We are planning a trip to Paris the end of May and there are no available tickets to be purchased on line. How long are the lines at the tower to purchase tickets if we take the stairs? How many steps are there to the 2nd level?
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7158 posts
Lines are short for the stairs, maybe about 15 mins wait, occasionally there's no line at all. 669 steps to 2nd level and then you can enjoy the view from there or take the elevator from there to the top. It's doable for anyone of normal fitness.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33819 posts
and if you don't mind waiting for the other queue you can get lift tickets. Only some tickets are sold in advance.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
295 posts
669 steps to reach the 2nd level to enjoy an amazing view of Paris. Regarding the lines for the steps they will always be shorter then the elevator. Off hours, when its raining and in the off season maybe no line. In the summer or prime time maybe 20 minutes. Once you arrive in Paris you could try to get a reservation. They do release some reservation the same day or day before. It would be worth trying.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2084 posts
Took last June the stairs to the 2nd floor, was the third person in the line and waited no longer then 5 minutes. Didn't count the steps, an average physical condition is okay, allow yourself a few rests during the climb.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
How long is a piece of string?
Any answer is anecdotal.
My preference is to whisk people up an hour or so before closing when there's not even much wait in the elevator line. That, too, is only anecdotal. Contributing to that decision is the view of the lights of the city and it's something to do when not much else is going on.
The height differential between the second and third levels is about five hundred feet. Assuming a flat earth and no distracting ambients or refraction, you can see twelve miles further by gong to the top. From about the cathedral to an average spot on the peripherique is about four miles.