I have not been big on fitness, not then and not now. Thus, climbing up the Eiffel Tower would not be on top of my “Things to do” list. However, queue/queuing makes my Top 10 Pet Peeves. So, what did I do one European summer when I was in Paris for a day and a half or so on my own and the waiting time to get to the top of Eiffel Tower via the elevator was at least 2 hours? (Or was it actually not functioning at all that morning? I can’t accurately remember; it was a long time ago.)
I braved the stairs! Yes, I climbed the awesome Paris landmark. This was and first and last time I took about 700 steps (give or take). Not only did I not mind the grueling exercise, I was happy I did. It was well worth it. The tower and I bonded as I staggered and wobbled on my way to the second level. The top can only be reached via the tower lift.
Apart from the sheer awesomeness of the experience of climbing, the views from up the Eiffel Tower helped me forget, almost immediately, that I had tired legs and feet.
If I had to do it again, I will still skip the elevator to the second floor but take it to take me the top (as the third floor cannot be reached on foot). I can only imagine the feeling and the views from atop La Tour Eiffel. There are other two things I’d do differently; I will not go alone and I will stay in Paris for longer.
Oh! I love this, Anne! You walked all the way to the top! I am definitely going to consider this if/when I ever get back to Paris. And your photos – the Seine, the contrasting modern/old fashioned buildings. I liked the successively higher elevation photos. Very nice! Your story reminded me of the first time (of 2) we went to Paris: I was six months pregnant with Erica (now 22) and we brought my son Leslie with us (11). At the Notre Dame cathedral, I didn’t feel up to climbing the stairs in the tower, but Jim (husband) and Leslie did it. (I sat down in the plaza and waited for them.) Jim told me that at each level where there was a window, they took pictures – of the Eiffel Tower, notably. Each level higher, better photos. Until finally they were at the top! And out of film. (Pre-digital days). 🙂
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This is such a nice and fun story. Murphy likes to show off his presence. 😂 I remember the pre-digital days. The disappointment wasn’t exclusive to missed shots because film ran out but also to bad or blurred photos discovered later. I hope you go again and climb. We’re hoping to go to Europe this year, if not States, for holiday. I must correct my post actually; I only made it to the second level. That lift was a problem. I’ll definitely make my way to the top next time.
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I regret not going up! We had limited time and wanted to squeeze as much as possible in to the day! Will definitely take your word for it and do it next time! 🙂
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Oh, you have to. 😊 I still want to go back, too. I think I spent too much time walking along Champs-Élysées… and in the shops along the boulevard. 😂 With the lift situation, best to dedicate a day there. I didn’t eat in one of the restaurants there so that’s one thing I’d like to do as well.
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Oh we too never regret getting all the way to the top! The views are something to remember. Next time get there early!
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And stay for at least a week! 🙂 I didn’t even get to see it at night. I had booked a hotel far from where the sights are and because I was alone, and I was warned that Paris isn’t as safe as I might think it is, I had to get back to the hotel early. It was still quite a walk from the station.
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Aiyah! No city is perfectly safe! So long as you follow good sense not to be get into dark or unlit areas…if you see lots of other tourists, it should be fine! Anyway it is true the hotels nearer to the tower charge a premium…well – location, location, location…
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Yeah… I was prudent. 🙂 And although I wasn’t a backpacker, I didn’t have unlimited budget. One must shop in Paris. Lol!
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That’s true. Priorities must be clear!
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I’m very impressed by 700 steps, and that you had enough energy after climbing to get these great shots.
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Ah, thank you so much. I was there for a long time. Haha! I had to miss out on other things because I wasn’t in Paris for more than 2 days. I went to Arc de Triomphe and Musee du Louvre on my 1st day and Eiffel Tower and shopping on the 2nd day. 🙂
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Great shots for this week’s theme! And I’m so impressed with your 700 steps, twice as many as I took to shoot my blog pics this week!
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Thank you so much, Tom. I was surprised, too. I just wasn’t prepared to leave Paris without being at least on the 2nd floor. 🙂 I had to sacrifice other sights but I told myself I’d go back.
You always have magnificent photographs. I like them a lot.
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Such determination has visual benefits for your readers. :}
Thank you, Anne, for your kind words.. I hope you’ll continue to visit often.
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Definitely, Tom. 🙂 It is always a pleasure to visit your blog.
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Lucky you,I’d say 🙂 Wish someday i make it there !
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You must try. I hope you do get a chance. ☺💖
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Beautiful pics x
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Thank you very much!
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