Paris?

[BV Horn]

This summer, I'm going to Paris for the first time. How long should I expect the lines for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower?

 

[EuroHorn]

Can't remember much about the lines at the :Louvre. However, the eiffel tower lines can be very long. If you don't want to go all the way to the top, I remember walking the stairs up to the deck which I believe was midway up. Most people are waiting in line to take the elevators up, but the line to walk up was quicker.

 

[auntiem]

I don't remember the lines at the Louvre being bad. I did one of the package things for the eiffel tower- I think it was a river cruise, dinner at the tower. I by passed the lines then. Overall enjoyed it- don't remember the cost.

 

[HornHawk]

You can buy advance tickets to the Louvre online and basically walk right in, which is what we did. If you try and buy them there, you will wait in line, and depending on the time of day, you will wait up to an hour or so. Summer is particularly bad for tourists going to the Louvre.

If you are going to the Eiffel Tower, you will pay about $6 to $8 if you want to go to the second floor via elevator. If you want to ride to to the top floor, it will cost about $16. Here is a link to the Eiffel Tower site:
The Link

You will wait a little while to get on the elevator, but probably not as long as for the Louvre. Again, depends on the time of day.

If you are going to Paris, do yourself a favor and go to St. Chappell. It is very close to Notre Dame and it is well worth the time. Cost is about $8 (about 5.50 euro--they don't take dollars but they do take credit cards). You can walk to Notre Dame from there in about 5 minutes.

For my money, one of the better museums in Paris is Musee D’Orsay--my favorite museum in Paris—many impressionists’ works are located here, such as Monet, Manet, and Gaugin—located in a renovated train station.
It is near the Seine, probably about 2 miles from the Louvre.

 

[Uninformed]

I have been to the Louvre a few times. I tried to take my wife a few years ago when we had a 1 day layover in Paris. Unfortunately, there was a strike going on and the museum was closed.

If you buy the tickets ahead of time there is not a wait unless of course there is a strike.

 

[CalHornGal]

I've been to the Louvre three times in the past two years, and encountered minimal lines each time....no more than 10 minutes. We always arrive early, and they've usually had most ticket windows open. Not sure if its our timing or good luck.

I suggest doing the Eiffel Tower at night. You'll get some fabulous pictures of the city lights in the evening from the first level. You'll still wait 30-45 minutes for the lift....but the pics are worth it.

 

[Texclerk]

Instead of Eiffel, I would recommend going up the Arc d'Triomphe. As good a view of the entire city, generally no wait, and a wonderful view of Eiffel. A great visit at night.

 

[savvy]

don't enter the Louvre by the pyramid and you should be fine. there are alternate entrances that have little to no wait - for example, via Caroussel du Louvre on rue de Rivoli.

for La Tour Eiffel, pay to walk up the stairs to the second platform and pay to use the elevator up to the top.

Also, I can't say enough great things about doing the Fat Tire bike tour. check it out.The Link