Ultimate Guide to Eiffel Tower Tours with Summit Access: Experience Paris from the Top 🗼

Have you ever dreamed of seeing Paris from the very top of its most famous landmark? The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a symbol of Paris—it’s your ticket to the most breathtaking views of the City of Light. But with so many ticket options and tour choices, how do you know which one is right for you?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Eiffel Tower tours with summit access. We’ll help you understand your options, compare different tours, and make the best choice for your visit. Whether you’re planning months ahead or looking for last-minute tickets, we’ve got you covered!

Introduction: Why the Eiffel Tower Matters 🇫🇷

Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was only meant to stand for 20 years. Now, more than 130 years later, it welcomes over 7 million visitors annually! Standing at 1,083 feet (330 meters) tall, it was the world’s tallest structure until 1930.

When you visit the Eiffel Tower, you have several choices:

Go on your own with regular tickets
Join a guided tour with an expert
Visit just the second floor or go all the way to the summit

But what makes summit access special? Simple—it’s the highest public viewing point in Paris, offering a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of the city. From up there, Paris looks like a beautiful map spread out before you!

Understanding Eiffel Tower Access Levels 🏗️

The Eiffel Tower isn’t just one viewing platform—it has multiple levels, each offering a different experience. Let’s explore what you’ll find at each level.

Ground Level Experience (Esplanade)

When you first arrive at the tower, you’ll enter the esplanade area. Here’s what to expect:

Security checks: Everyone must go through security screening
Ticket lines: If you haven’t bought tickets in advance, prepare for long waits
Information booths: Get maps and guides
Souvenir shops: Buy Eiffel Tower keepsakes
Food options: Quick snacks and coffee

Pro tip: The area under the tower is free to visit, but can get very crowded. Having tickets in advance means you can use the special entrance for ticket holders, which usually has shorter lines.

First Floor (57m/187ft)

Many visitors rush past the first floor to get higher, but it’s worth stopping here!

What you’ll find:

A transparent glass floor where you can look straight down (if you dare!)
Interactive displays about the tower’s history
A cinema area showing films about the tower
Restaurants and shops
Less crowded spaces to enjoy views

One visitor told us: “The glass floor on the first level was a highlight for my kids—they spent ages jumping around on it while I enjoyed the historical displays!”

Second Floor (115m/377ft)

The second floor is where most standard tours end, and it offers amazing views of Paris.

Highlights include:

Clear views of major landmarks like the Seine River, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame
The famous Michelin-starred restaurant “Le Jules Verne”
Macaron bar for sweet treats
Souvenir shops
Restrooms and seating areas

Many people think the second floor actually has the best views because you’re high enough to see everything clearly, but not so high that details get lost.

Summit (276m/905ft) ⭐

The summit (or “sommet” in French) is the highest public level of the Eiffel Tower. This is what makes a summit access tour special!

At the summit, you’ll experience:

The reconstructed office of Gustave Eiffel, complete with wax figures
A champagne bar where you can toast your achievement
360° views of Paris extending up to 43 miles (70 km) on clear days
A small enclosed viewing area and an open-air section
A feeling of being on top of the world!

Important note: The summit area is much smaller than the other floors and can feel crowded. It’s also completely dependent on weather—it closes during strong winds or storms.

Why Choose a Tour with Summit Access 🎫

You might wonder: “Why should I pay for a tour when I could just buy regular tickets?” Great question! Here’s why tours with summit access are worth considering:

Guaranteed Entry When Regular Tickets Are Sold Out

Summit tickets are among the hardest Eiffel Tower tickets to get. They often sell out 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak tourist season (May-September). Tour operators reserve blocks of tickets ahead of time, so even when the official website shows “sold out,” tour companies might still have availability.

Skip-the-Line Benefits

One of the biggest headaches at the Eiffel Tower is waiting in line. Lines can stretch for 2-3 hours during busy periods! Most guided tours include:

Priority entry through security
Dedicated access to elevators
Pre-arranged ticket collection

This can save you hours of precious vacation time.

Expert Knowledge and Context

A good guide doesn’t just take you up the tower—they bring Paris to life:

Historical stories about the tower’s construction
Help identifying landmarks from above
Insider tips for the rest of your Paris visit
Answers to your questions

Maria from Chicago shared: “Our guide pointed out parts of Paris I would never have noticed on my own. She knew exactly where to find Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and even showed us where the Louvre pyramid was. It made the view so much more meaningful!”

Cost Comparison

Here’s how the costs typically break down:

Option	Approximate Cost	What’s Included
Standard Summit Ticket	€25-36 per adult	Basic access only
Guided Tour with Summit	€65-90 per adult	Guide, skip-the-line, summit access
Premium Tour Package	€90-150 per adult	Guide, summit, extras like river cruise

While tours cost more, the time saved and knowledge gained make them worth it for many visitors.

Top-Rated Summit Access Tour Options 🌟

Let’s look at the best tour options based on visitor reviews and expert recommendations.

Official Eiffel Tower Guided Tours

The tower’s management offers its own guided tours:

The Complete Tour: 90-minute tour with an official Eiffel Tower guide
Group size: Maximum 12 people
Price: About €35 extra on top of regular ticket price
Perks: Shows you parts of the tower others might miss, includes discount at gift shops

These tours are especially good for history buffs who want the official story.

Premium Private Tour Experiences

For a more personalized experience:

Small Group Tours (4-8 people): €80-120 per person
Private Tours (just your group): €250-400 total
VIP Experiences: Some include champagne, special access, or after-hours visits

Companies like City Wonders, The Tour Guy, and Fat Tire Tours consistently get top reviews for their premium experiences.

Combination Tours (Summit + Other Attractions)

If you want to see more than just the tower, these options pack in extra value:

Eiffel Tower + Seine River Cruise: See Paris from the tower and from the water (€90-110)
Eiffel Tower + City Tour: Often includes coach tour of other landmarks (€100-130)
Nighttime Packages: Evening tower visit plus illumination tour (€90-120)

These combinations can save money compared to booking activities separately.

Budget-Friendly Summit Options

Watching your spending? Try these approaches:

Basic Summit Host Services: Some companies offer a host who just gets you past the line, then you explore on your own (€50-70)
Last-Minute Deals: Check tour sites 1-2 days before for unsold spots at reduced prices
Climbing Options: Some tours have you walk up to the second floor (674 steps!), then take the elevator to the summit—these are usually cheaper

Pro tip: If you’re under 25 and an EU citizen, you might qualify for youth discounts on standard tickets (though rarely on tours).

Booking Your Summit Access: Essential Information 📅

Timing is everything when planning your Eiffel Tower visit. Here’s what you need to know:

When to Book

The golden rule: book as early as possible. Here’s the timeline:

60 days before: Official tickets first become available
30-45 days before: Best tour availability and selection
7-14 days before: Limited options but still possible
1-3 days before: Last-minute spots occasionally open up
Same day: Very difficult (but not impossible) to get summit access

During peak season (June-August), tickets can sell out within hours of release. Off-season (November-March) offers more flexibility.

Best Times to Visit the Summit

Timing your visit can make a huge difference in your experience:

Best seasons:

Spring (April-May): Fewer crowds than summer, generally clear skies
Fall (September-October): Beautiful light, moderate crowds
Summer (June-August): Longest opening hours but most crowded
Winter (November-March): Shortest lines but more weather closures

Best times of day:

Early morning (9:00-11:00 AM): Fewest crowds, good for photography
Late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM): Good lighting for photos
Sunset: Magical views as the city lights come on (but extremely popular)
Night: See the city beautifully lit up (last ascent usually 1-2 hours before closing)

James, who visited in October, told us: “We went up at sunset and watched as the entire city slowly lit up. When we came down, the tower itself was sparkling with its hourly light show. It was perfect timing!”

Summit Access Ticket Types Explained

Not all summit tickets are created equal:

Standard Summit Tickets: Basic access only, must follow the regular queue
Skip-the-Line Summit Tickets: Faster access through priority queues
Guided Tour Summit Tickets: Include a guide plus priority access
Summit E-Tickets: Scan from your phone, no need to collect physical tickets

Most guided tours include the second type (skip-the-line). Check carefully what’s included before booking.

Preparing for Your Summit Visit 🎒

What to Bring

Pack smart for your tower visit:

Booking confirmation: Either printed or on your phone
ID: Required to match your ticket name
Comfortable shoes: You’ll be standing and walking a lot
Weather-appropriate clothing: The summit can be colder and windier than ground level
Camera or smartphone: For those amazing views
Water: Stay hydrated, especially in summer
Small bag: Large bags require extra security screening

Leave behind: Large suitcases, glass bottles, and weapons aren’t allowed.

Security Information

Security at the Eiffel Tower is tight:

All visitors go through airport-style security screening
Expect to have bags checked
Metal detectors are in use
Some items (large bags, alcohol, etc.) aren’t allowed inside

Pro tip: Travel light to move through security faster.

Time Planning

How long should you plan for your visit?

Security and entrance: 15-60 minutes (depending on crowds)
Second floor visit: 30-45 minutes
Summit visit: 30-45 minutes
First floor visit: 30-45 minutes
Total time needed: 2-3 hours minimum

If you’re joining a guided tour, the guided portion typically lasts 1-2 hours, after which you can stay as long as you like until closing time.

Maximizing Your Summit Experience 📸

Photography Tips

Get the best photos from your visit:

Morning light: Best for eastern landmarks
Afternoon light: Best for western landmarks
Golden hour: The hour before sunset for warm, beautiful light
Night: Capture the city lights (use a solid surface to stabilize your camera)

Photo challenge: From the summit, try to photograph key landmarks like:

Arc de Triomphe
Notre Dame Cathedral
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
The Louvre
Grand Palais
Seine River

Dining Options

The Eiffel Tower has several places to eat or drink:

At the Summit:

Champagne Bar: Enjoy a glass of bubbly (€15-20) at the top of Paris

On the Second Floor:

Le Jules Verne: Michelin-starred fine dining (€135-230 per person)
Buffet restaurants: More casual options (€20-40 per person)

On the First Floor:

Bistro Eiffel: Traditional French menu (€25-50 per person)

Ground Level:

Cafes and snack bars with grab-and-go options

If you want to eat at Jules Verne, book at least 2-3 months in advance—it’s very popular!

Making the Most of Your Time

Don’t rush through the experience. Here are some must-see elements at each level:

Summit must-sees:

Gustave Eiffel’s reconstructed office
The panoramic maps that help identify landmarks
The open-air section (weather permitting)

Second Floor must-sees:

The view of the Champ de Mars and Trocadéro
The model of the original summit design
The macaron bar for a sweet treat

First Floor must-sees:

The glass floor
Historical displays
The immersive film about the tower’s history

Summit Access: Is It Worth It? 💭

The biggest question many visitors have is: “Should I pay extra to go to the summit, or is the second floor enough?”

Summit vs. Second Floor Comparison

Here’s an honest breakdown:

Views:

Second Floor: Clear, detailed views where you can easily identify landmarks
Summit: Higher, more expansive “map-like” views of the entire city and beyond

Experience:

Second Floor: More spacious, more amenities, better for taking your time
Summit: More exclusive feeling, bragging rights of going to the very top

Cost difference:

Typically €10-15 more for summit vs. second floor only

Time investment:

Adding the summit requires about 30-45 minutes more

Sarah from London shared: “The second floor has better views of nearby landmarks, but the summit gives you that special feeling of conquering the tower. I’m glad I did both!”

When to Skip the Summit

The summit isn’t always the best choice for everyone. Consider skipping it if:

The weather is foggy or visibility is poor
You’re on a very tight schedule
You have severe claustrophobia (the summit elevators and spaces are smaller)
You’re visiting with very young children who might get restless

Visitor Experiences and Reviews

What do real visitors say?

Positive feedback:

“The view from the top was absolutely worth the extra money!”
“Seeing Gustave Eiffel’s office was fascinating.”
“Having champagne at the summit made our anniversary special.”

Critical feedback:

“It was too crowded to really enjoy.”
“The second floor actually had better views of specific landmarks.”
“We waited 45 minutes for the summit elevator even with skip-the-line tickets.”

Overall satisfaction: About 85% of visitors say the summit was worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Q: How far in advance should I book summit tickets?
A: At least 30-60 days in advance during peak season (April-October), and 14-30 days in off-season.

Q: What happens if the summit is closed due to weather?
A: Most tour companies will refund the summit portion of your ticket or offer an alternative date. Weather closures are most common in winter and during storms.

Q: Can I buy a second-floor ticket and then upgrade to the summit once I’m there?
A: Sometimes, but it’s risky. There’s a small ticket office on the second floor that sells summit upgrades when available, but they often sell out.

Q: Are there elevators all the way to the summit?
A: Yes. You take one elevator to the second floor, then transfer to a smaller elevator to the summit.

Q: Is the summit accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the summit is accessible by elevator. However, spaces are tight, so wheelchair users should inform their tour company in advance.

Q: How long can I stay at the summit?
A: As long as you wish until closing time. Most people spend 30-45 minutes there.

Q: What’s the best time for summit photos?
A: Early morning for clarity, sunset for golden light, and nighttime for city lights.

Q: Can children go to the summit?
A: Yes, children of all ages are allowed. Infants and small children are free or discounted, depending on age.

Conclusion: Making Your Decision 🌈

After all this information, what’s the bottom line?

Summit access is worth it if:

You want the complete Eiffel Tower experience
The weather forecast shows good visibility
You’ve never visited the tower before
Special occasions (proposals, anniversaries, celebrations)

Tour with summit access is worth it if:

You value convenience and time-saving
You appreciate historical context and expert knowledge
You’re visiting during busy periods
Regular summit tickets are sold out

Whatever you choose, visiting the Eiffel Tower will likely be a highlight of your Paris trip. The key is planning ahead and knowing what to expect.

Ready to book your Eiffel Tower experience? Most visitors agree—seeing Paris from above is something you’ll remember forever. There’s nothing quite like standing at the top of the Iron Lady, champagne in hand, looking out over one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Bon voyage! 🗼✨