Eiffel Tower 1st Floor: Tours & Tickets

I have been quite a few times to the Eiffel Tower and must admit I did not look forward to go there again but felt obliged since there were a few family members who hadn't seen the view and heard the story about the tower. However, we wer fortunate enough to get an Australian guide (I guess his name was Lindsay) who was so competent, flexible and entertaining so the guided tour turned out to become a real interestering visit to one of the most fascinating and iconic iron structures in the world. The guide knew so many anecdotes about Eiffel himself, but also about historical persons that have visited the tower so time just passed very quickly. I have been travelling twice around the globe and have had guides on many corners of the globe; When riding in Mongolia, diving in Sipadan in Malaysia or when visiting French Polynesia but this was probably the best guide I ever had. Engaged, competent and very careful about that adapt to the level of each participant in the group.

What a great experience. We met our guide in the concourse area and waited in line to get tickets. Our guide told us many great facts about the tower and its design and building before we even got through the ticket gates. The lift ride wasn't a long wait and as there are two floors on them, the queues were faster moving than I expected. Once on the second floor we were given time to take a few pics and look around before the tour continued. The guide then instructed us to the queue for the lift to the summit and we proceeded up. The tower has wonderful views of Paris and we could make out quite a lot of the famous attractions. My daughters are both uneasy with heights, but this was one trip they were adamant they were going to make. It did not disappoint...

Our daughter has special needs and finds it difficult to be in enclosed spaces for long periods of time so we are always looking for ways around having to stay in particularly long queues. The skip the line priority access tickets for the Eiffel Tower were perfect for us as the regular queues can take a few hours, even with previously booked tickets. The guide we had was also very knowledgeable but didn’t overload us with information. The amount of info given was just enough. Overall it was a very worthwhile experience which meant that a visit to the Eiffel tower didn’t take up a whole day.

I suggest that the Effiel Tower tickets should be left on the Eiffel Tower premise rather than the tourist having to walk a very long distance to pick up one's ticket. Some tourist, like me, may have breathing problems and cannot walk great distances. Or senior citizens cannot walk a long way before finally getting into the Eiffel Tower. Convenience should be a top priority so that senior citizens and the disabled can enjoy a much sought after tourist attraction.

It did seem a bit odd at first having to go to the shop to retrieve tickets but, once there, all was explained. A really well organised tour with an engaging host who was happy to go at a slow pace so as not to lose anybody. Once at the 2nd floor, he said anyone can leave if they want to and those who wish to could stay with him. Would thoroughly recommend it!