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Estimated Self Tour Times

Would anyone mind helping me estimate how long I might expect to be at certain monuments. I plan to take a medium pace. Won't be lingering indefinitely, but won't want to rush things either. My other concern is whether there will be lines. Going next week, April 4-7. Thanks so very much.

Notre Dame: Wednesday, probably

St Chapelle: Wednesday probably

Eiffel Tower: is morning or afternoon faster? Estimated time to allow for trip? Was thinking Monday.....

Arc D Triomphe: Monday after Eiffel

Champs Elysees: Monday after Eiffel, mostly want to stroll, won't be shopping in many stores.

Musee Marmotten: Thursday morning

Montmartre- Weds after Notre Dame/St Chapelle. travel time from the 7th and then tour Sacre Coure and roam a few streets

Posted by
23 posts

Hi Donna,

I don't think there is any correct answer to this. Lines will vary from day to day, and at different times of the day. (I bought a Museum Pass to avoid the queue at the Louvre in 2006 and there were zero people in the line - and I have a photo to prove it!!)

Lines at the Eiffel Tower are usually slow, lines at Notre Dame are usually long but move much quicker than expected, Sainte-Chapelle usually has a long line but is absolutely worth any wait.

I have been in long and short lines at the Arc de Triomphe. I really don't know what advice to give that I feel confident will be correct for your visit.

Melinda

Posted by
16895 posts

In general, I start with my top-priority site in the morning, so I can take what time I want and then leave the afternoon more flexible. If you're using self-guided walking routes in Rick's Paris book or online, then he suggests time estimates such as 4 hours for the Historic Paris Walk including Notre Dame and St. Chapel visits (this is about how long our guided groups would take), 3 hours for Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees, and 1 hour for the highlights of the Marmottan. It sounds like you have more time than those estimates, so you should have no trouble fitting in the sites mentioned at your own pace

Posted by
33837 posts

Many people buy tickets in advance for the Eiffel Tower. Those will have sold out many weeks ago.

The people who show up on the day will have a line, traditionally very long, but after various incidents the lines may well be much shorter. The wait may be only 20 to 30 minutes but I would be prepared for 2 or 3 hours. Of all the places you ask about that is the only one which gathers dozens of posts a month with people trying to defeat the system.

The thing in your favour may be that you will be there around mid day. The big attraction seems to be trying to get up for sunset.

Posted by
6713 posts

If you find long lines at the Eiffel Tower, consider a stroll to the Tour Montparnasse. Shorter (or no) lines and a much less crowded viewing area. Not as high up, but the view includes the Eiffel (and excludes the unattractive tower you're on top of). The nearby cemetery is also interesting and historic, and there's a good street market on the Rue Daguerre.

The ET is of course visible from everywhere, and well worth approaching to get a sense of its size and appreciate its geometric beauty. (Also FYI a center for pickpockets, but don't let that deter you.) I went to the top and it was fine, but a lot more work than for comparable views elsewhere.

If you can handle the stairs to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, there's a fine view there as well. And also from the towers of Notre Dame, including the gargoyles and gothic tracery right next to you -- but the towers are where you may find a long line, and the stairs are medieval and difficult (is that an oxymoron?). If time allows at ND, try to get down to the archeological crypt under the terrace (parvis) in front of the cathedral.

My estimates for your sites: Notre Dame one hour (inside and out) unless you line up for the towers. St-Chappelle one hour plus whatever waiting time in line (it's a security line for the court buildings around the chapel, not the chapel itself). Eiffel Tower who knows? Arc de Triomphe half and hour, or maybe longer if you go to the top. Champs Elysees half an hour plus any stops. Marmottan one hour or more, depending on your interest in Monet and other artists. It's also a little ways off from the Metro, but through a pretty park. Montmartre a couple of hours, including Sacre Coeur, the view, Place du Tertre (more pickpockets) and work your way down the streets.

Posted by
31 posts

Dick, thank you so much for the time estimates and the wonderful suggestions! Was just on the ND website today and pondered whether it was worth the time to see the crypt. Thanks again!!

Posted by
5837 posts

How much time would you recommend for a noonish visit to the Eiffel Tower?

Depends on walking or waiting for the lift and your interest. Walking is probably faster than waiting in line to buy lift tickets then queuing again to crowd into the lift.

Are you basically just checking off your to do list and getting a couple of selfies or do you want to enjoy a picnic lunch and the view?

If you take the stairs, an hour or two should be fine.