Paris Eiffel Tower Stair Climb Tour & Optional Summit

Summary

Climb the Eiffel Tower stairs for Paris views and stories

You’ll climb the iconic Eiffel Tower stairs with a local guide sharing quirky history and hidden details along the way. Stand on a glass floor above Paris, pause for stories between climbs, and choose to ride up to the summit if you want even bigger views—all in a small group that makes it feel personal.

What’s the experience like?

"You sure you want to take the stairs?" our guide grinned, holding up her badge as we gathered near the base of the Eiffel Tower. I could smell roasted chestnuts from a nearby cart, and honestly, my nerves kicked in a bit looking up at all that iron. But there was something about joining this small group—everyone quietly sizing up their shoes—that made it feel less like a tourist thing and more like a little adventure together. Our guide (her name was Camille) started off with some wild facts about Gustave Eiffel and how Parisians once hated this whole structure. I didn’t expect to laugh so much before even setting foot on the steps.

The climb itself… well, it’s real exercise. The stairs are old and sort of echo with each step, but you get these little pauses where Camille would point out graffiti from decades ago or wave at kids below. At one landing, she showed us where someone had scratched their initials back in the 1920s—tiny details you’d miss if you just zipped up by elevator. The air changed as we climbed; you could catch whiffs of metal and rain from earlier that morning. On the first level, standing on that glass floor looking straight down—my legs went jelly for a second. Someone behind me muttered “mon dieu” under their breath and yeah, same.

By the time we reached the second floor, Paris looked almost unreal—like someone had drawn it in soft gray pencil lines. If you’re doing this Eiffel Tower climbing tour from Paris, I’d say don’t rush. The city noise fades up there; all you hear is wind and people’s surprised laughter when they spot Sacré-Cœur or the tiny boats on the Seine. Some folks in our group had booked the summit elevator too (the day trip Machu Picchu Cusco crowd would approve), but honestly I was content just soaking in that view for a while longer. If the summit’s open, go for it—but even if not, it feels like enough somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Climb Eiffel Tower and enjoy views

• Meet guide at Eiffel Tower
• Climb stairs to first level
• Walk on glass floor
• Climb stairs to second level
• Enjoy views of Paris
• Optionally take elevator to summit
• View panoramic vistas from summit

Top questions

How many stairs do you climb on this Eiffel Tower tour?

You’ll climb to the 1st and 2nd floors using over 600 steps total during this guided tour.

Is summit access included in every booking?

Summit access by elevator is only included if you select that option when booking your ticket.

What happens if the summit is closed?

If weather or operations close the summit on your tour day, you’ll get a refund for just that portion.

Can infants or strollers join this stair climbing tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the tour.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No meals are included; only entry tickets and guided stair climb are part of your day.

How fit do I need to be for this stair climb?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart issues.

Are service animals allowed on this Eiffel Tower tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed to join this experience.

Where does this guided Eiffel Tower tour start?

The tour starts at the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris’ 7th Arrondissement.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets to both first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower with a fully guided stair climb led by a professional local guide; if selected when booking, elevator access to the summit is also included—plus plenty of stories along each step up.