Paris: Eiffel Tower/Arc/Montparnasse Tower questions

I always have to hold onto something. It's not a physical thing,
though - my legs are fine.

Hi Betsy - the Arc de Triomphe's circular stairway has railings so no worries about not having something to hold on to. If those 284 steps (236 to the museum level, then 46 to the top) won't bother your legs, you'll be fine. :O)

If it helps, here's a youtube film made by a lovely young man about his climb (skip the ad at the beginning).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK3sDWT5J70

We chose to bypass an ascent at the Tower for a great nighttime look at the thing sparkling away from the Trocadero. I know the view from the top is a must-do for many but it was one less ticket hassle AND, as you said, you can't see it when you're ON it, eh? It looked like this:
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-eiffel-tower-at-night-from-the-trocadero-26282537.html

Kathy, thanks!

Not only is there a railing, but there’s sufficient room - looks good! The view is worth the climb - wow!

I’d buy a ticket to the Tower on-line, so it wouldn’t be a hassle, but climbing up is much less of a must-do than spending time AT the Tower, which I’m low-key obsessed with. I think I have dozens of photos of it in my phone, lol - I often use one as my Home Screen, lol. I’m obsessed with the delicate, lacy ironwork ….so maybe I should just be around it instead of UP it

Wow, that is a fabulous photo!!! I want to take one of my very own, lol

Thank you!!!

I don't think you go up the ET for the view - -you go up to have been on top of the ET. Views are best from level 2, but nothing like really going all the way up. There are plenty of good vantage points in Paris to view the Tower. Two of the best are from the Bir Hakeim bridge and Trocadero, but there are also some lovely looks from streets in the area with the Tower peaking out above.

Just my opinion, but unless you're already in the area, I don't think the view from Tour de Montparnasse is worth the effort to get there. You're a long way away from the Eiffel Tower and the river, so it's basically a view of a cityscape that could be anywhere.

My 2 cents worth…(Canadian, only worth 1 cent in the US)…is to look at the tower from below from a few different places…close-up, far away, and definitely after dark when it sparkles like mad , on the hour I think.
Then, go up the Montparnasse Tower to see how the ET relates to the city.
The view from up there is spectacular and you can identify all the favourite monuments.
Only go up on a clear day though, to get the best views.
Binoculars will make the views even better, if you have a small pair.
When I went, the staff below called up to the top to make sure it was not cloudy or socked-in weather up high, before they would sell me a ticket for the top.
As far as I can tell from the official website, the basic ticket does cover the top terrace, which is the whole point of going up!

Janet, I wouldn’t go up the ET just to say I’ve done it…but view or not, I do think it would be very cool

I’m not familiar at all with the bridge - is it safe for pedestrians? Is it near the ET?

Thanks!!!

Stan, but I could combine the Tour Montparnasse with something else, like the Marmottan …

But your point is well taken

Thanks!

Bir Hakeim crosses the Ile of swans in the Seine near the ET. There is a sidewalk and there is a bump out where people gather to do photo ops -- always a bride or two -- great place for a selfi with a looming ET above you. And it is a beautiful bridge.

And there is a difference between going up the ET to SAY you have done it and going up because you want to have the experience of doing it.

SJ, LOL

See I’d love to do that. I love taking photos, and I love seeing the stunning ironwork in the ET…there are some glorious photos to be had

Oops, my bad -you’re right, it does!

I do have small binoculars …

The staff sounds awesome! Hopefully I won’t have a weather issue

Is it better to go in the morning or later?

Thanks!!!

Janet, that’s very true….

I WOULD like to go up the ET - I just don’t know when I’m coming back

Why do you think the 2nd floor is considered by most to have better views?

The Bir Hakeim bridge sounds lovely

Thank you so much!!!

So I think I could do ET/ Bir Hakeim on the same day as I go to the Tour Montparnasse. I noticed that there’s a Wednesday market in the area

Marché Edgar Quinet

Is that worth seeking out?

I also read that nearby Rue Daguerre is a nice little foodie neighborhood.

Would you recommend either ? Both?

Any suggestions for food stops on Rue Daguerre

Thanks!

I happened on the Rue Daguerre by accident and loved it. No specific recs, though - sorrry.

Janet, no need to apologize - I’ll do some research, but also just explore and find gems on my own!

Thanks!

I think I’ll add Buttes aux Cailles to my itinerary…any recommendations ?

Thanks!

Old architectural joke: The best thing about ascending the Tour Montparnasse is that then you can't see the modern tower interrupting the horizon.
Oh, well. Even the Eiffel when new was so shockingly different that there were serious suggestions to tear it down.