Paris: Eiffel Tower Access by Elevator & Seine River Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to tick off two major sights in one go, this tour might catch your eye. It offers priority access to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, with an optional upgrade to reach the summit, plus a relaxing Seine River cruise. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a popular choice, especially for those who want to maximize their time and skip the long lines.

What really appeals to us is how this experience combines iconic city views from the Eiffel Tower with a peaceful cruise along the Seine, giving you a broader perspective of Paris’s beauty. The fact that you get a guided tour inside the tower, with stories and insights, means you’re not just gawking at the views but also learning about what makes this city so special. Plus, the reviews point out that many guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience more engaging.

On the flip side, a couple of things are worth considering. The waiting times for security and elevators can be up to 25 minutes during busy seasons, and if you’re aiming to do the cruise at a specific time, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Also, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those in wheelchairs, which is important to remember if you need accessible options.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, informative, and scenic experience that hits Paris’s highlights without too much fuss. If you value guidance and convenience and don’t mind the crowds or the price, it’s likely to be a worthwhile addition to your trip.

Key Points

• Time-saving access to the Eiffel Tower’s 2nd level with options for summit access
• Includes a 1-hour Seine River cruise to see Paris from a different angle
• Knowledgeable guides and audio commentary enrich the experience
• Good value for money considering the combined sightseeing and guided elements
• Wait times can be up to 45 minutes during peak season, plan accordingly
• Not suitable for those with mobility issues or large luggage

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience is centered around providing a convenient way to see two of Paris’s top attractions in a single outing. You start at the Paris’Trip office, just five minutes from the Eiffel Tower, where you exchange your voucher for your tickets. From there, your guide will lead you through security and up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.

We loved the way guides provide insightful commentary during the walk, sharing interesting tales about the tower and Paris itself. Several reviews praise guides like Emmanuel and Chloe for their friendly demeanor and wealth of knowledge. One reviewer mentioned, “Our tour guide was Chloè. She is so kind, positive, and explained all necessary information,” which helps set expectations that you’ll be in capable hands.

Once at the second level, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos, soak in the views, and explore at your leisure. You can opt for additional summit access if you purchased that upgrade, but be prepared for a possible wait of up to 20 minutes on the 2nd floor for the elevators to the top. During peak times, this can mean a longer wait, so patience is key.

The scenic views from the Eiffel Tower are breathtaking, with landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the broad Haussmann boulevards stretching out beneath you. Several reviews emphasize how memorable these panoramic vistas are, making it a must-do for photography lovers.

After descending, you’ll head to the meeting point to board your Seine River cruise. The cruise lasts about an hour and offers a different perspective of Paris’s most famous monuments. Some travelers noted that the cruise can be crowded, but the audio-guide, available in multiple languages, helps keep everyone engaged.

Inside the Eiffel Tower: What You’ll Experience

Your guide will lead you past the security lines, which, during busy seasons, could add up to 25 minutes. Once inside, you’ll access the tower via reserved entry, which really does save time compared to standard tickets. Exploring the 2nd level, you’ll marvel at the architecture and views, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

For those who upgrade to summit access, you’ll experience a quick wait at the 2nd floor to catch the elevator to the top. That wait might be up to 20 minutes in high season, so plan your timing accordingly. Several reviews mention how the guides help manage the flow and ensure everyone gets the best experience possible despite the crowds.

Many visitors find the guided commentary particularly enlightening. “Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly,” a common sentiment echoed across reviews. This adds a layer of context many travelers miss when exploring alone.

The Seine River Cruise: Relaxing and Scenic

Once you step out of the Eiffel Tower, the cruise is a short walk from the meeting point. It’s operated by Les Bateaux Parisiens, and tickets are given out at the office after check-in. The cruise is a peaceful way to enjoy views of Notre Dame, the Louvre, and other landmarks along the Seine.

Reviewers say the cruise is “very enjoyable,” even if sometimes crowded. It’s a relaxing way to wind down after the tower visit, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. The audio commentary in multiple languages adds educational value, helping you recognize the sights as you glide past.

One reviewer pointed out that the cruise tickets are valid for six months, giving flexibility if you want to combine it with other plans or visit later. Just note that the tickets aren’t issued in advance, so you need to pick them up at the office on the day of your tour.

The Practical Details

This tour lasts about three hours, starting at your designated meeting point. It’s a well-paced schedule considering you get guided access, time for photos, and a relaxing cruise. The price, at around $90 per person, is quite reasonable given the combined experience and the guided service.

Keep in mind, no transfers or food and drink are included, so plan to grab a quick snack beforehand or afterward. Also, if you’re bringing luggage or large bags, you’ll need to find alternative storage options since these aren’t permitted inside the Eiffel Tower or on the cruise.

Timing is crucial; if you’re late even by a minute, you risk losing your tickets with no refund. Several reviews praise the organization and punctuality of the guides, which helps make the experience smooth.

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Overall Value and Suitability

Based on the reviews, most travelers feel this tour offers solid value. The combination of skip-the-line access, guided commentary, and a scenic cruise makes it a good choice for those wanting an efficient yet comprehensive Paris experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates guided insights and convenience, this tour will suit you. It’s especially useful during busy seasons when long queues can dampen the experience, and the guide helps you bypass much of that.

However, if you have mobility issues, you should note that the experience isn’t accessible for wheelchair users or those with large luggage. Also, those looking for a very intimate or flexible experience might find the group format and scheduled timings a bit restrictive.

Final Thoughts

This tour is a smart pick for first-time visitors or anyone eager to combine two of Paris’s most iconic sights into a single, manageable outing. The guides are well-reviewed for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing what could otherwise be a rushed or confusing experience. The views from the Eiffel Tower and the Seine cruise are truly memorable and make for great photo ops.

While waiting times can be a factor during peak times, the reserved access and organized check-in help mitigate frustration. The price point reflects good value, especially when considering the guided elements and the scenic cruise.

If you’re after a convenient, informative, and scenic way to see Paris from above and along the river, this tour will likely meet or exceed your expectations. Just plan your timing carefully, arrive on time, and be prepared for crowds—these are the main considerations to keep in mind.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
This tour is generally suited for most travelers, but note that it’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Small children might enjoy the views and the boat cruise, but the tour involves some walking and waiting.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about three hours, including the guided Eiffel Tower visit and the Seine River cruise.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. You must exchange your voucher at the meeting point, and tickets aren’t issued in advance for the cruise. It’s best to arrive on time, as late arrivals risk losing the booking.

Can I upgrade to access the Eiffel Tower summit?
Yes, if you select the upgrade, you’ll have access to the summit as well, but be prepared for potential additional waiting time on the 2nd floor.

Are the tickets flexible?
The cruise tickets are valid for six months after your Eiffel Tower visit, giving you some flexibility for planning or returning later.

Are there any age restrictions?
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned, but very young children should be supervised, and those with mobility issues should consider their needs carefully.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID, comfortable shoes, and a camera. Large bags, pets, and glass objects are not allowed inside the Eiffel Tower, so plan accordingly.

What happens if the weather is bad?
In case of bad weather, maintenance, or safety reasons, the Eiffel Tower summit may be closed. The tour provider will inform you if this affects your experience.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and informative way to explore Paris’s top sights, this combined Eiffel Tower and Seine River tour delivers a lot for the price—just be ready for some crowds and plan your timing well.

You can check availability for your dates here: