The 330m tall Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark and symbol of France. This wrought-iron wonder is one of those quintessential experiences no one wants to miss out on while they’re in Paris. The tower is divided into three levels. However, before you rush into the tower, there’s quite a bit you can see and do at the Esplanade. Read on to learn more about how you can spend your time at the Esplanade.

What To See At The Eiffel Tower Esplanade

Why Visit the Eiffel Tower Esplanade?

Get a free view of the historic and enigmatic Eiffel Tower from below.
Take a stroll along with the Gardens while enjoying unobstructed views of the tower.
Take a closer look at the 1899 lift machinery that is still in use.
Don’t miss out on the bust of Gustave Eiffel at the northern leg of the tower.
Another detail to note is the frieze that runs around the four pillars of the tower. Step away from the tower a bit and you’ll see the names of the 72 engineers, scientists, and industrialists who were part of the team that created the Eiffel Tower.

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How to Get to the Esplanade of the Eiffel Tower?

The Esplanade of the Tower is the ground area below the Eiffel Tower where people wait and gather before going up the Tower. It is here that the entrances to the Eiffel Tower can be located.

The Tower is easily accessible due to the city’s efficient public transport system. You can take the bus, train, metro, or car to any of the entrances.

You can simply walk up to this open space without tickets. However, you will need to go through a security check before you enter the area.

Directions to the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower Esplanade Highlights

View of the Eiffel Tower

One of the most amazing things about the Esplanade is that you get a clear view of the majestic Eiffel Tower from below. Step away from the Tower a little and you’ll notice a frieze running around it with the names of all the 72 scientists, engineers, and industrialists engraved on it. Best part? You don’t have to shell out money for it because access to the Esplanade is free of cost!

Where to Get the Best Views of the Eiffel Tower?

Gustave Eiffel's Bust

Head to the northern leg of the tower and you’ll see a bronze bust of Gustave Eiffel installed there. The bust was created by sculptor Antoine Bourdelle and installed at the foot of the Eiffel Tower at the corner of the north pillar. It was inaugurated in 1929 in the presence of the Eiffel family and a host of other personalities from the field of science.

Lift Machinery

Did you know that the lift machinery currently in use at the Eiffel Tower is over a century old? Yes. The hydraulic machines were designed by Gustave Eiffel himself and installed inside the tower in 1899. They’ve obviously been restored, computerized, and maintained over the years but they are still in use! You’ll find the machines in the basement of the tower.

How to Access the Eiffel Tower Lift?

The Frieze

Just below the first floor of the tower, you will find the frieze that runs along the four sides of the structure. Here, you will find the names of the 72 scientists, industrialists, and engineers who were involved in the making of the iconic tower. Many names were left out because they were too long. Sadly, not a single name on this list belongs to a woman.

The Gardens

Take a stroll along the Gardens before or after your tour for a more enriching experience of the tower. The Gardens offer stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and boast several belvederes, pathways, a 200-year-old sycamore tree, lush greenery, waterfalls, ponds, a historic chimney, and rich flora. There’s also a cave at the foot of the tower that hasn’t been opened to the public yet.

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Facilities on the Eiffel Tower Esplanade

There are a few facilities at the Esplanade that you can avail of on your visit.

Information Desk: At the West pillar of the tower, you will find an information desk. Grab hold of a visitor's map, rules of visit, ticket rates, and the 'Tour Eiffel Kids' game booklet for families.
Ticket counters: Those hoping to purchase tickets at the venue can head to the ticket counters.
Buffets: There are several food stalls from where you can buy snacks and other dishes to munch on. They’re your best bet if you’re looking to eat something on the go.
Shop: Also at the West Pillar is the Rendevouz boutique. You can pick up some souvenirs to kickstart your visit.
Toilet: Public restroom facilities can be located at the East Gardens.
Entrances: All the Eiffel Tower entrances are located at the esplanade. Those taking the lift can access the elevator from the East or West pillar. To access the stairs, head to the South entrance.

Plan Your Visit to the Eiffel Tower

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Book Tickets to the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour: Summit or Second Floor

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1 hr.

Guided Tour

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€19

Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie

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1 hr. 30 min.

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€127.40

Eiffel Tower Tickets: Summit or Second Floor Access with Seine River Cruise

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2 hr. - 2 hr. 30 min.

Guided Tour

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€37

Visitor Tips

Access to the Esplanade is free of charge. You will need to go through security though.
While there are several food stalls on the Esplanade, we suggest you dine at the restaurants on the first and second floors of the tower. However, you can grab a quick snack from here if you’re hungry.
Visit The Rendezvous boutique on the western leg of the tower for souvenirs.
Check out the new Kiosk boutique near the east pillar for Eiffel Tower gifts and mementos.
Don’t miss the frieze that runs around the tower and has the names of the team involved in creating the tower engraved on it.

More Tips

Frequently Asked Questions About the Eiffel Tower Esplanade

Q. How do I get to the Eiffel Tower's Esplanade?

A. The Eiffel Tower Esplanade is easily accessible due to Paris’ efficient public transport system. You can take the bus, metro, train, or car to reach your destination. There are two entrances to the Esplanade – one in the south and the other in the east. The latter is less crowded.

Q. What can I do on the Eiffel Tower Esplanade?

A. There are a few things you can do at the Eiffel Tower Esplanade. Check out the bronze bust of Gustave Eiffel at the northern leg of the tower. Unwind with some food and a drink in the recently landscaped gardens. Marvel at the Tower from below. Also, don’t miss the frieze that runs around the Tower and has the names of all the 72 scientists, engineers, and industrialists who contributed to creating the Eiffel Tower.

Q. Can I buy hosted entry tickets to get to the Eiffel Tower Esplanade?

A. Hosted entry tickets are not needed to access the Eiffel Tower Esplanade. It’s the ground area around the tower that visitors can access free of cost. However, if you want to go inside the tower, you can buy hosted entry tickets for the same.

Q. Do I need to climb the stairs to visit the Eiffel Tower Esplanade?

A. You don’t have to take the stairway to reach the Esplanade because it’s the ground area of the tower that is accessible to visitors for free. You can spend time in the gardens here before or after your tour. You will have to go through a security check to access the Esplanade.

Q. Can I go to the Esplanade from the Eiffel Tower first floor?

A. Yes. You can take the elevator from the first to the ground floor of the tower and you’ll find yourself in the Esplanade.

Q. What are my dining options on the Eiffel Tower Esplanade?

A. There are no restaurants at the Esplanade but there are plenty of food stalls from where you can get yourself some snacks and drinks.