OH NO !! Old ladies want to go up E.T.

[GitteK]

So now I need all your insider knowledge.

I have checked that the tower opens at 9:30. How long will the lines be, if we are there at 9:00 ?

Would it be better to wait till after dark (regarding the length of the waiting lines) ?

Are the waiting lines more horrible on some weekdays than on others ?

How much time should I calculate from start till finish (= back down on the plaza under the tower) ?

I was up there once in 1973 (!) and as far as I remember, the last floor up to the uppermost platform is reached by stairs - but I cannot remember if it's a long climb ? Anyone been there lately ?

[Penny]

Everyone has a different perception.

I actually prefer an open elevator (cage) having been stuck in a enclosed one with about 10 others on a hot Louisiana day.
I had no problem with the Eiffel one although is does feel strange to be riding at an angle.

I cannot remember if we went to second level but view is good from the first level.

I remember going on a weekday early (in May) and we didn't have a long wait.

I preferred the view from the Arc (just before sunset) but think if physically able up the Eiffel is an experience not to be missed.

[sandy]

As I said in my trip report, we went there at 9.30 at there were already HUUUGE lines. I guess those people must have arrived before 9. But, it was a long weekend (Fri. May 18th) so maybe the lines were due to that. But, have you seen the shots of the Eiffel Tower in the coverage of the Tour de France today? There were no lines!! No people at all! Were all watching the race or is it just the right time to go to ET?
I can´t tell you about the elevator, we climbed the stairs to the second level.

[annettecinca]

Gitte, you're going in October, right? Last year we took friends up the ET at the beginning of October, so maybe this will help. We stood in line about noon on a Thursday for about 10 minutes before deciding it was moving too slowly and would take forever, so we left to do something else. Came back just as it was getting dark, and the line was much shorter. It took us maybe 20 minutes to get clear to the top, and a short wait of maybe 10 minutes to get back down.

The year before we were there the beginning of December and since our hotel was nearby, we walked past the ET several times a day. It usually wasn't busy at all! We were quite surprised to walk by one morning and find hoards of people there--then we realized it was Saturday. So my advice would be go on a weekday if you can, and try the evening if it's too busy during the day.

I think you're right about there being a flight of stairs at the top, but it's just a vague recollection (even my husband and daughter don't remember for sure). I'm thinking since it didn't make an impression on our minds, it probably wouldn't be too hard on your Mom and friends.

[Truffaut]

I've been up twice, both in November, and I've never waited more than 30 minutes. As I recall, both times were in the morning, but not terribly early--maybe 10 or 10:30.

[joan1]

I have never been to the very top,, I have only ever been to the second level. I have takend the stairs from the ground to the second level,, to save waiting in montrous lines for elevators. I do not reccomend this unless all ladies are fit.
I have also taken elevator to first level and then walked up stairs to second level.. this is doable my almost anyone who can walk stairs, but still take in account basic fittness level. I think most people with out any mobility problems could do this.
I personally have never felt compelled to go to the top as most times I recall going up to the second level the sky is hazy so the view is not improved from the higher vantage point, plus I am creeped out by elevators and can only handle them a bit at a time.

My personal thought is the the ET is best viewed from directly below it,, I love looking UP the ET throught the girders,, it is so massive.

I also concur best view for me is from top to Arc D'Triomphe!