Paris: Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Access with Seine River Cruise

Introduction: A Great Way to See Paris from Above and Below

This tour offers a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower’s 2nd floor, combined with a serene Seine River cruise. It’s designed for visitors who want a mix of iconic sights and relaxed sightseeing, all with the convenience of prepaid tickets and a friendly host guiding the way.

What makes this experience stand out are three things: easy, skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower, the opportunity to learn helpful tips from your host, and the beautifully illuminated sights from the boat cruise. The only caveat? If you’re hoping for summit access or a guided tour, this isn’t the right fit, as it’s focused more on self-exploration and scenic cruising.

This tour suits travelers looking for a stress-free, flexible way to see Paris’s major landmarks without the hassle of long lines or complicated logistics. It’s particularly good for those who want a blend of panoramic views, relaxed cruising, and local insight.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Prepaid tickets allow you to skip long lines at the Eiffel Tower.
• The host service ensures smooth security checks and elevator access.
• The second-floor panoramic view offers excellent photo opportunities of Paris.
• The Seine River cruise provides a peaceful hour passing illuminated landmarks.
• No summit access included, focusing on the 2nd floor and cruise.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible and flexible, ideal for many travelers.

A Closer Look at the Eiffel Tower Experience

The core of this experience is the prepaid elevator tickets to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. Unlike buying tickets on-site, which can involve long waits, this booking guarantees a streamlined entry. After meeting your host at the designated spot near the Le Champ de Mars Café, you’ll be guided through security, a step that can sometimes take a little patience but is made easier with your host’s assistance.

Once through, you’ll take the elevator to the 2nd floor, where the views are nothing short of spectacular. As one reviewer mentioned, “We enjoyed our tour of the Eiffel Tower and cruise,” highlighting how smooth and hassle-free the process was. The host also shares tips about the sights visible from above, pointing out landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and more—each a quick glance away from your vantage point.

The view from the 2nd floor offers a wide, unobstructed vista. You’ll see Paris’s architectural tapestry unfold at your feet, with landmarks like the Les Invalides’ golden dome, Place de la Concorde, and Sacré-Cœur all within sight. The experience of visiting the second floor is flexible—you can stay as long as you like to soak in the views or take photos.

Authentic Insight from Visitors

One traveler called the visit “quite fascinating,” emphasizing how the self-paced exploration allows you to enjoy the scenery comfortably. The elevator ride is quick and smooth, and the minimal waiting time means you get more time to enjoy the views.

The Seine River Cruise: A Peaceful, Picturesque Ride

The second part of this experience is the one-hour Seine River cruise operated by Bateaux Parisiens. Departing right from the Eiffel Tower’s foot, the cruise offers a gentle, scenic journey through the heart of Paris. The boat features audio commentary in English, helping you identify landmarks like the Grand Palais, Notre Dame, and Louvre as they illuminate at night—something many visitors find particularly magical.

The cruise is praised for its relaxing pace and beautiful sights. As one reviewer noted, “Enjoy a scenic ride past Paris’s iconic landmarks beautifully lit at night,” which captures how the experience becomes especially memorable after sunset.

The boat’s glass panels allow for uninterrupted views, and the peaceful ambiance makes it perfect for unwinding after your visit to the tower. Since the ticket is valid for a month, you can even choose to do the cruise on a different day if you want to extend your Parisian sightseeing.

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Inside the Cruise Experience

You might find the audio commentary helpful for learning about the sights, making the cruise both relaxing and informative. The boat’s route carefully passes by major landmarks, giving you a lovely perspective of Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Grand Palais in their illuminated glory.

Practicalities and Logistics

The meeting point is vital to ensure a smooth experience. You’ll meet your friendly host at Le Champ de Mars Café (45 Avenue de la Bourdonnais), right in front of the Eiffel Tower, near Pier Number 3, which is marked by an orange sign. Remember to arrive on time—lateness means missing your booking, as the host will need to escort you through security and up the elevator.

Tickets are not issued in advance; instead, they are handed over at the meeting point. So, be prepared to present your voucher and ID or passport. This process ensures a quick, organized entry.

The entire experience lasts around three hours, but this depends on your pace and how long you choose to stay on the tower or cruise. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are tickets to the 1st and 2nd floors, the host service until getting to the second floor, and the Seine River cruise with audio commentary. Not included are summit access, which means you won’t reach the very top of the Eiffel Tower, or transport between attractions.

The flexible nature of the ticket means you can enjoy the tower or cruise at your own pace, with the cruise valid for a month from your visit date.

What to Bring and What to Know

To make the most of this tour, bring your passport or ID, and ensure your smartphone is charged for photos and tickets. The tour does not allow large luggage, pets (except assistance animals), or glass objects, and there’s no stroller access for safety reasons.

It’s also important to note that if access is restricted by authorities or unforeseen circumstances, partial refunds are possible, but only in proportion to the restriction.

Authentic Feedback from Previous Travelers

Reviewers consistently praised the experience for its stunning views and ease. One said, “We enjoyed our tour of the Eiffel Tower and cruise,” with the activity described as “quite fascinating.” Another gave a perfect rating, highlighting the fun, engaging guide who answered questions thoughtfully, making the experience more enjoyable.

Highlight: The views from the 2nd floor are truly breathtaking, giving a perfect photo opportunity and a sense of the city’s grandeur. The cruise’s illuminated sights add a nocturnal magic that many find unforgettable.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This combined Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, self-paced visit to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks paired with a peaceful boat ride through Paris’s illuminated streets. It’s particularly appealing if you value convenience, stunning panoramic views, and a more intimate experience with city sights without the crowds or guided tours.

While it doesn’t include summit access or guided commentary at the tower itself, the prepaid tickets and host service mean less waiting, more exploring, and a comfortable, scenic way to see Paris from above and below. It’s a fantastic choice for first-time visitors, couples, or anyone wishing for a beautiful, hassle-free Parisian adventure.

FAQ

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, you will need to download your voucher and meet your host at the designated spot. Tickets are not issued beforehand.

What’s included in the tour?
Your package includes tickets to the 1st and 2nd floors of the Eiffel Tower, the host service, and a one-hour Seine River cruise with audio commentary.

Can I access the summit at the Eiffel Tower with this ticket?
No, summit access is not included. You will only visit the 2nd floor.

Where do I meet the host?
At the Le Champ de Mars Café, 45 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, in front of the Eiffel Tower near Pier Number 3.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately three hours, depending on your pace and time spent on each attraction.

Can I do the cruise on a different day?
Yes, the cruise ticket is valid for one month from your visit date.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID and a charged smartphone.

Are large bags or pets allowed?
Large luggage and pets are not permitted, except assistance animals.

What happens if access is restricted due to unforeseen circumstances?
Reimbursements are possible in proportion to the restriction, but no refunds are given if restrictions are due to government decisions.

Whether you’re after that iconic Eiffel Tower shot or a relaxing cruise through illuminated Paris, this combined experience offers excellent value and convenience. It’s a fantastic way to see the city’s highlights with minimal fuss and maximum photos.

You can check availability for your dates here: