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

Touring the Eiffel Tower is a must-do when visiting Paris, but securing tickets in the busy season can be a challenge. This tour offers an easy way to skip the lines and enjoy priority access to the famous monument, plus a scenic cruise along the Seine River — all for a reasonable price. The experience is designed for travelers who want a blend of iconic city views and relaxed sightseeing, with guides helping you make sense of the crowds and history.

One of the highlights? The tour includes either 2nd-floor access or the summit, depending on your choice. The added bonus is a ** Seine river cruise**, giving you a different perspective of Paris illuminated at night or basking in daylight, depending on timing. We love how this combined experience allows you to see top sights from two very distinct angles — the Tower’s height and the flowing river below.

However, a potential consideration is the size of the crowds—even with skip-the-line tickets, security checks and long lines are common during peak hours. Also, note that summit access isn’t wheelchair accessible, which could limit some visitors. This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a straightforward, guided experience that balances convenience with beautiful views and authentic Parisian charm.

Key Points

• Skip-the-line access ensures you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the views.
• Guided tour provides context and interesting facts, enhancing your understanding of Paris’s landmarks.
• Summit option elevates your experience with panoramic views from the very top of the Eiffel Tower.
• Seine river cruise offers a relaxing way to see Paris from the water, especially at sunset or night.
• Grouped small tour (max 20 people) makes for a more intimate experience.
• Cost-effective combo for those seeking both Eiffel Tower and Seine experiences in one go.

The Practical Breakdown of the Tour

Meeting Point and Check-in

The adventure begins just five minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower at 38 avenue de la Bourdonnais. The check-in process is straightforward, and many reviewers mention the ease of ticket collection. We appreciate that the tour starts early enough to beat the worst crowds, but keep in mind that arriving 15 minutes early is essential. The meeting instructions are clear, and you can even contact the guide via WhatsApp if needed — a thoughtful touch.

Access to Eiffel Tower

Once checked in, your guide will escort you to the entrance of the Eiffel Tower. The tour description emphasizes priority access, which helps bypass the long lines, although some reviewers note that security checks can still take time during peak hours. A few travelers, like Angela, experienced frustration because they missed out due to street closures or delays, highlighting the importance of punctuality and good weather conditions.

Exploring the Tower: 2nd Floor or Summit

Depending on your ticket choice, you’ll ascend to either the second level or the summit. The second floor is often the favorite for its iconic views and relative ease of access, while the summit offers an unbeatable perspective from the very top — but with some caveats. The summit isn’t wheelchair accessible, and during busy periods, waiting times can be lengthy.

Many reviews praise guides like Danyel, Jacopy, and Sebastian for their knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous commentary. They help explain the sights, history, and fun facts while managing large crowds. One reviewer even mentioned that their guide, Zach, kept the group entertained with educational stories and a good sense of humor, making the wait more bearable.

The Views from the Tower

From the observation decks, you’ll get stunning panoramic views of Paris’s most famous landmarks. The Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, and Montmartre all come into view, giving a sense of the city’s layout and beautiful rooftops. Several reviewers, such as Ruth, highlight the sparkling Eiffel at night, which becomes magical when illuminated.

Seine River Cruise

After descending from the Tower, you’ll head towards Port de La Bourdonnais for your Seine river cruise. The ticket is included, and many describe this part of the experience as relaxing, scenic, and informative, especially with the audio guide available on board. The cruise lasts about an hour, during which you can admire Paris’s bridges, monuments, and city lights from the water.

Reviewers like Mary and Graciela mention that the cruise is a great way to unwind after the busy Tower visit, with some noting that the nighttime views are particularly enchanting. The flexibility of using the ticket throughout the day is appreciated, enabling you to hop on and off or revisit later.

What We Love About This Tour

The combination of priority access, guided insight, and a scenic cruise makes this a well-rounded Paris experience. The guides tend to be knowledgeable and personable, transforming what could be a hectic visit into an enjoyable outing. The views from the Eiffel Tower, especially at sunset or night, are unforgettable—many reviewers emphasize that going to the top or second floor was worth the wait and the cost.

The price point (around $63.62 per person) is reasonable considering what’s included, especially when you compare it to buying separate tickets or dealing with long lines on your own. The small group size (max 20 travelers) makes it easier to hear the guides and ask questions, creating a more personalized experience.

A Few Drawbacks

While the experience is generally smooth, some travelers have encountered issues like long queues even with skip-the-line tickets or street closures that hindered meeting up. The summit’s limited accessibility is a point to consider if you have mobility concerns.

Others noted that during peak times, security checks can slow things down, and lines for the elevator may be lengthy. For those who prioritize comfort and ease, arriving early and being prepared for some waiting is advisable.

The Value for Money

When you consider the priority access to the Eiffel Tower, a guided tour, and a water cruise all bundled together, the value becomes clear. Many reviews highlight how the guides enhance the experience with interesting commentary and humor, helping you appreciate the landmarks beyond just their photos.

The included audio guides on the cruise add to the experience by providing context without extra cost. The flexibility of using the cruise ticket during the day also helps tailor the day to your pace, making it a good investment for a full Parisian day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their time without sacrificing the experience, especially those eager to skip lengthy lines. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a guided overview of Paris’s highlights, and those who enjoy scenic water views.

It’s also great for small groups or families, thanks to the small tour size and friendly guides. If you’re comfortable with a moderate amount of walking and waiting, this tour offers good value and a memorable way to see the Eiffel Tower and Seine in one go.

However, if you’re particularly concerned about mobility or have specific accessibility needs, consider the summit option’s limitations. Also, if tight schedules or late arrivals are an issue, plan carefully to avoid missing out.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In short, this Eiffel Tower tour with summit access and Seine cruise offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to see some of Paris’s most iconic sights with minimal hassle. The priority access helps you skip long lines, and knowledgeable guides add meaningful commentary that enriches your visit. The Seine cruise is a peaceful, scenic addition, giving you a different viewpoint of the city.

This experience is best suited for travelers who value convenience, authentic insights, and a mix of land and water perspectives. The tour provides excellent value, especially when you want to make the most of a short time in the city without endless waiting.

Overall, many reviewers found it smooth, informative, and enjoyable, making it a reliable choice for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a stress-free Paris adventure.

FAQ

Does the tour include summit access?
Yes, if you select the summit option when booking, you’ll have access to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, offering panoramic views of Paris.

Is the Seine cruise included in the price?
Absolutely. The ticket for the Seine river cruise is part of the package, and you can use it at your convenience within operating hours.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, including time inside the Eiffel Tower and the cruise.

Can I stay inside the Eiffel Tower for as long as I want?
Yes, your ticket gives you unlimited time inside the Eiffel Tower, so you can explore at your own pace once inside.

What should I know about the accessibility?
The summit is not wheelchair accessible. During busy times, security checks and lines can take extra time, so arrive early.

What if I miss the meeting point or arrive late?
Latecomers likely won’t be reimbursed, so it’s important to arrive at least 15 minutes early and follow the meeting instructions carefully.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is open to all ages, but parents should note that summit access isn’t wheelchair friendly and the climb might be tiring for very young children.

If you’re after a hassle-free, engaging way to experience Paris’s best views from the Eiffel Tower and Seine, this tour offers a practical and memorable option. Just be sure to arrive prepared, and you’ll be left with lots of beautiful memories and stunning photos of the City of Light.