Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the world (324m or 1063ft) - a record held until the completion of the Chrysler Building in
New York (1930). A symbol of the modern age, it faced massive opposition from Paris'
artistic and literary elite, and the 'metal asparagus', as some Parisians snidely called it, was
originally slated to be torn down in 1909. It was spared only because it proved an ideal plat-
form for the transmitting antennas needed for the newfangled science of radiotelegraphy.
1st Floor
Of the tower's three floors, the 1st (57m) has the most space (hence its appealing museum-
like layout) but the least impressive views. Two glass pavilions,
Pavillon Ferrié
and
Salle
Gustave Eiffel
- open since summer 2014 - showcase interactive history exhibits, an im-
mersion film and other features designed to help visitors learn more about the tower's in-
genious design. Outside the pavilions, glass floors proffer a dizzying view of the ant-like
people walking on the ground far far below.
This level also hosts the affordable 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant.
Not all lifts stop at the 1st floor (check before ascending), but it's an easy walk down from
the 2nd should you accidentally end up one floor too high.
2nd Floor
Views from the 2nd floor (115m) are the best - impressively high but still close enough to
see the details of the city below. Telescopes and panoramic maps placed around the tower
pinpoint locations in Paris and beyond. Story windows give an overview of the lifts' mech-
anics, and the vision well allows you to gaze through glass panels to the ground. Also up
here are toilets, a souvenir shop and the Michelin-starred restaurant Jules Verne.
Top Floor
Views from the wind-buffeted top floor (276m) stretch up to 60km on a clear day, though at
this height the panoramas are more sweeping than detailed. Celebrate your ascent with a
glass of bubbly (€12 to €21) from the Champagne bar (open noon to 10pm). Afterwards
peep into Gustave Eiffel's restored top-level office where lifelike wax models of Eiffel and
his daughter Claire greet Thomas Edison.
To access the top floor, take a separate lift on the 2nd level (closed during heavy winds).
Tickets & Queuing Strategies
