Cities & architecture · Champ de Mars — second floor — summit — Trocadéro
Ascend the Eiffel Tower as Paris moves toward sunset
Enter the ironwork before dusk, watch Paris resolve into avenues and monuments, then descend as the tower begins its nightly illumination.
Approach across the Champ de Mars so the iron lattice grows from landmark into structure, then rise through the angled legs to the second floor. From here the Seine, Invalides, Sacré-Cœur and the ordered avenues remain close enough to read, while the summit turns the capital into a complete horizon.
Reserve a timed ticket on the official site and arrive before the stated slot for security screening. Late afternoon gives changing light without relying on the summit being open; wind or severe weather can close the top, while the second floor still delivers the most detailed city view.