France - Paris Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower, Paris (Photo: unknown)

FRANCE

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps number one on many people's lists of 'must see' attractions in Paris. Today, it has become a global icon of France, which is an iron tower built on the Champ de Mars beside the River Seine in Paris. 

The Eiffel Tower was built for the World Exhibition in 1889, held in celebration of the French Revolution in 1789. This Parisian landmark named after its engineer designer, Gustave Eiffel, now is one of the most recognized structures in the world and is the tallest structure in Paris.

The entrances to the Eiffel Tower are at at ground level on each of the Eiffel Tower's four legs. The leg at the south pillar is a ticket booth and the entrance for those wanting to climb the stairs, which begin at that location and the first and second levels are accessible by both stairs and lifts. But the third level summit is only accessible by lift. There are three lifts (North, East, and West pillars) will take you up to the 1st and 2nd floors (115m). On the first platform, the stairs continue up from the east tower. You should expect to have to queue to use the lifts. There are three levels in all:

1st Floor

There are a couple of restaurants (Altitude 95), gift shops and a wide circular gallery from which you can take in all the Paris sites and monuments. There are quite a lot of explanatory signs and 'Cineiffel' images and film covering the history of the Eiffel Tower.

2nd Floor

More restaurant (Le Jules Verne) and souvenirs shops. This is the 'interchange' floor where those going to the top (3rd floor) have to change lifts. The second level also includes a specialty food shop where you can purchase traditional French food items.

3rd Floor

At the top, apart from the views you will find Gustave Eiffel’s office which has been restored to its original condition. There is also a champagne bar.

Location:

Champ de Mars
7 e arrondissement

Public Transport

The Metro line 6 will drop you off at Bir Hakeim, the closest station. Its about a 10 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower along the south bank of the River Seine past an endless stream of street traders hoping to sell you a small model of the Eiffel Tower.

For better views while arriving at the tower, we would recommend you get off at station Trocadero (M6, M9). You will be rewarded by a first stunning view of the Eiffel tower with just a short walk across the river afterwards. Line 8 at Ecole Militaire is also a short walk through the Champs de Mars (or RER-C), offering great views of the tower as well.
By public bus the number 69 is useful terminating at the Champs De Mars, right next to the Eiffel Tower. You can pick the 69 from the centre of the city, notably by the glass pyramid at the Louvre.

Both the main Paris hop on, hop off sightseeing buses, L'Open Tour and Les Cars Roughe have stops literally a few yards from the Eiffel tower itself. Batobus river bus service also stop right next to the Eiffel Towel.

Opening Hours

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year, including major holidays. June 15 - September 1: Open from 9 a.m. to midnight. (Last elevator at midnight.). From September 2 - June 14: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 11 pm. (Last elevator at 11 p.m.)

Best Times to Visit the Tower

• Low season in Paris is October to March. If you can visit during these times, you'll be more likely to avoid long lines and overcrowded observation areas. However, visiting the tower during the cold and wet months of November-February is less likely to be a pleasant experience, especially when overcast skies obstruct magnificent views of the city.
• Visiting during weekdays rather than weekends and in the early morning or late evening is also a good idea.

Ticket prices

The Eiffel Tower sells tickets to the second floor observation deck and to the top. You may also purchase a ticket to climb the stairs to the second floor (but not to the top!). There are discounts for youths (12-24 years old) and children (4-11 years old). There is no discounts for seniors and baby's are free. There are three kinds of tickets you can purchase.

Elevator to the 2nd floor: €8.50 (adult), €7 (12-24 years old), €4 (4-11 year old).
Stairs to the 2nd floor: €5 (adult), €3.50 (12-24), €3 (4-11).
Elevator to the top: €14 (adult), €12.50 (12-24), €9.50 (4-11).

One of our most important suggestions is to plan ahead and buy your tickets ahead of time on the Eiffel Tower's Web site. Buy tickets in advance online to avoid monumental queues at the ticket office. If you do book ahead, make sure to print out your tickets, or be prepared to show your confirmation email on your smartphone when you arrive at the Tower. Also, make sure to show up at the time you booked. If you show up late, your tickets may not be accepted.

Nearby Attractions

Champ de Mars
Distance: 350 m / 0.2 mi
 

Musée du Quai Branly
37 Quai Branly
7e arrondissement
Distance: 350 m / 0.2 mi
 

Palais de Chaillot 
17 place du Trocadéro
16e arrondissement
Distance: 650 m / 0.4 mi
 

Musée de la Marine
Place du Trocadéro 17
16e arrondissement
Distance: 650 m / 0.4 mi
 

Hôtel des Invalides
Rue de Grenelle 129
7e arrondissement
Distance: 1.4 km / 0.8 mi
 

Dôme des Invalides 
Hôtel des Invalides
7e arrondissement
Distance: 1.4 km / 0.9 mi
 

Pont Alexandre III
Distance: 1.5 km / 0.9 mi
 

Champ-Alysées 
Distance: 1.6 km / 1 mi