City of Lights – Paris as seen from the Eiffel

You couldn’t possibly visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower and you cannot see Paris better without getting to see from top of the Eiffel tower.

That first look, and we realize whatever we had heard about the ‘City of Lights’ was absolutely true. It was an instant ‘fall in love with Paris !’

South of Eiffel – The Champ de Mars and La Defense

The tower has three levels for visitors – One can go up the Eiffel Tower using the lifts but one can also choose the stairs if you really want to explore the tower from every angle and enjoy  a walk (300 steps to level 1 and 704 steps to level 2) which really is quite unlike anything else. Although there is a staircase to the top level, it is usually only accessible by lift. The lifts take to 1st and 2nd floor from the ground and if you want to go to the top, you need to change lifts at level 2. Expect to have to queue to use the lifts.

The way up  to the top of the Eiffel Tower is in the glass lifts and the ride is spectacular. At the end of the 180 metre trip to the top of the Tower you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Paris and its monuments. The The ‘City of Light’ had to be seen at night so that was the hour of choice made for us.

The Summit (Au Sommet) The top level’s upper platform is about 300 mars above the ground and is the the highest observation deck accessible to the public in the EU. There are two levels that form the top of the tower – one in the open air and the other under a roof.  A few steps up winding stairs take you to a level up in the open and one can stand there kissing the clouds.

South of Effiel

West of Eiffel

At the top of the Tower a visit can be made to see Gustave Eiffel’s office which had been restored to its original condition. Apart from it there is a Champagne Bar on top to toast a glass of rose or white champagne to the city.

East of Eiffel 

North of Eiffel

The 2nd floor, provides a circular view over Paris and is the preferred  floor by most to get some detailed photos for the album. It’s also from here that the lifts to get to the top of the tower operates from.

West of Eiffel from 2nd Floor

At this level also treat yourself to some modern French gastronomic cuisine and get yourself treated to  a unique visual and culinary experience, all in an immaculate and classy setting. The most famous of the many restaurants at Eiffel is the Jules Verne restaurant, also accessible from a private lift from ground level via the south pillar.

Esplanade de Trocadeor

Level 1 – At this level you can walk on the transparent floor – a glass floored walk to get a view underneath and a feeling of walking on thin air. Eat at the restaurants and eating joints – 58 Tour Eiffel the most famous.

North of Eiffel

Spend time in Gustave’s office and yes there is also a Lille Gus – a character dressed as Gustave to take kids around for a walk and talk on the monument. There are also other sections with digital walls, shows and artefacts around the history of Eiffel.

The Souvenir shop is also located here to to pick some mementoes to take home – and no prizes for guessing that the most collected items is the miniature eiffel models.

Champ de Mars

Ground and Basement– This is where the Information desk and ticket counters are. There are also Buffet and fast food counters to have a quick grub. The imposing hydraulic machines that operate the lifts were designed by Gustave Eiffel and are located in the basement but are not open to the public, except on certain Heritage Days or for guided tours.

 

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