pastyp

Hi, I will be in Paris for a day trip with my sister and her 3 children. We have hired a minbus and driver to take us around Paris and we have his time for 5 hours. The tour is set for Wednesday the 12th of August and my question concerns the Eiffel Tour.

At that time of year is hoping to get to the top of the Eiffel Tour unrealistic in the time frame we have given that we do want to see 4-5 other areas during the short tour? Will it take too long at that time of year to que?

Are we better stopping and viewing the tower but not getting in line to go up?

Many thanks in advance.

zeppole

Skipping it would be my advice, without regrets. The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower is actually less interesting than a lot of views from places lower down, and daytime views of Paris in polluted August may not be as grand as you imagined.

Also, don't be tempted if you see short, fast moving lines at the ticket booth to think you can snag a quick trip up. THere are many elevators that go from the ground to the first landing (where the view is actually interesting). But then, all those people are herded into one queue for the few elevators that go up and down to the top. THAT's a long wait in an unpleasant space crammed with fellow tourists.

Your minibus tour is likely to take you to Sacre Couer, where you will get a view.

pastyp

Thanks zeppole

ira

I agree with Zep.

At most, save it for last.

StCirq

Unless you go first thing in the morning or last thing at night it will take you 2-3 hours in August to buy tickets, stand in line, and get to the top of the Tour Eiffel. Since your minivan tour is 5 hours, that would leave you hardly any time at all for the rest of Paris. Skip it. Go up the Tour Montparnasse or the Arc de Triomphe or to Montmartre if you want a view.

laurie_ann

And certainly don't use any of the 5 hours that you paid for the driver to sit and wait for you to go up and come down. Do it before or after. And I second the idea of ADT. Admission for under 18 is free. And, with kids, if you are adventurous you use the stairs. As for ET, I think the best view is the one from underneath it looking up and admiring the architecture and construction, so do stop by. Another good choice with kids is at least one segment on a Seine boat (have driver drop you off at one stop and pick you up from another) that view from below from river is better IMHO of what is so special about Paris than the view from up high. Here is link to Bateaubus website English page. http://www.batobus.com/english/8escale.htm

pastyp

Thank you all - am very grateful for this site and those who are generous enough to give of their time, information and thoughts.

Many thanks.

ddena

I had the dream of going to the top of the Tower and I got there before 9 am. The lines were miles long; they put you through cattle-gates. Getting down was just as difficult as getting up. In May- the whole thing took me 5 hours and lots of aggravation. I'd only go now after dark. The later the better!