JackGlasser

Thinkin getting reservations for the g of going to paris, avignon, nice this September. I am told by a friend it is nearly impossible to visit the Eiffel Tower without waiting many hours. He suggests getting reservations at the "cheaper" restaurant to be able to enter and see the eiffel tower. Is there a better way without spending a fortune? Simularly, I am told the lines waiting to enter the Lovre-takes many hours to enter. Anyone has suggestions. Thank you.

azzure

Eiffel tower - there is a "behind the scenes" tour you can book that will get you right in. http://www.isango.com/france-tours/p...el-tower_14838

Louvre - buy a Paris Museum pass; it's useful for many other sights in Paris as well.

nyse

At the Louvre, we like to use the Porte des Lions entrance.
Never more than a few others in line.

Gretchen

You can make reservations for Eiffel Tower __NOT the "elite" behind the scenes. Just "reservations" to go up.
AND you can get in the Louvre without waiting in line "for a long time". The pass is a good idea, but the place you enter is a better idea. Don't go through the "pyramid". The "line" is often not to get in, but the "security" line. Go where people aren't.

Percy

Gee I was in Paris in August and had no line for either the Effel Tower or the Louvre.

Hope you hit it as lucky as I did.

maxima

For the Louvre you can enter at Carrousel du Louvre.. its accessible from the street or metro.. there is an underground shopping center with an entrance for the louvre, there is a security check at all entrances but this one often has the shortest lines. the pyramid has the longest lines and you can buy an entrance ticket in advance if that suits you.

StCirq

If you are going to a bunch of museums, not just the Louvre, get a Museum Pass - it allows you to bypass the lines. OR enter through the Carrousel du Louvre, which most people don't know about.

For the Tour Eiffel, buy a ticket in advance, but know that they are doing major work on the tower elevators in 2012, and even advance ticket holders may get stuck in long lines. Go early in the morning or at dusk or later.

Carlux

In fact, for anyone currently in Paris - there is only one elevator working at the Eiffel Tower. One is under renovation, one has had problems and is being repaired.

Their site http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/ mentions waits of more than 2 hours. The alternative is 704 steps

JackGlasser

thanks. wondering about guided tours. So many: has anyone tried any which they liked? It would be interested to go on a night tour of paris to see all the lights, possibly on the seine? Also, has anyone one taken a tour of Versailes with a group that gave discussion of the gardens and possibly fountainbleu? It is hard to piece through these options. The behind the scenes eiffel tower tour looks good with the option at the end to do your own thing and go to the top. My wife nixed the motorscooter tours (we would not be driving, would get pricey to have two guides as drivers and if it rained!). Suggestions if to pick possibly two tours to do apart from mostly wondering by ourselves, what do you thin k most helpful? Hopefully would do four or more das in paris

dreamon

We have found the best way to avoid queues at the Eiffel Tower is to walk up to level 2. If you want to get tickets to the top level, you used to be able to purchase them on level 2.

StCirq

For a night tour of Paris on the Seine, just hop on the Vedettes du Pont Neuf. It's not a private guided tour, but you get to see Paris all lit up and the commentary will explain what you're looking at.

JackGlasser

helpful regarding vedettes du pont neuf. How about daytime? two possibiities: my wife likes a general all around oreintation prior to diving into specifics. Number two: any particular part of paris where a guided may be quite explanatory and save time as well as open an area which I would not realize if doing by ourselves. Lastly, Versailes tours -something that really would possibly add description of gardens (going on weekend) and fountainbleu. Thanks

justineparis

I don't like tours to Versailles etc as they are easy and cheaper to do on your own,, but in the interest of helping I will tell you the name of these two tour companies. They are well establishe reputable bus tour companies. I have used both, one for a Loire Valley Chateau tour( I was alone with a child and did not want to rent a car, which is the best way to enjoyt he region) and once on a daytrip to Brugges.

Cityrama

Parisvisions.

Both have websites in english .

Both are almost the same, just compare and check whichever one is cheaper.

Tours within the city are not needed.. but if interested their are walking tours that are highly regarded too:

Paris Walks and Paris Greeters.