Paris: Eiffel Lunch, 2nd Floor or Summit Ticket & Cruise

Visiting Paris is a dream for many, and there’s no better way to see the city’s most iconic sights than with a combined experience of ascending the Eiffel Tower, savoring gourmet cuisine, and cruising along the Seine River. This tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, culinary delight, and relaxed river views that captures the essence of Paris without overwhelming your schedule.

What truly stands out is the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower—far less crowded than the summit but still offering breathtaking angles of the city. Pair that with a delicious three-course lunch at Madame Brasserie and a relaxing Seine River cruise, and you get a well-rounded experience that appeals to first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup and involves some wait time for security and elevators, which can be a bit of a patience test during peak hours. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a flexible, self-guided component after their guided access, or travelers eager to blend iconic sights with authentic culinary moments.

Key Points

• Convenient combination of Eiffel Tower access, lunch, and Seine cruise offers great value.
• Guided service up to the second floor ensures a smooth start, with independence afterwards.
• Stunning views from the second floor provide excellent photo opportunities without the crowds of the summit.
• Gourmet lunch at Madame Brasserie features a 3-course meal with spectacular city vistas.
• Seine River cruise allows you to relax and admire Paris landmarks from the water, with audio guides in multiple languages.
• No hotel transfers included, so plan your journey to the meeting point accordingly.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Meeting and Ticket Collection

The adventure begins at the meeting point in front of Le Champ de Mars Café, at 45 Avenue de la Bourdonnais. We appreciate that you don’t have to go to the Eiffel Tower itself to pick up tickets—this pre-arranged system saves you from long queues at the ticket office. Upon arrival, a friendly host hands over your Eiffel Tower tickets and offers some helpful tips about security checks and what to expect.

From here, you’ll get a brief walkthrough of the process, and the host will accompany you through security, easing some of the stress often associated with crowded attractions. This personalized touch helps set a relaxed tone for the day.

Ascent to the Second Floor

Your host will escort you to the elevators, leading you first to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. This is a highlight for many, as the views are spectacular but usually less crowded than the summit. From this vantage point, you get a sweeping perspective of Paris’s famous rooftops, landmarks, and the Seine flowing through the city.

If you choose the summit ticket, your host will guide you to the elevator that takes you to the very top. However, be prepared for potential lines on the elevator for the summit, as some reviews note that summit access can involve waiting. For many, the second floor offers more than enough awe-inspiring sights without the additional wait time.

Lunch at Madame Brasserie

After soaking in the views, your next stop is Madame Brasserie, located on the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower. Here, you’ll be greeted by a hostess, who will lead you to your table right in front of the restaurant’s information desk. The ambiance combines classic Parisian elegance with panoramic views, making it a fitting setting for a memorable meal.

The 3-course lunch (depending on your option) is praised for its quality and presentation. Reviewers describe the food as “delicious,” with one mentioning the duck foie as “amazing” and quick, attentive service. Many appreciate the value for money, considering the location and quality of the meal, which is often seen as a highlight of the experience.

Seine River Cruise

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a 1-hour Seine River cruise. You’re free to use your ticket at any time during your stay in Paris, which offers flexibility—perhaps fitting it into your afternoon plans. The cruise provides a relaxed way to see the city’s most iconic sights, including Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Les Invalides, and many monumental bridges.

The audio guides in 14 languages add an educational element, and reviewers often note the beauty of the illuminated city at night or the peaceful atmosphere during a daytime cruise. It’s a gentle, scenic wind-down that gives you a different perspective of Paris beyond walking or bus tours.

Why This Tour Offers Value

At $184 per person, this package packs in a lot: priority access to the Eiffel Tower, a sit-down lunch with spectacular views, and a cruise along the Seine. When you compare this to booking each component separately, the convenience and overall experience justify the price for many travelers.

The inclusion of a host service ensures smooth entry and helps navigate security queues, which can be one of the slowest parts of visiting the Eiffel Tower. The lunch at Madame Brasserie is often praised for its quality, with some reviewers calling it a “must-do” for food lovers.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Arrive on time at the meeting point; late arrivals are considered no-shows, and you won’t be able to join later.
• Be prepared for security checks and elevator lines, especially during peak times.
• Bring your passport or ID—it’s needed for entry.
• The tour is not guided through the entire Eiffel Tower, so be comfortable exploring independently after the initial access.
• If you want to visit the summit, consider the extra €10 and ask your guide on-site; you might find waiting in line for the summit’s elevator unavoidable.
• The lunch is before your Eiffel Tower visit, so plan your day accordingly.
• You can hop on the Seine cruise at any time that suits your schedule—use your ticket during your stay.

What Reviewers Say

Based on over 180 reviews, visitors consistently highlight the helpful, friendly guides and the stunning views. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, Kyra, made sure they were first in line and the first to go up, which enhanced their experience. Others appreciated the delicious food and quick service at Madame Brasserie, describing the duck foie as “amazing” and the meal as well-presented.

A common theme is the smooth organization, with many noting the host’s bilingual (English) support, making the experience accessible for international travelers. Some reviewers did mention waiting in lines, but they generally felt it was manageable given the iconic nature of the site.

Final Thoughts

This combined Eiffel Tower, lunch, and Seine cruise experience offers a well-rounded taste of Paris. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, enjoyable day without the chaos of trying to book each element separately. The priority access saves you time, while the gourmet lunch and scenic cruise add memorable touches to your visit.

If you’re someone who appreciates a balanced itinerary with authentic moments—from city views to delicious food and peaceful waterway scenes—this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suitable for first-timers eager to see the essentials of Paris in one well-organized package.

While it’s not a guided tour of every detail of the Eiffel Tower, the combination of convenience, quality, and flexibility makes this a worthwhile pick for many visitors.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
People with reduced mobility are not allowed on the summit floor, but the second floor is accessible by elevator, and the host can assist you through security.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended. You must arrive at the designated meeting point on time, as late arrivals may not be accommodated.

Can I use the Seine cruise ticket at any time?
Yes, your cruise ticket is valid for any operating hour during your stay in Paris, giving you flexibility.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point on your own.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID. It’s also wise to carry a hat, sunglasses, or sunscreen if visiting during sunny days, and some cash or card for additional drinks or extras.

Is there a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower itself?
No, the experience is self-guided once you reach the second floor, giving you time to explore at your own pace.

Can I upgrade to the summit if I didn’t select that option initially?
Yes, the summit ticket can be added on-site for an extra €10, but expect to wait in line for the elevator.

In sum, this Eiffel Tower experience combines practicality with the kind of memorable moments that make a trip to Paris unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another look, the blend of stunning views, delicious food, and relaxing Seine cruise offers a well-rounded slice of Parisian life.