Guide to the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower What to See and Do
Numerous individuals claim that the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower has the most amazing views of Paris, and who can exactly argue with that? However, the Eiffel Tower is and has...
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October 24, 2025
Numerous individuals claim that the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower has the most amazing views of Paris, and who can exactly argue with that? However, the Eiffel Tower is and has so much more to offer than just views of the Parisian skyline. The Eiffel Tower has its own unique story, from controversial beginnings to being one of the most famous monuments in the world that embodies romance and Paris.
If you were to speak with Gustave Eiffel the architect responsible for the design and construction of the tower he would tell you there is one way to see it. No, not see it. Experience it. By going up.
In this article, I will detail the most critical aspects you will need to enjoy the Eiffel Tower on your next trip to Paris. That includes how to get there, places to eat, and what you will be able to see when you go up what the French call “la Tour Eiffel.”
Making your way toward the tower
Paris Texas Eiffel Tower
The parks in front—the Champs-de-Mars to the east and the Trocadéro to the west—offer almost completely unbroken views of the tower, from the base of the pillars up to the uppermost pinnacle. You might of course choose to sit for a full while on the grass to enjoy the view with the added bonus of person watching, or to hang out there afterward for a more leisurely take on the tower and your climb.
If you want affordable souvenir pieces that are lightly towerish in character, you may consider a souviner from the uncommon side parade of trinket sellers in the area. But if you see a group of people carrying clipboards, steer clear of them, they are scammers, and they are good at it. Just keep moving. Trust me on this advice.
Be prepared to reveal each item to security as you walk through the security gates for the tower. Sharp objects are prohibited, so if you bring liquid refreshments, ensure they have a screw cap or pop the Champagne cork if you plan to picnic on the grass you will not need a wine opener.
First stop: The Esplanade
Looking up from the esplanade under the skirt of the Iron Lady can bring on a dizzying feeling. This is not just due to the sheer size and span of the four wrought iron pillars, but rather the way it reaches up and you see endless sky peeking out through the wrought-iron grid pattern.
When considering a plan of attack for ascending the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower, you have two methods to choose from: the elevators, or the steps. You may either make the second floor the end of the journey, or make your way to the top for the truly thorough experience.
However, if you can take the stair route, that’s what we recommend if travelling out with us or in own – we tagged in Gustave Eiffel’s footsteps (totally meant it) and we became (we think) the very first company to bring guests on a guided climb up the tower. I personally believe that it is the best way to see the Parisian horizon and the Eiffel Tower itself, and every year it comes up as one of our most popular and best Paris Tours.
If you choose to take the stairs, you are plunging further into the magnificent stainless-steel frame that makes up the Eiffel Tower, while also exerting yourself physically – you will appreciate the rewards for your effort as the horizon begins to expand outward dramatically. Experiencing the tower from the inside is fantastic. You truly appreciate the joining of craftsmanship and complexity that comprise the Iron Lady’s skeleton.
What you will see on your way to the top
The team of 50 engineers and designers, along with approximately 500 workers on-site and off-site, took about two years, two months, and five days to prepare the Iron Lady for its initiation during the World’s Fair of 1889.
There are a total of 18,000 different iron pieces and 2.5 million rivets that hold it all together. Stop to see them in detail rather than rushing by it in an elevator to the top. This is your own experience. Let it happen.
Why the Eiffel Tower was once hated
It’s odd to think that the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower was once thought to be an eyesore, unwelcome by many Parisians. The “who’s who” of the time put together The Protestation des Artistes, protesting Monsieur Eiffel’s tower.
Some people claim the advantage of the Eiffel Tower’s view of Paris is that you can’t see Paris when you look out from the tower.
Ultimately, a new landmark, the Tour Montparnasse, found itself in the new position of being the object of Parisian scorn. As you rise to the top of that skyscraper, you’ll see a view not only of the Louvre but of the Seine river, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica of Montmartre, and many other points of interest in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower through the years
The tower has been a symbol of Paris in many ways over the years. It was originally constructed as an entrance to the World’s Fair of 1889 (the 100 year anniversary of the French Revolution), but it was also, without being covert, a visual representation of France’s industrial superiority for the world to see.
An interesting detail is that the evening light display that sparkles at the top of every hour for five minutes is registered as an artistic work under France’s copyright law. This means you can’t publish photos or videos of the light display (even to social media) without the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel’s permission.
Where to eat at the Eiffel Tower
Looking for a refreshment to replace your tank and refill your engine? Go to the second floor and check out Le Jules Verne restaurant, which has a Michelin-star. Dinner for two will typically cost around $500, but it is one of a kind for an extraordinary experience.
Searching for something different? The Jules Verne restaurant is not for all tastes. They recently launched Madame Brasserie, which is still a lovely sit-down space but a level down from the second-floor Michelin-star option.
Once on the second floor, you will take the lift to the summit of the Eiffel Tower if you have that ticket option. Keep in mind that tower security will check that anybody going to the summit can get around without any form of ambulation assistance, including strollers and wheelchairs. There is a staircase to the summit of the tower, but that is closed to the public.
Practical advice for your trip to the Eiffel Tower
However, if you don’t want to trek the long walk up on foot, I have to advise you that the line for the elevator up to the second floor rivals some of the longest lines I have seen at any amusement park. And to top it all off, when you ascend the first flight of stairs, you are getting the view of the first and elevating further into the second floor while a few thousand other individuals are still waiting in lines just to get in.
If you choose the more leisurely route of the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower Elevator Tour, we have you covered. You will still have an immersive elevator ride with your guide up to the second floor, and can see the first floor on the way back down the stairs (optional again). You can also ride the elevator down, but walking down is easier.
What guides say about visiting the Eiffel Tower
I consulted our expert tower guides for their best tips on visiting the Eiffel Tower. Some of these tips might seem obvious but are often missed in the thousands of details that go into Moving the whole family and preparing everything for your visit that day.
How much time does a visit to the Eiffel Tower take?
A lot of this is up to you, but if you’re short on time, you can do a tour to the second floor using the elevator and look around in about 15-20 minutes. Not ideal, but way better than skipping it altogether. Just remember, you need to factor in possible time waiting in lines for security, to enter, and to buy tickets.
The full Eiffel Tower experience
Ascending the Eiffel Tower or even just a trip to the summit might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so ensure you plan in enough time to really enjoy the experience. I cannot stress enough how much difference a good guide makes. Many guides have a wealth of quirky information, to make the experience a lot more fun, interesting and enjoyable. I had such an amazing time when I took my last trip with one of our finest guides – it was definitely way more enjoyable than I experienced on my first trip when I went on my own. And I’m not the only one. Our Eiffel tower tours are rated number one, for a good reason.
FAQ
1. Where is the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower located?
The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, Texas, near the downtown area at the intersection of Main Street and Jefferson Street. It’s easily accessible by car or on foot from the city center.
2. Can you climb the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower?
Yes! Visitors can climb the tower to the viewing platform for a panoramic view of Paris, Texas. The climb is relatively easy and suitable for most ages.
3. Why does the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower have a cowboy hat?
The cowboy hat was added in 1993 to give the tower a unique Texas twist, blending the iconic French design with local culture and creating a fun, quirky landmark.
4. When is the best time to visit the tower?
The tower is accessible year-round, but early mornings or late afternoons are best for photos and cooler temperatures, especially in the summer months.
5. How tall is the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower?
The tower is 65 feet (20 meters) tall, making it a smaller replica of the original Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, but it’s instantly recognizable thanks to the cowboy hat.
