We visited the Eiffel Tower in the Fall/Winter of 2016 when the crowds were less and waited to purchase our ticket there to walk the stairs to level 2, before riding the lift to the top. This time we will be there early July. We were thinking of doing the same thing again (stairs to level 2), but are wondering, since it is summer, if we should just purchase ticket to the top ahead ahead of time. Would that help us avoid some of the crowds and lines?? Are there usually long lines for the stairs in the summer too? Just want to make the choice that will give us quickest access (understanding that nothing is QUICK in the summer with crowds)
Thanks!