Eiffel Tower Access to 2nd Floor and Summit by Lift

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is high on many travelers’ lists when exploring Paris, but navigating the crowds and lines can be a challenge. This particular tour offers an escorted entrance to the second level and elevator access all the way to the top. It’s designed for visitors who want to skip the long queues and enjoy the spectacular views from the summit without fuss.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the priority access that helps you avoid hours of waiting, especially during peak times. Plus, the opportunity to stand atop the highest observation deck in Paris is undeniably a memorable highlight. However, a potential downside is that the tour isn’t guided at the top — after the initial escort to the second floor, you’re on your own to explore, which can feel a bit lost if you’re expecting a guided experience.

This tour suits travelers who value convenience and efficiency over detailed guided commentary, and those who want to ensure they get to see the best views from the summit of the Eiffel Tower. If you’re on a tight schedule or simply dislike waiting in lines, this is worth considering.

Key Points

• Skip lines with pre-booked tickets and escorted entry to the second floor
• Enjoy panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower’s summit, a unique experience
• Flexible ticket times allow you to choose a convenient slot
• The tour does not include a guided visit at the top, so explore independently
• The group size is limited to 15 travelers, offering a more personal experience
• People with reduced mobility are not permitted on the summit floor

The Experience: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour aims to make your Eiffel Tower visit less stressful by managing the often long queues. Starting from the meeting point at 45 Av. de la Bourdonnais, your host takes you through the security checkpoint—an inevitable step that can sometimes involve delays, especially during busy times. Once inside, your escort guides you directly to the elevators, bypassing the typical wait times you’d face if buying tickets on-site.

The highlight is the elevator ticket to the summit — a rare chance to stand on Paris’s highest observation deck without waiting in line. The tickets include access to the first, second, and summit floors, making this a comprehensive experience, even if the main guide only accompanies you up to the second floor.

However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a guided tour of the tower’s history or architecture. You’ll receive general information and a tower presentation in English before heading up, but once you reach the top, you’re on your own to soak in the views.

The host assistance ensures you don’t get lost at the start, but once you’re at the second floor, you’re free to explore independently, which many travelers find perfectly fine, especially since the views from the top are what everyone’s after.

The Itinerary in Detail

1. Meeting at the Bourdonnais Entrance

Your day begins at the designated meeting point, where a host greets you and provides your tickets. Many reviews mention that communication regarding the meeting point can sometimes be a bit confusing or misleading, but once you’re there, the process moves relatively smoothly.

2. Escort to the Second Floor

Your host takes you through security and guides you to the elevators. This is the part many travelers appreciate—avoiding the typical long queues that can stretch for hours, especially during high season. When reviews mention the efficient access and helpful guides, it’s usually the part where they got the most value.

3. Up to the Summit

Once on the second floor, your escort hands you your tickets for the summit. You then continue upstairs independently via the elevator. The views from the top are stunning and well worth the effort, especially since your pre-booked ticket guarantees access, unlike many day tickets that sell out early.

4. Independence on the Top Level

At the summit, you’re free to walk around and enjoy panoramic vistas of Paris, with sights like the Seine, Notre Dame, and Sacré-Cœur in view. The reviews are generally glowing about the spectacular sights from above, but some disappointed travelers mention that their guides did not join them upstairs, so they missed out on guided commentary or site-specific insights.

What Travelers Say About the Tour

Many reviews emphasize the convenience of skip-the-line tickets. Several note that booking in advance saved them hours of waiting, especially during peak summer months. “The guide was knowledgeable and fun,” one reviewer wrote, appreciating the smooth access and helpful instructions.

However, there’s a common theme among criticisms: the escort’s limited involvement beyond the second floor. Several travelers report that after the initial guidance and ticket handover, they were left to manage the rest of the visit alone. “Our guide left slightly early, and we were handed our tickets to explore independently,” one review states.

The pricing is also a mixed bag. Some feel it’s good value for the convenience, especially compared to the stress of waiting in queues or trying to secure tickets on the spot. Others, however, consider the cost high for just an escorted entry, especially when reviews mention that tickets at the tower cost around €35 per person, whereas this tour costs over $100.

One reviewer describes feeling ripped off, mentioning “the ticket was 29 euros but we paid £135 sterling.” That highlights the importance of understanding what’s included and what you’re paying for — the service fees and convenience are part of the package, and for many, that’s worth it.

Navigating the Pros and Cons

The Advantages

Skip-the-line access is the biggest draw, saving potentially hours of waiting time. Many travelers find the guides helpful and friendly, especially those who manage to get through security efficiently. The opportunity to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower with a pre-booked ticket is a rare luxury, and the views from the summit are undeniably breathtaking.

Limited group size (up to 15 travelers) often means a more personalized experience, which some reviews mention positively. The timing flexibility with dozens of possible start times ensures you can fit this into your Paris itinerary without too much hassle.

The Drawbacks

The main criticisms revolve around lack of a guided experience at the top — once you’re up there, you’re on your own to explore and take photos. If you’re expecting a guided tour with commentary about the sights, you might be disappointed.

Some reviews mention poor communication, especially about meeting points and delays, which can cause frustration. The security check delays are also unpredictable, and during busy times, queues can still form despite the pre-booking.

The price is another consideration. While the convenience is undeniable, many feel that the markup is high compared to buying tickets directly at the tower, especially if you’re comfortable navigating queues yourself or visiting during less busy hours.

Is it worth it?

If your main goal is to avoid long lines and reach the summit comfortably, then this tour offers good value. For travelers who want to focus on the views and experience rather than guided commentary, it’s a solid choice. But if you’re seeking an educational tour or a guided experience throughout, you might find this lacking.

Practical Tips for Your Eiffel Tower Visit

• Book well in advance — many recommend booking at least 3 weeks ahead to secure your desired time slot.
• Arrive early at the meeting point, but be prepared for possible delays or confusion.
• Check your tickets carefully to understand what’s included and what isn’t.
• Prepare for security delays, especially during peak season.
• Understand that the tour does not include a guide at the top, so plan to spend some time exploring on your own.
• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking on different levels and possibly waiting in queues.
• If you’re with reduced mobility, note that access to the summit is restricted.

The Sum Up

This Eiffel Tower experience is best suited for travelers who value time-saving and convenience over guided commentary. It’s especially useful if you want the assurance of guaranteed summit access without hours of waiting, and you’re comfortable exploring independently once upstairs. The knowledgeable hosts help streamline the process at the start, which many travelers appreciated.

However, it’s important to recognize that once you reach the second floor, the experience becomes self-guided. If you’re looking for a fully guided tour with in-depth commentary, this might not meet your expectations. Also, consider whether the price aligns with your budget and what you value most — some travelers feel it’s a bit pricey for just skipping lines, especially when tickets can be purchased directly for less.

In all, this tour offers a solid balance of convenience and stunning views. It’s a practical choice for those wanting to maximize their time and avoid unnecessary queues, but not necessarily for travelers seeking a comprehensive guided experience.

FAQ

Does this tour include a guide at the top of the Eiffel Tower?
No, after escorting you to the second floor, the guide leaves you to explore independently at the top.

Can I choose my preferred time slot?
Yes, the tickets offer dozens of possible times to better fit your schedule.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with reduced mobility?
Unfortunately, people with reduced mobility are not permitted to access the summit floor.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, including meeting, escorting, and time at the tower.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, since the tour is designed to skip lines and often sells out, booking at least 21 days in advance is recommended.

What if the summit is closed?
If access is restricted due to circumstances beyond control, refunds are proportional to the part of the experience denied, but the tour generally guarantees access unless restrictions are announced by authorities.

Is transportation included?
No, this tour does not include transportation; it begins at the meeting point near the Eiffel Tower.

What do reviews say about the value for money?
Opinions vary. Many say it’s worth the time saved and views gained, but some feel the price is high compared to buying tickets directly at the tower.

What should I know before booking?
Be prepared for possible delays at security and to manage the visit at your own pace once at the top.

In the end, this ticket-focused experience is designed for those prioritizing timeliness and convenience. If your goal is to avoid queues and see the best views from the summit, it’s a practical choice. However, if you want a guided, educational tour or are on a tight budget, you might want to explore other options.