Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access

The cherry on top is a trip to the Eiffel Tower summit, where you’ll have an unmatched view of the city from a staggering 906 feet (276 meters)! You’ll be given access to the summit elevator for this final part of the tour, and you’re free to stay at the top for as long as you please.

Eiffel Tower Summit Climb Tour Description

Your 2.5-hour tour includes:

• Guided climb to the first and second levels

• Access to the summit elevator

• Fun, informative local guide (English-speaking)

• Maximum group size of 19

Eiffel Tower climbing tickets don’t include skip-the-line access, so there may be a short wait before you begin your climb. If you just want daytime access to the Eiffel Tower without climbing, then check the FAQs for some alternative ways to experience the tower.

First and Second Floor Access

After passing through security, your local guide will take you directly below the imposing tower. This will be your first look at just how enormous the tower is before you begin your climb to the first floor. Since most elevator tours don't stop at this level, you'll have a chance to avoid crowds and observe views that many don't get to see. You'll also have time to take pictures or walk on the glass floor that sits 188 feet (57 meters) above the ground.

Your guide will share some fascinating insights and entertaining stories about the tower's history and construction, before you begin the next section of your 674-step climb. Upon reaching the second level observation deck, you'll be greeted by views of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysses, and Notre Dame. While the second level offers some of the finest views in Paris, nothing quite matches the next part of your Eiffel Tower experience.

Ascend to the Summit

At this point, you'll wave goodbye to your friendly local guide, and with your summit ticket in hand, you'll catch the elevator to the very top level of the Eiffel Tower.  From here you will enjoy views of Paris below you. 906 feet below you, to be exact!

You're free to stay up here for as long as you like, and there's even a conveniently-placed champagne bar if you feel like celebrating. Once you've finished admiring the spectacular views, you can take the elevator back to the ground floor to continue your Parisian adventure!

Why Was the Eiffel Tower Built?

All the way back on 1889, the nation celebrated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Two years earlier, one plan had been selected from 107 proposals for an adequate centerpiece for this grand event.

Construction began on February 28, 1887. After just 2 years, on March 31, 1889, Gustave Eiffel himself showed a group of officials and journalists the newly-completed tower. The elevators were not yet in operation, but a few of the group climbed the entire 1,710 stairs all the way to the top! (There are 1,665 total today.)

The French tricolor flag was raised before a 25-gun salute. A few months later, the World's Fair officially began and members of the public flocked to the tower. Almost 2 million people climbed the tower during the fair alone.

Has It Always Been Popular With the French Public?

The initial reception for what is now a universally beloved monument was a little frosty. A number of prominent Parisians protested the building, saying it did not fit in with the rest of the city. One famous opponent, writer Guy de Maupassant, vocalized his opinion of hating the tower but ate at its restaurant frequently. When confronted with this apparent contradiction, he claimed to frequent the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant because it was the only place in the city from which you couldn’t see the giant structure!

The rest is history. The Eiffel Tower has enjoyed immense popularity despite the early protests and is now one of the most visited paid attractions in the entire world. An estimated 6-7 million people a year get tickets to climb the tower and see Paris from up high.

At 986 feet tall upon construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. as the tallest building in the world. It was bested by New York's Chrysler Building in 1930. Since the tower is made of wrought iron, it actually grows and shrinks with temperature changes. In the summer, it's about 6 inches higher than in winter.