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

Imagine the magic of Paris from both land and water—that’s what this tour promises. It’s a package that pairs a seine river cruise, showcasing the city’s most iconic sights from the water, with a guided visit to the Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. We’ve looked at all the details to help you decide if this experience fits your Paris plans.

What we genuinely appreciate about this tour is the chance to see Paris’s highlights in a compact, well-organized manner. The seine cruise offers a relaxing way to view key sights like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Les Invalides, with audio commentary that adds context. Plus, the guided Eiffel Tower visit—with elevator access to the 2nd floor or summit—provides a memorable view of Paris from above, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

A key consideration, however, is that skip-the-line access isn’t included for the Eiffel Tower, meaning you could face queues, especially during peak times. This is particularly important if your schedule is tight or if you’re expecting a seamless experience. This tour suits travelers who want a little of everything—scenic water views, historic landmarks, and expert guiding—without straying too far into over-organized or overly rushed territory.

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time or simply want a straightforward overview of the city’s most celebrated sights, this tour offers solid value. It’s especially good if you’re keen on combining water and land perspectives in roughly 3.5 hours.

Key Points

• Dual Experience: Combines a Seine River cruise with an Eiffel Tower guided visit.
• Flexible Viewing: Options to ascend to the 2nd floor or the Summit, offering great panoramic views.
• Audio Commentary: Provides insightful descriptions during the cruise without the need for a guide on board.
• Expert Guidance: Guides help navigate the Eiffel Tower, ensuring you understand its history and architecture.
• Cost-Effective: At just over $100, it’s a reasonable way to see many of Paris’s highlights.
• Limited Priority Access: No skip-the-line tickets, so expect possible queues at the Eiffel Tower.

The Itinerary – A Closer Look

Seine River Cruise

We loved the way the cruise offers a different perspective of Paris. It’s a self-guided experience, but you’re welcomed at the meeting point by a coordinator who directs you to the boat. Once onboard, you’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour float past some of Paris’s most famous sights. The audio commentary helps bring these landmarks to life—nothing beats seeing the Louvre’s grand exterior or the golden dome of Les Invalides from the water, with the city buzzing beneath you.

One review mentioned that the cruise is a “scenic self-guided” journey, so don’t expect a live guide on board, but the multimedia narration should suffice for most. What’s especially nice is that you get to see Pont des Arts—the romantic bridge once covered in love locks—and Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge in Paris. The cruise offers a peaceful reprieve from the busy streets, and you’ll love the way the city’s famous monuments look from this water level.

Eiffel Tower Guided Visit

After the cruise, your guide will meet you at the Eiffel Tower, helping you navigate the ticketing process. Here’s a key point: tickets are not prepaid—you’ll get them from your guide during the tour, which means you might still wait in line, especially for the standard option. The guide will escort you to the elevator, assisting as you ascend either to the 2nd Floor or the Summit based on your choice.

Once at the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Paris—seeing the city spread out beneath you is worth the climb. Expect your guide to share stories and facts about the Eiffel Tower’s history, architecture, and some quirky anecdotes. One happy traveler called their guide “very kind and precise,” emphasizing that having someone explain the landmarks adds depth to the experience.

Additional Landmarks

The tour also mentions views of places like the Musée d’Orsay, which is housed in a former railway station and features world-class Impressionist art, and the Louvre, glimpsed from the river, which adds context to your sightseeing. The Les Invalides is another striking sight, linking you to France’s military history, while the Pont des Arts and Pont Neuf are beautiful bridges that add to the charm of the waterway.

Practical Details and What It Means for You

Duration and Timing

Total tour time clocks in around 3 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable introduction to Paris. The tour starts at 13 All. Paul Deschanel and ends at the Eiffel Tower, with the exact time of the Eiffel visit confirmed 24 hours after booking. You’ll want to plan accordingly, as the schedule is tight but well-paced.

Cost and Value

At $107.85 per person, this tour provides a balanced experience—covering both water and land highlights without a hefty price tag. The inclusion of Eiffel Tower tickets and a self-guided Seine cruise makes it convenient, though the lack of skip-the-line access means some waiting time is possible at the tower.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum of 100 travelers, it’s a relatively small group, allowing for some personalized attention from your guide. Most travelers can participate, and the tour is near public transportation, adding to its practicality.

Reviews and Authentic Experiences

While the overall rating is 3.5/5, reviews reveal both strengths and weaknesses. Several users appreciated the knowledgeable guides and stunning views, calling the experience “memorable.” One traveler praised their guide, Yemine, for being “very kind and precise,” which underscores the importance of good guiding. Conversely, a review from Olga_T warned about queues and the fact that tickets are not prepaid, which could be frustrating during busy times.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a balanced, straightforward introduction to Paris’s landmarks. It combines the relaxing beauty of a Seine cruise with the excitement of visiting the Eiffel Tower, making it perfect for first-timers or those with limited time. It’s particularly good if you enjoy seeing multiple sights in a short period, and don’t mind some waiting at the tower, given there’s no priority access.

If you’re interested in famous views, historical landmarks, and water-based perspectives, you’ll find this tour offers good value. However, if you prefer skipping lines or want a more exclusive experience at the Eiffel Tower, you might need to look elsewhere.

The Sum Up

This combined Seine River and Eiffel Tower tour offers a practical way to see some of Paris’s most iconic sights in just a few hours. It’s well-suited for travelers wanting a rundown without complicated logistics or high costs. The stunning views from the water and the tower, coupled with guidance that enriches your understanding, make it a satisfying experience for most.

However, the lack of skip-the-line tickets and some reviews pointing out queues remind you that it’s not the most seamless option available. Still, the value for money, especially given the inclusion of tickets and a guide, makes this a compelling choice for those wanting to maximize their time in Paris.

If you enjoy experiencing landmarks from different perspectives and appreciate a guided narrative, this tour will serve you well. Just be prepared for the possibility of waiting during peak times, and consider how that fits into your overall Paris itinerary.

FAQ

Does this tour include skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower?
No, skip-the-line tickets aren’t included. You’ll receive tickets from the guide during the tour, which may mean waiting in line, especially during busy periods.

Can I choose to ascend to the summit or just the 2nd floor?
Yes, you can select whether to go up to the 2nd floor or the summit when booking. Your guide will assist with your chosen option during the visit.

How long is the Seine River cruise?
The cruise lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing time to enjoy Paris’s sights from the water with commentary.

Is there a guide on the Seine cruise?
No, there isn’t a live guide on board; instead, audio commentary is available in multiple languages.

What is the total duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, from meeting at the start to reaching the Eiffel Tower.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should confirm accessibility details, as the tour involves elevator rides and walking at the tower.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
Expect views of the Louvre, Notre Dame, Les Invalides, Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf, and other historic sites along the Seine.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket for the Seine cruise, a guided Eiffel Tower visit with elevator access, and a free guide with travel tips are included.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in this tour.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at 13 All. Paul Deschanel, close to public transportation options, with detailed directions provided after booking.

This tour can be a delightful way to introduce yourself to Paris, especially if you want a mix of water views and landmark exploration—just remember to manage expectations about queues and timing.