Paris in 1 Day for Couples - Reserved elevator access to the Eiffel Tower (2nd floor) with expert guide
In Collaboration with Epic Tours. Updated on January 30, 2026.
An unhurried, romantic evening built around Epic Tours’ reserved-access Eiffel Tower experience. Meet the guide near Entrance 1, enjoy a guided elevator ascent to the 2nd floor (option to add summit access), then continue with a short walk to a nighttime Seine cruise and a late, rooftop dinner with a view.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Epic Tours, inspired by the tour Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Summit or 2nd Floor Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Reserved elevator access to the Eiffel Tower (2nd floor) with expert guide
- Optional summit access with champagne (own expense)
- Evening Seine cruise for twilit city views
- Late rooftop dinner at Les Ombres with direct view of the Tower
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening plan built around the reserved Eiffel Tower access — allow 15 minutes to meet, then a guided visit (2nd floor / optional summit), a short walk to the river for a night cruise, and a rooftop dinner to finish.
Meet your guide — 3 Rue Buenos-Ayres (next to Castel Café)
Arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time. Meet the Epic Tours guide holding a blue sign that says “Epic Tours.” This small street faces Entrance 1 of the Eiffel Tower.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early to avoid rushing — the guide waits at the corner next to Castel Café holding a blue ‘Epic Tours’ sign.
- Dress for photos: in summer evenings the light is soft; bring a light wrap for breeze on the Champ de Mars and the tower levels.
- Travel-light for faster security — avoid large backpacks and keep passports/phone in an easy-to-reach pocket for check-in.
Pre-tour briefing & short history beneath the Eiffel Tower
Your guide shares key historical stories and points out landmarks visible from the tower before proceeding to security and the reserved elevator entrance.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand where your guide points — it gives the best framing of the Champ de Mars and Les Invalides for photos together.
- Ask the guide for a quick photo tip (best camera angles) so you get a flattering couple shot on the Tower levels.
- If you want a quieter moment, move slightly away from the group’s center toward the base’s east side — it’s usually less crowded and great for candid shots.
Security checks and reserved elevator access (escorted)
Guide will escort the group through both mandatory security checkpoints and to the reserved elevator entrance — security cannot be skipped.
Tips from local experts:
- Have any liquids, souvenirs, or metal items ready to speed up checks — this keeps the group moving and preserves your evening timing.
- If you’re carrying a small bottle of water, hold onto it until after security to avoid delays.
- If one partner is taking photos, hand the camera or phone to your partner to move faster through the lines together.
Elevator ride & guided tour on the 2nd floor
Reserved elevator up to the 2nd floor (approx. 114 m). Guided interpretation while taking in sweeping Paris views — the guide will point out the Louvre, Champ de Mars, Les Invalides and more.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand on the outer edge of the viewing gallery for unobstructed skyline photos — a small step forward improves perspective.
- Ask the guide for the best direction to watch the sunset or city lights depending on sky conditions; they know where the view is clearest at that hour.
- If you want a quieter photo, the northern side of the 2nd floor is often less busy in evening tours — head there during free time.
Optional: Summit access (if booked) — champagne possibility
If your booking includes summit access, switch elevators on the 2nd floor to reach the top. Consider buying a glass of champagne at the summit (own expense) for a celebratory moment.
Tips from local experts:
- If you booked summit access, go early on the summit platform to secure a quiet spot near the railings for night skyline photos.
- Champagne at the summit is a romantic splurge — bring smaller bills or card; ask staff for their recommended bottle pairing.
- Be mindful of wind at the summit — keep camera straps secure and use a jacket to prevent chill when taking pictures together.
Free exploration and couple photos on the Tower (2nd/1st floor) — stay as long as you wish
After the guided portion you may stay longer on the tower to take photos, enjoy the view or slowly descend at your own pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a few minutes together beneath the 2nd floor railing for a silhouette shot with the city behind you (works great at twilight).
- If you prefer less crowded photos, slowly descend to the 1st floor — it’s usually quieter and still offers great viewpoints.
- Keep an eye on time so you have enough time to walk to the cruise departure point without rushing; aim to leave the Tower ~20 minutes before your cruise boarding time.
Walk from the Eiffel Tower to the cruise departure (Port de la Bourdonnais)
A short, scenic walk across the Champ de Mars/Quai Branly to the Bateaux Parisiens boarding point — soak in the riverside lights on the way.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the south-side promenade along the Seine for the most romantic riverside views en route to the boats.
- If you like, buy a light snack at a quay vendor for the cruise — finger foods are easiest to enjoy on board.
- Summer evenings can be warm; bring a light layer for the cruise as wind on the river is cooler after sunset.
Evening Seine cruise — Bateaux Parisiens (romantic night views)
A one-hour evening cruise along the Seine to see Paris’ illuminated monuments from the water — a classic romantic experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit near the bow (front) on the upper deck for unobstructed views of the monuments and best photo angles of the Tower lit up.
- Book the window/upper deck seats in advance in summer as evening cruises sell out; bring a small blanket for the open-air deck if you want to cuddle up.
- Toast with a glass of wine or champagne on board — there’s a small onboard bar (own expense) and it makes for a sweet, intimate moment.
Rooftop dinner at Les Ombres — late romantic meal with Tower views
Short walk or taxi to Les Ombres on the Musée du Quai Branly rooftop. Relax with a leisurely dinner and a direct view of the illuminated Eiffel Tower.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a table by the window or on the terrace when booking — the Eiffel Tower view is the reason to choose Les Ombres for a romantic dinner.
- Reserve in advance (especially in June) and mention the special occasion — the staff can help create a small romantic touch if requested.
- Choose dishes to share and finish with a digestif while watching the Tower’s hourly light show for a perfect evening crescendo.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Culture, Transfer, Attraction, Experience, Break, Restaurant |
