Leaving tomorrow for Paris and I knew there was a question I had to ask.
So the definitive RS guide book states there are 720 steps to the second level of the tower divided into two sections of 360. How strenuous is the climb? We are both pretty fit, [run 6 plus miles a day etc] in our early 40's/50's. Just wondering about the steps etc. Are they a usual 8 inch step or maybe shorter etc? Also how long does it take to climb.
Cheers
Pete
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I walked down the stairs from second level to the ground, was "easy" but don't do this if you don't like heights. I was with someone who experienced vertigo very quickly on the stairs. (the area around them is open grill-work, you don't feel too secure)
If you are fit, go for it, but you can probably make a better judgement when you actually see the tower. The stairs were not particularly high as I recall. I personally think the elevators are an engineering marvel and amazing experience to be on -- but granted the lines can be long, but worth the hassle. Go early or later in the day.
Posted by
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
37 posts
The climb isn't too bad, but it does depend on the number of people ahead of you. We were one of the first ones on the stairs and we went straight up to the second tier, then came back down to the first. I don't think it took us more than 10 minutes of steady, slow-rate climbing (with a couple of stops for views) to reach the second tier.
The climb is easy because the turns aren't too tight (long spans, rather than a spiral, like in the Arc de Triomphe). With your fitness level, the only problem will be if there is a crowd.
Posted by
Oakland, CA, USA
36 posts
Wondering if the Eiffel Tower is covered by the Museum Pass?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
519 posts
My wife and I did the climb this summer and it was fine. You can take your time if you need to. If you are running 6 miles per day you should have no problem (I don't run that much and it wasn't bad for us!). We took a short break at the first level on the way up and on the second floor we then took the elevator to the top. I actually enjoyed the stairs more than the elevator because they just cram you all in. Much less stressful walking up the stairs!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
"Wondering if the Eiffel Tower is covered by the Museum Pass?"...unfortunately, no.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
If you run 6 miles a day, the stairs will be no problem. It's a great way to go up.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
I 've done the stairs, and I am your age group and I canNOT run 6 miles a day...
I recommend the stair for the interesting views you get also.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Sue, I have no idea,, my 14 yr old was on the second level well before me,, so lets just say that it depends on you how fast it takes.. LOL
It was 4 yrs ago ,, so to best of my memory,, it may have taken 20 minute going up,, and stopping to look at views .. but , I am just not sure,I never time stuff .
You can take the elevator DOWN no charge btw. which I recommend, as I did walk down the stairs this summer( took elevator up) as daughter and her friend wanted to. I found it made me kind of dizzy , and the hand rail was nasty sticky, which I kept touching as we were sort of running down,, I never touched it climbing up.
Posted by
OP
Whitby, Ontario
101 posts
Ok, thanks a bunch for all the replies. Leaving for the airport in less than 3 hours! So its now or never. Weather is supposed to be 20c and sunny all weekend in Paris....
Yeehaaa...here we come!
Posted by
Oakland, CA, USA
36 posts
About how much time will it take to climb up and down - approximately?
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
As I remember the steps, they are normal. Your legs can take the climb because it is easy to stop and rest if you get winded.
However dont go down because you will be using different muscles than you normally use and your legs will feel it next day.
It took me two weeks to work the soreness out after walking down.