Is going all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower a must?
Jul 26th, 2013, 11:09 PM
#21
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I loved the top level of the Eiffel tower and I'm glad I did it, just once. On my subsequent visit I didn't bother. I love the top of the arc du triomphe and recommend that. The stairs are easy if you have any fitness at all and no mobility issues, otherwise use the lift which is really only meant for those with a disability.
Next time I'm going to the top of the montparnasse tower so that I don't have to see that ugly thing!
Next time I'm going to the top of the montparnasse tower so that I don't have to see that ugly thing!
Jul 27th, 2013, 03:42 AM
#23
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I'm sure the travel agent meant there was some kind of construction or work going on at the Eiffel Tower, not that the tower itself was still under construction, and that is absolutely correct. They are doing something with the first floor that is disturbing things a bit and there is a work site there and redevelopment, but since that isn't the main reason why people go there, it shouldn't be a big problem.
I also believe there is actually an elevator out of order or closed there, the website says so and says it is current (the West one), so I would believe it.
So this travel agent isn't as bogus as people are charging.
But obviously, nothing is required if you don't want to do it. I have never been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in my life because I have zero interest in it. But I don't need to ask others if I do or not, because I know myself what I want to do. You should also, this isn't mysterious. Do you want to go to the top of a tall building in order to look at a view of a city from high up?
I also believe there is actually an elevator out of order or closed there, the website says so and says it is current (the West one), so I would believe it.
So this travel agent isn't as bogus as people are charging.
But obviously, nothing is required if you don't want to do it. I have never been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in my life because I have zero interest in it. But I don't need to ask others if I do or not, because I know myself what I want to do. You should also, this isn't mysterious. Do you want to go to the top of a tall building in order to look at a view of a city from high up?
Jul 27th, 2013, 05:14 AM
#26
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No, I don't think it is necessary but we did have a wonderful view from the restaurant Jules Verne.
Perhaps the elevator IS down.
AND just perhaps, the TA meant that you could buy a ticket for $65 or E--not sure in order to bypass the long lines. It is NOT for lunch.
https://www.myparisiantour.com/tour/...Fatj7AodtV0A2g
Perhaps the elevator IS down.
AND just perhaps, the TA meant that you could buy a ticket for $65 or E--not sure in order to bypass the long lines. It is NOT for lunch.
https://www.myparisiantour.com/tour/...Fatj7AodtV0A2g
Jul 27th, 2013, 07:32 AM
#27
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As many have indicated, it's your trip so whether or not it is a "must" or a miss depends on your interests, your time, and the weather.
I haven't read every word of every post, so I might repeat something, but here're my few suggestions:
1.When are you going? If you are interested in seeing lights from the Tower, or even seeing it lit up, check sundown times. We were there in June and never saw any streetlights or the Tower lit up, as we were not still outside at 10 pm or so!!!
2.We did go to the top via a very crowded elevator and experienced the views, which weren't spectacular on a rainy morning, along with a crowd so huge we could hardly move around. Even so, for us, we are glad we made it.
3.We got in line about 20 minutes before it opened and weren't first by any means. But once the line began moving, it was pretty quick and I think we were on the elevator within about 30-35 minutes.
4. We also climbed the Arch and I was on the Sacre Coeur mountain; both of these afforded nice views, too. But not same ones as from top of the Tower.
5. I thought the best views (in my limited visit of 1.5 days and then 2.5 days) of the Tower were from the Trocadero Gardens. Not high, so not great views of whole city, but nice views.
So should you do it? Up to you. When to do it? First thing one morning, choosing a pretty day if you have that flexibility. Or explore how to do it at sunset/dusk/dark if your timing works. There may be a lot more wait in line to do that.
6. There was some construction, and maybe only one elevator was running the day we went this June. But it went all the way to the top with a stop on the second level to change elevators.
I haven't read every word of every post, so I might repeat something, but here're my few suggestions:
1.When are you going? If you are interested in seeing lights from the Tower, or even seeing it lit up, check sundown times. We were there in June and never saw any streetlights or the Tower lit up, as we were not still outside at 10 pm or so!!!
2.We did go to the top via a very crowded elevator and experienced the views, which weren't spectacular on a rainy morning, along with a crowd so huge we could hardly move around. Even so, for us, we are glad we made it.
3.We got in line about 20 minutes before it opened and weren't first by any means. But once the line began moving, it was pretty quick and I think we were on the elevator within about 30-35 minutes.
4. We also climbed the Arch and I was on the Sacre Coeur mountain; both of these afforded nice views, too. But not same ones as from top of the Tower.
5. I thought the best views (in my limited visit of 1.5 days and then 2.5 days) of the Tower were from the Trocadero Gardens. Not high, so not great views of whole city, but nice views.
So should you do it? Up to you. When to do it? First thing one morning, choosing a pretty day if you have that flexibility. Or explore how to do it at sunset/dusk/dark if your timing works. There may be a lot more wait in line to do that.
6. There was some construction, and maybe only one elevator was running the day we went this June. But it went all the way to the top with a stop on the second level to change elevators.
Jul 27th, 2013, 09:39 AM
#28
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I agree with denisea. Plenty of places to go in Paris where you get as good a view or better, frequently for less money and with less chance of your pocket being picked. Go to the top of the Pompidou centre or to the top of the Galeries Lafayette instead.
Jul 27th, 2013, 10:57 AM
#30
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How often are you in Paris? If you have a desire to go to the top then do it. I have passed on doing other things when I have been vacationing and have later had regrets.
I think going at night is particularly fun as the tower looks much prettier lit up. I have been several times with different family members and have always enjoyed it. Yes, it is a touristy thing to do but I just embrace my "inner tourist."
I think going at night is particularly fun as the tower looks much prettier lit up. I have been several times with different family members and have always enjoyed it. Yes, it is a touristy thing to do but I just embrace my "inner tourist."
Jul 27th, 2013, 11:06 AM
#31
One more viewpoint of Paris from a height: The captive balloon at Parc Andre-Citroen. http://en.parisinfo.com/guided-tours...allon-de-Paris
Jul 27th, 2013, 06:01 PM
#32
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Relax, it was me that said it was under construction not my "travel agent" who also happens to be a friend. I think he said there was some work going on and only one elevator was operating. Thanks to all for your replies.
Jul 27th, 2013, 07:09 PM
#33
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If you are interested in a broad view, impressive, go to the top. However, if you are like me and want to pick out buildings you know, your hotel or apt. building, buildings where restaurants or favorite museums are located, you can see those from the 2d level. I am a 'map' person who wants to see the detail that you get from the 2d level. But the broad view from the top is breathtaking.
Jul 27th, 2013, 08:36 PM
#34
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Do the maths. Take your height in feet add half as much again and then find the square root. That will give you your horizon in miles.
For simplicity assume you are six feet tall. Half as much again gives you nine feet. The square root of nine is three. QED the horizon is three miles away. Assuming clear day and no hills.
Thus the relative heights of the Eiffel tower will not give you that much extra a view. Paris is flat so will see a bit more of flatness and buildings in the distance.
Going to the top is more about going to the top and "been there done that". It is also about looking at the structure itself, which is fascinating.
The view is great but as you are higher the details are less.
I'd go to the top (I have been). Always better to do something and regret it, rather than not do something and regret it.
For simplicity assume you are six feet tall. Half as much again gives you nine feet. The square root of nine is three. QED the horizon is three miles away. Assuming clear day and no hills.
Thus the relative heights of the Eiffel tower will not give you that much extra a view. Paris is flat so will see a bit more of flatness and buildings in the distance.
Going to the top is more about going to the top and "been there done that". It is also about looking at the structure itself, which is fascinating.
The view is great but as you are higher the details are less.
I'd go to the top (I have been). Always better to do something and regret it, rather than not do something and regret it.
Jul 28th, 2013, 05:17 AM
#35
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Without the map, I personally love the Tower itself, which as someone said, you can't see if you are on it! LOL And I particularly like the view of it lit up from the boat ride on the Seine. Another possibility.
There really is a good view of Paris from the roof of galleries Lafayette, which I do think gives a person a perspective of the general geography of Paris--which the Samarataine gave in its day. I find this really more helpful than having to wait in a line (or pay for a ticket). Everyone's desires are different.
There really is a good view of Paris from the roof of galleries Lafayette, which I do think gives a person a perspective of the general geography of Paris--which the Samarataine gave in its day. I find this really more helpful than having to wait in a line (or pay for a ticket). Everyone's desires are different.
Jul 28th, 2013, 10:17 AM
#36
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Is it a "Must"? That's an individual thing. I've been going to Paris, almost annually, since the mid 1970s and have never even been up the Eiffel Tower and have no desire to do so. And I agree to just view it from Galleries Lafayette, or some other point in town, since Samarataine no longer is around. My personal favorite view is from Palais de Chaillot (sp?) directly across the river from the tower.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Jul 28th, 2013, 10:24 AM
#37
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To clarify, my statement, viewing from Galeries Layfaette gives a tower view and a city view and viewing from Palais de Chaillot gives a great tower view. Then you have two views and for free.
Happy Travels!
Happy Travels!
Jul 28th, 2013, 11:45 AM
#38
I've been to the top twice but neither was during my first trip to Paris. I remember trying to get tickets for the top but couldn't or it probably would have been another 2 times. I am the type of person who has to do things at least once just so I can say I've done it. When my friend lived there, she refused to go again and she never went to the top. She is terrified of heights and the closest she would get was the Palais de Chaillot. So, the answer is really up to you. If you never went to the top, would you regret it?
Jul 28th, 2013, 12:39 PM
#39
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I've been to Paris more times than I can remember (100+) but didn't go to the top of the Eiffel Tower until 2001. I thought it was great.
I also took the hot air balloon ride in the 15th arrondissement (mentioned in a post above) three times and thought that was great too. (The balloon is tethered to the ground so you won't go sailing away, but on the other hand, it does bob a bit in the breeze and you definitely know that you're not standing on solid ground or a non-moving building.)
I've also climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and liked that too.
If you're interested in going, go! But if you're only thinking of going because other people say you should, then you decide whether you should or not.
Whatever you decide to do, you'll be in Paris. Enjoy!
I also took the hot air balloon ride in the 15th arrondissement (mentioned in a post above) three times and thought that was great too. (The balloon is tethered to the ground so you won't go sailing away, but on the other hand, it does bob a bit in the breeze and you definitely know that you're not standing on solid ground or a non-moving building.)
I've also climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and liked that too.
If you're interested in going, go! But if you're only thinking of going because other people say you should, then you decide whether you should or not.
Whatever you decide to do, you'll be in Paris. Enjoy!
Jul 28th, 2013, 12:50 PM
#40
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I'll second a trip to the top of Arc de Triomphe as well; it would be desireable to get to the top of the ET, but frankly cannot recall if we ever have! We did climb up to the gargoyles at Notre Dame when we were younger, Sacre Coeur too. If the weather is clear, then try for it, but remember, most of the best vistas in Paris can be appreciated from much lower levels (restaurant atop department store that is not Galerie Lafayette is one of them-- perhaps Printemps on right bank?)
