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

If you’re planning a trip to the City of Light, this combination tour of a Seine River cruise and Eiffel Tower visit promises a memorable way to see some of Paris’s most iconic sights. While it might not be the fastest route to skip long lines or insider access, it offers a charming, well-rounded glimpse of the city through water and elevating views.

What we love about this experience is the scenic boat ride with audio commentary, the guided access to the Eiffel Tower, and the thoughtful inclusion of a practical Paris guide packed with tips. Yet, some travelers have noted that queueing at the Eiffel Tower can still be a factor if you opt for the standard ticket option. This tour suits those who enjoy a relaxed pace, informative guides, and classic Parisian sights without the hefty price tag of VIP access.

Good To Know

• Scenic Water Views: The Seine cruise offers a relaxed way to see Paris’s landmarks from the water with multimedia commentary.
• Guided Eiffel Tower Access: Your guide helps secure tickets and provides engaging insights at one of the world’s most recognizable monuments.
• Flexible Options: Choose between visiting the 2nd floor or going all the way to the summit, based on your energy and interest.
• Value for Money: Combining two experiences in a 3.5-hour tour for under $110 makes it a budget-friendly option.
• Some Queueing Expected: Without skip-the-line tickets, you’ll likely face the usual wait at the Eiffel Tower.
• Additional Tips Included: The free “101 Paris Tips for Tourists” guide adds practical value for your overall trip.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary and Experience

Starting with the Seine River Cruise

The tour kicks off with a scenic 1.5-hour cruise along the Seine, starting at 13 Allée Paul Deschanel. From the moment you step on the boat, you’ll notice how Paris unfolds from a different perspective, with views of the Louvre, Notre Dame, Les Invalides, and other historic sites. The audio commentary enhances the experience, providing context and stories behind each landmark.

While the cruise offers a peaceful way to absorb Paris’s beauty, some reviewers mention the audio commentary is not live, but multilingual recordings. This means you get a solid overview, but not a personalized guide. One reviewer, GIOVANNA_H, notes that the cruise itself was a highlight, offering “beautiful views of historic medieval monuments” that are usually hidden behind crowds on land.

The Eiffel Tower Guided Visit

After soaking in the sights from the water, you’ll meet your guide at the Eiffel Tower. This part of the tour lasts approximately 2 hours, during which your guide will manage tickets and help you navigate the tower’s security and elevators. Depending on your choice, you’ll ascend to the 2nd floor or the summit.

One critical detail is that tickets are not prepaid or skip-the-line, so you’ll still queue at the tower. Olga_T’s review warns that “you have to stand in line to buy tickets”, which can be frustrating if you’re expecting fast-track access. However, the guide’s role is to ensure you’re well-informed and assisted, which many found helpful.

The Experience at the Tower

Reaching the top via elevator, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Paris stretching in all directions. The guide shares stories and facts, adding depth to your visit—these might include engineering marvels or historical tidbits about the tower. If you opt for the summit, you’ll see the city from an even higher vantage point, perfect for photos and contemplation.

Additional Landmarks and Sights

During the cruise, you’ll sail past notable sites like the Musée d’Orsay, with its grand Beaux-Arts architecture, and catch glimpses of Les Invalides, recognizable by its golden dome. The cruise also passes beneath the Pont des Arts, famous for love locks, and the oldest bridge, Pont Neuf, offering more insight into Paris’s layered history.

From the water, you’ll also admire the Louvre’s grandeur and the restored exterior of Notre Dame, which has drawn many visitors’ attention. The quiet beauty of these landmarks from the river may be a different experience from visiting them on foot.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Timing and Duration

The entire tour lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon. You’ll meet at the designated starting point at 13 Allée Paul Deschanel, with the cruise happening first, followed by the Eiffel Tower visit. Exact times for the Eiffel Tower will be confirmed 24 hours after booking, which means you’ll have some flexibility in planning the rest of your day.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum of 100 travelers, the tour feels reasonably intimate, especially with an engaging, friendly guide. It’s suitable for most travelers, with most activities accessible, though some steep or crowded areas might challenge those with mobility issues.

Price and Value

At $107.85 per person, the tour offers a combined experience that covers both the Seine’s scenic views and the Eiffel Tower’s iconic heights. While there’s no skip-the-line access at the tower, the guide’s assistance can still streamline your visit. Some might find the price a bit high considering queues, but the inclusion of a professional guide and the comprehensive itinerary boosts its value.

What’s Not Included

You should note that priority or skip-the-line tickets are not included; therefore, if the Eiffel Tower is busy, wait times can vary. Food and drinks are also not part of this tour, so plan your meals accordingly.

Insights from Reviews: What Travelers Say

Reviews provide a realistic picture. One reviewer, Olga_T, was disappointed, describing the experience as a “scam” due to expected skip-the-line access and unhelpful guides during the tower visit. She felt misled about the ticket process and expressed frustration over the queue.

Conversely, others like GIUSEPPE_P and GIOVANNA_H praised their guides—Yemine and Srishta—for their knowledge, friendliness, and detailed explanations. They appreciated the personalized assistance and found the experience “very memorable”. GIOVANNA_H mentioned that the guide made the climb enjoyable despite some confusion about the ticketing process.

This contrast highlights the importance of managing expectations regarding ticketing and guide involvement. If you’re okay with possible queues and don’t require skip-the-line tickets, the tour still offers value and memorable moments.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced view of Paris without spending too much or rushing through landmarks. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy water-based sightseeing combined with guided access to one of the world’s most famous monuments. It’s a good fit if you appreciate informative guides and want a comprehensive yet laid-back way to see Paris in a few hours.

However, if you prefer priority access or a more exclusive experience at the Eiffel Tower, you might want to consider other options. Likewise, if queuing is a dealbreaker, prepare for some wait times at the tower.

The Sum Up

This combined Seine River cruise and Eiffel Tower visit offers a solid, all-around introduction to Paris. With the chance to see the city from the water, hear engaging commentary, and ascend the Eiffel Tower with an experienced guide, it balances sightseeing and comfort. The added bonus of a practical guide full of tips makes it even more appealing for first-timers or those short on time.

While queues at the Eiffel Tower can be unpredictable without skip-the-line tickets, the tour’s overall value, relaxed pace, and scenic highlights make it worth considering—especially if you want a taste of Paris that’s both informative and enjoyable.

This tour is best for travelers who want a comprehensive yet affordable way to enjoy Paris’s water and heights, appreciate guided insights, and don’t mind a bit of waiting for the tower. It’s a reliable, well-rounded option for capturing the essence of Paris in a few hours.

FAQ

Does this tour include skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower?
No, tickets are not prepaid or skip-the-line. You’ll receive tickets from your guide during the visit, and some wait time at the tower is possible.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the cruise and the Eiffel Tower visit.

Can I choose to go to the Eiffel Tower summit?
Yes, you can select the option to ascend to the summit or the 2nd floor when booking, depending on your preference.

Is food or drinks included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to plan for meals before or after the tour.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

What should I expect from the cruise?
You’ll enjoy a self-guided cruise with audio commentary about the landmarks, providing a scenic perspective of Paris from the water.

This tour offers a balanced, accessible way to see Paris’s highlights—perfect for travelers who value storytelling, scenic views, and a relaxed pace.