Eiffel Tower Access to 2nd Floor with Summit Option, Seine Cruise

When visiting Paris, few sights rival the Eiffel Tower in fame, beauty, and just plain impressiveness. For about $63.62 per person, this tour offers a solid way to skip the long lines and get up close—either to the second floor or the summit—and then glide along the Seine River to see the city from a different perspective. With a duration of around 2 to 3 hours, it’s a compact but rewarding experience.

What we love about this tour is how it combines easy, pre-arranged access to the Eiffel Tower’s interior with a relaxing cruise that gives you a panoramic view of Paris’s landmarks. Especially if you’re short on time or want a more streamlined visit, pre-booked tickets mean you won’t waste precious moments in line. Plus, the guided commentary and audio guides onboard make it enriching without feeling dry or rushed.

A potential consideration is the crowd factor—even with skip-the-line tickets, the Eiffel Tower can be crowded, and security checks may take time during peak hours. Also, the summit isn’t wheelchair accessible, which might be important for travelers with mobility needs. But overall, this experience suits travelers who enjoy a blend of sightseeing and authentic Paris ambiance.

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning views and wants an efficient, guided experience with added value like a seine cruise, this tour is a good fit. It’s especially popular among first-time visitors who want to tick off the Eiffel Tower with minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Skip the lines to access the Eiffel Tower’s second level or summit, saving valuable time.
• Combined with a Seine cruise, offering two very different vantage points of Paris.
• Guided experience enhances your understanding, with multilingual audio guides available.
• Flexible inside the Tower, with unlimited time once your ticket is used.
• Crowds and security checks can slow down the experience during busy periods.
• Ideal for visitors wanting a well-organized, memorable Parisian highlight.

Exploring the Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruise Experience

The Practicality of Pre-Booking

One of the biggest perks of this tour is pre-booking your tickets. During peak season, the Eiffel Tower’s popular tickets often sell out days ahead, and standing in long lines can eat up your precious sightseeing time. By securing your skip-the-line tickets in advance, you bypass the bulk of the queues, allowing you to maximize your time at one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.

Your meeting point is conveniently located just five minutes from the Eiffel Tower at 38 avenue de la Bourdonnais. From there, a friendly guide helps you check in, get your Seine cruise tickets, and escorts you to the tower. This process not only simplifies your day but also ensures you avoid the frustration of last-minute ticket purchases or missing out altogether.

Inside the Eiffel Tower

Once inside, you have the choice of heading to the second floor or, if you’ve opted for the Summit option, riding further up to the very top. The second level provides sweeping views of Paris and its iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, and the Seine River. The summit, offering even more breathtaking vistas, is often considered the highlight, but be aware that access to the top is not wheelchair accessible.

Multiple reviews speak highly of the guides, with comments like “Jacopy was great!” and “Our guide Danyel was terrific. Very attentive and well-informed.” Having a knowledgeable guide can turn a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable learning experience. And, with unlimited time inside the Eiffel Tower, you can linger on the platforms, take photos, or simply soak in the view at your own pace.

The Seine River Cruise

After your tower visit, you’ll make your way to Port de La Bourdonnais for the Seine cruise—a one-hour boat ride that offers a different angle on Paris’s landmarks. Many travelers find this part especially enjoyable, as it’s a peaceful way to see Notre-Dame, Louvre, Conciergerie, and the Pont Alexandre III from the water.

The cruise includes an audio guide in multiple languages, allowing you to learn about the sites as you float past. Several reviews, like “The boat goes every half hour which was great and convenient,” highlight how flexible and easy it is to hop on and off during the cruise hours. The nighttime cruise is especially popular, with many saying the city lights make for a truly magical scene, as one reviewer described it as a “sparkling Eiffel and Seine evening.”

The Crowd and Timing

The crowds at the Eiffel Tower can be intense, especially during summer or weekends. Despite the skip-the-line tickets, you may still experience delays at security checkpoints. Travelers have noted that long lines and crowded conditions can make the experience less intimate, but this is often unavoidable given the site’s popularity.

Guides like Samy and Zach receive praise for their engaging commentary and ability to make the wait more bearable. However, some reviews point out that trying to listen amid thousands of people can be challenging, so be prepared for that.

Additional Considerations

• Weather: The tour is subject to weather conditions. Bad weather or maintenance might close the summit, so flexibility is advised.
• Timing: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in; latecomers may not be reimbursed. During busy periods, security checks can also take time.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair users should note that the summit is not wheelchair accessible, though the second floor may be more accommodating.
• Booking through Viator: Many reviewers find pre-booking via Viator convenient, but some have experienced difficulty with rescheduling or refunds. The tours are non-refundable, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Experiences Shared by Travelers

Reviewers consistently highlight the expertise of guides as a major plus, with comments like “Sebastian was lovely and informative, with a good sense of humor,” and “Our guide Samy was excellent, teaching us interesting facts in a fun way.” The guides seem to elevate the experience from a simple ticketed visit to a memorable story about Paris.

Many travelers mention how stunning the views are, whether from the second floor or the top. One noted, “Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night was a bonus,” capturing that special magic of Paris after sunset. The Seine cruise also receives high praise for its relaxing pace and beautiful sights from the water, especially at night.

However, some reviews also offer helpful cautions. For example, a traveler who missed the tour due to a race blocking access expressed frustration about poor communication and lack of responsiveness. This reminds future visitors to stay flexible and confirm details before heading out.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience suits travelers who value efficiency and expert guidance while exploring Paris’s most famous site. It’s ideal if you prefer not to wait in line and want a comprehensive, guided overview of the Eiffel Tower, with the added bonus of a scenic Seine cruise. Families, first-time visitors, and those with limited time will appreciate the organized, hassle-free approach.

If your main goal is to soak up as much as possible in a short period, this tour delivers. But if you’re seeking a more intimate, less crowded experience, you might find the crowds and security delays a bit overwhelming.

The Sum Up

For a well-organized, value-packed way to see the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a scenic Seine cruise, this tour offers a lot for the price. The skip-the-line tickets save you hours of waiting, and the guided commentary ensures you appreciate the landmarks beyond just photos. Plus, the cruise adds a peaceful, water-level perspective of Paris’s most celebrated sights.

It’s especially suitable for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience without the stress of planning every detail themselves. If you don’t mind the crowds and security checks, and value expert guides and flexible timing, this tour is a solid choice.

On the other hand, if accessibility or avoiding crowds is your priority, or you prefer booking directly for potentially better flexibility, you might consider alternative options. But for most visitors wanting a balanced, authentic Parisian experience, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers with children enjoy the experience, especially since it includes a child-friendly boat cruise and guides who make the stories engaging. However, the summit isn’t wheelchair accessible, so consider mobility needs.

How long does the entire experience take?
The whole tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, giving enough time for the Eiffel Tower visit and the Seine cruise.

Can I visit the top level of the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, if you select the Summit option when booking, you’ll be able to access the very top of the Eiffel Tower.

Are audio guides provided during the boat cruise?
Yes, the Seine cruise includes multilingual audio guides, enhancing your understanding of the sights as you float past.

Is it possible to stay inside the Eiffel Tower longer than the scheduled time?
Once inside the Eiffel Tower with your ticket, you have unlimited time, so you can linger as long as you like within the tower’s open hours.

What happens if the top of the Eiffel Tower is closed?
In bad weather or maintenance periods, the top level might be closed. In such cases, you’ll be directed to the second floor instead.

Do I need to arrive early for the tour?
Yes, arriving 15 minutes early ensures smooth check-in and avoids missing the tour start.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The summit isn’t wheelchair accessible, but the second floor may be more accommodating. Check with the provider for specific needs.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
No, this experience is non-refundable, so be sure about your schedule before booking.

How is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 20 travelers, allowing for a more personal experience compared to large crowds.

In the end, this tour combines the thrill of up-close Eiffel Tower access with the serenity of a Seine river cruise, making it a well-rounded way to see Paris’s iconic sights with ease. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking for a hassle-free way to tick off the Eiffel Tower from your list, it’s worth considering. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the crowds—those views are truly worth it.