food, which was frustrating especially because the experience was meant to be a special occasion.

One review from November 2019 was more direct: “He didn’t bring the stroller back” — hinting at logistical issues or misunderstandings. While not everyone had a negative experience, these reviews suggest disappointments related to meal quality and overall value.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is well-suited for those who prioritize convenience and avoiding lines over gourmet dining. If you’re eager to see the Eiffel Tower’s panoramic views and have a light, traditional meal in a unique setting, this could work well. It’s also a good choice if you want to combine sightseeing with optional city and river tours, making it a flexible way to explore Paris’s landmarks.

However, if you’re a foodie expecting a high-quality meal or aiming for a luxurious experience, you might want to explore other options. Likewise, if value for money is your main concern, consider how the mixed reviews about the meal might influence your decision.

Final Thoughts

This Eiffel Tower experience offers a convenient way to access one of the most iconic landmarks with minimal fuss, paired with a view-filled visit and the chance to enjoy a traditional French lunch. The skip-the-line entry is a real plus for those who dislike long waits at busy attractions, and the panoramic vistas from the 2nd floor are undeniably impressive.

That said, food quality can be inconsistent, and some travelers feel they don’t get their money’s worth, especially if the meal doesn’t meet expectations. It’s definitely a mid-range experience—great for those seeking ease and basic comfort, but perhaps less ideal if you’re after gastronomic excellence or a luxury experience.

This tour can be a solid choice if you want a guided, hassle-free visit with some nice views and a casual meal. For a more premium or gourmet experience, or if you’re traveling with high expectations for the dining, it might be worth shopping around.

FAQs

Is there a skip-the-line option included?
Yes, the tour offers skip-the-line access to the 1st and 2nd floors of the Eiffel Tower, helping you avoid some of the usual queues.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately five hours, including visiting the Tower, dining, and optional extras like a city tour or river cruise.

What languages is the audio guide available in?
The audio guide is available in several languages, including Chinese, English, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, German, and French.

Are children allowed on this tour?
The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but note that non-folding strollers aren’t permitted on the tower, and safety checks are standard.

Can I bring luggage or large bags?
No, luggage or large bags are not allowed on the Eiffel Tower or during the tour, and small suitcases are also discouraged.

What should I expect from the meal?
The meal is a traditional French lunch with cured meats, soup, Truffade, and dessert, but reviews suggest the menu might not always meet expectations, with some experiencing limited or simpler options.

If you’re looking for a practical, straightforward way to see the Eiffel Tower with a bit of a meal thrown in, this tour could fit the bill. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews and plan accordingly—perhaps bring some snacks if you’re picky about food or have high expectations for dining. As always, balancing your priorities will help you decide if this experience aligns with your Paris adventure goals.

You can check availability for your dates here: