Thinking of doing the Eiffel Tower in the morning on our first full day in Paris, in part b/c it's a Monday and many other things are closed. My husband and I are fairly fit (albeit somewhat middle-aged!) and so are thinking of walking the stairs to second floor (no interest in going to the top).
I went online to their website, punched in all the required info (not wanting to buy tickets yet-- just checking availability, as I don't have my itinerary set up just yet). For my requested date, Monday, September 30, a pop-up said: "Sales opening on September 23, 2019.. at 8:30 a.m."
Really? We leave Sept. 25 for France and the Loire Valley. This doesn't seem like much of a ticket-offering window! I won't want to be dinking around trying to find ET tickets online after we leave home and while trying to enjoy the Loire Valley.
Although I like to take care of advance tix online as much as possible, I also realize the risk of committing to something weather-dependent, etc. So now I'm wondering: is a a total risk to buy the ET tickets Monday morning when we get to the Tower? We're willing to be there pretty much at opening time (9:30 a.m.) and know that there will be some waiting in line, but probably not near as many as those waiting in lines for the lift. From what I've read, anyway.
Thoughts? I was very surprised at the pop up info and couldn't get any further on the website.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Just go - I’ve walked up twice ( and I am not fit and older than you ) and the line for the stairs moves along quickly enough .
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis
208 posts
Thank you for the encouragement! I hope we'll not wasted too much time waiting without a ticket, and will consider it our morning workout :)
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
It’s actually very interesting going up the stairs - they are wide enough that people can pass you , so you don’t have to keep slogging along - you can stop and look up through the legs and girdings and at the view as it emerges below you !
PS - take the elevator down - the first time we walked down and that was WAY harder on my hubbys knees then walking up !!! The elevator down is free .
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis
208 posts
Great suggestion, Pat, to take elevator down! I didn't even think of that. I know what you mean about descents being arduous from hiking the Grand Canyon. I'm feeling fine about the stairs now.