The #1 thing on most people's list to see when they visit Paris is undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower. And why not? It's likeness is recognized around the world, replicated in Las Vegas and other cities, and anything boasting it's image -- home decor, clothing, accessories, you name it -- is quickly snapped up in stores. No doubt, the world has a love affair with the Iron Lady and many dream of seeing her in person.
As I've said before, it's fun to catch your first glimpse of the ET from across the river at Tracadero. That's where so many of it's iconic images have been snapped, and you'll get a picture perfect view from there. Metro lines 6 and 9 will both get you to Tracadero.
After taking your own photos, make you way down the stairs behind either the Musée de l'Homme on the right (Museum of Man), or the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimonie on the left (Architectural Heritage Museum). There has been some reconstruction work happening the past year or so on the esplanade, so one side or the other may be blocked. Just use the other side. And there's no need to freak out that you'll have scaffolding in your photos...just move closer to the railing and the mess won't be in your frame.
On your way to the tower, you'll pass the impressive Fontaine du Tracadero. If your visit is in a warm weather month before it's emptied for the winter, you may catch the fountains' water cannons blast their watery ammunition in great cascades overhead for a few minutes at the top of the hour. Maybe. It seems the schedule is in flux. But keep it on your radar while you're in the area and you may get lucky. There's a great view of the fountain once you've made your way up the Tower. A little-known detour on your way thru the park is the Cineaqua de Paris, an underground aquarium. It's assuredly not a "must-see", but if you're looking for something to do in the rain, it's a great crowd-free option.
On to the promised skip-the-line secrets:
- Buy a timed entry ticket online. Okay, not a huge secret, but there are some ways to up your chances of scoring one of these babies. Currently, you can purchase them on the official Eiffel Tower website starting 60 days ahead of your date. They do sell out, so book them as soon as you can once they go on sale. If summit tickets are sold out, consider purchasing timed lift tickets to the 2nd floor instead. You can also now purchase timed tickets online to climb the stairs to the 2nd level. If, despite your best efforts, you aren't successful purchasing tickets ahead, don't despair! Keep checking the website as your trip gets closer, because sometimes a few tickets are randomly released nearer to the date. The tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, so be sure you know what days you can go and arrange everything else around your ticket time. With a skip-the-line ticket, you usually report to the East pillar of the tower (watch for signs and lines of people, they do change things up from time to time). The long line of unfortunate folks are waiting to buy tickets -- that is not your line! You will see a nearby entrance designated for timed tickets. Show up 20-30 minutes ahead of your time slot (this allows time to clear the security screening at the perimeter before you're allowed under the tower). Don't be more than 15 minutes late, as they may not honor your ticket.
- Buy a "Behind the Scenes" tour. "Behind the Scenes" tours start at 29€ (depending on how far ahead you buy), and include a tour of the workings under the Champ de Mars and finishes up on the 2nd stage.
- Buy a timed ticket from a re-seller. These inflated tickets from a re-seller start at 45€ for a ticket to the 2nd stage, or 59€ to the top.
- Dine on the Eiffel Tower. Reserve a spendy but très romantique lunch or dinner at Le Jules Verne, or a more reasonably priced lunch or dinner at 58 Tour Eiffel (lunch is 41.50€, cheaper than a timed ticket from Viator, plus you get something to eat!). Your 2nd stage lift ticket is included, and they have a special elevator for you to ride -- without a wait! Reservations fill up the longer you wait, so book 6 weeks or so ahead to get the date you want.
- Take the stairs! Even during the busiest times of the year, the line for the stairs
shouldn't be longer than 25-30 minutes. Purchase your stairs ticket (10€ to 2nd floor, or 19€ to take the stairs to 2nd floor then lift to summit) at
the South pillar. The climb to the first floor doesn't take too long --
perhaps 20-30 minutes -- but of course it depends on how energetic you
are. Even if you're a little out of shape, the stairs aren't
unmanageable as long as your knees are good. I took the stairs about a
year ago carrying a grandchild part of the way, and saw folks much
older than I making the trek without a problem. You can take your time and
step aside if the young 'uns behind you are nipping at your heels.
After your descent, head out to the Champ de Mars for another great photo op (the large grassy park adjacent to the ET). If the weather is nice, you might consider bring snacks or a picnic to enjoy on the grass while you savor the view. Ignore the vendors selling trinkets or asking you to sign petitions. The best way to deal with these pesky critters is to not even acknowledge them, just walk right on by. Don't look at what they're selling, or they will detect your interest and won't leave you alone! If they get in your face, don't be timid -- tell them NO in no uncertain terms, and turn away. Don't let them ruin your experience with the Grande Dame of Paris.
Remember that the tower twinkles in all her gorgeous splendor at the top of each hour for 5 minutes every night, beginning at dark until the last twinkle at 1AM.
No comments:
Post a Comment