As soon as you pass through the security of the Eiffel Tower, you will get to the sprawling Esplanade, decorating the base of the Tower.
Besides being an entry and information point, the Esplanade also has exciting highlights and views that are a must-see!
Visitors planning a fun picnic on the esplanade or the surrounding gardens must know of the things they can do here.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the esplanade and the gardens so you can plan the best experience!
Views of the Tower from the Esplanade
The esplanade offers a unique and close-up view of the Eiffel Tower since you are at its base.
If you stand directly under the Tower, you can capture an excellent picture of the Eiffel, with a square surrounded by latticed patterns.
Standing on the esplanade gives you an idea of how tall and massive the tower is, allowing visitors to appreciate its architecture more!
You can also enjoy a perfect view of the light shows in the evening time from the esplanade.
The Entrances to the Tower
You will find two main entrances to the Eiffel Tower on the Esplanade, one at the South Pillar and the other at the East Pillar.
The South Entrance is for visitors with a staircase ticket, who must pass a security check first.
You can get tickets for the stairs + the elevator to the Summit from the counter marked by a blue flag.
Visitors with elevator tickets should take the South Pillar entrance on the Esplanade, which also has a security check.
If you already have an elevator ticket, you must stand in the line marked with a green flag.
Tourists who want to buy the tickets must line up at the counter marked by a yellow flag.
Check out our Parking near the Eiffel Tower article to discover paid and street parking to station your car while you explore the Tower.
Highlights of the Eiffel Tower Esplanade
Besides the stunning view of the Eiffel the Esplanade provides, you can also enjoy viewing other spectacular informative, historical, and natural wonders!
Here are some of the beautiful highlights the Esplanade offers to all visitors exploring the area.
1. Information Desk
If you are looking for helpful information, you should approach the information desk at the west pillar on the Esplanade.
You can also pick up leaflets, maps, and other materials and learn more about the rules to follow when visiting ticket rates and much more!
Visitors traveling with kids can also collect the latest edition of the Tour Eiffel Kids game booklet to keep them distracted for the entire trip.
The desk follows the same hours as the Eiffel Tower Hours.
2. Gustave Eiffel Sculpture
At the North Pillar of the Eiffel is a unique golden-colored bust sculpture of Gustave Eiffel, made by Antoine Bourdelle.
It was crafted on 2nd May 1929, following the idea of General Ferrie to honor Gustave Eiffel.
The sculpture was inaugurated in front of the friends and family of Gustave Eiffel and many other scientists and mathematicians.
The Secretary of State for Postal and Telecommunications inaugurated the sculpture.
3. Lift Machinery from 1899.
If you’re interested in architecture and technology, you can see the lift machinery system of the hydraulic elevators clearly from the Esplanade!
These are inspired by the first elevators constructed in 1889 for the first World Fair.
You can learn more about the technological advancements of the Tower by looking closely at the electronic and mechanical advancements made to the machinery!
Visitors can see the machinery at the east and west pillars of the Eiffel.
4. The Souvenir Shops
The Kiosk and Rendez-vous are two souvenir shops on the Esplanade, selling official Eiffel Tower merchandise!
You can get fun mugs, clothing items, and even a Lego set of the Tower from these shops.
These are great places to purchase good quality souvenirs to take home after you explore the Tower.
5. The Esplanade Eiffel Tower Buffet
If you’re looking for a small snack or refreshing drink at the Esplanade, the buffet is an excellent option!
You can grab light snacks like sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and more from the Buffet.
On hot summer days, ice cream and other cooling treats are also available at the buffet, which makes the perfect addition to your picnic basket!
You can also find similar buffets on the first and second levels, so don’t worry about buying food from here and taking it up with you.
6. The Eiffel Tower Garden
The Eiffel Tower is surrounded by beautiful gardens, with well-maintained walkways and stunning landscapes.
You can also see a unique cave and lake in the gardens!
The best spot to take a scenic picture of the Tower from the garden is from the Belvedere spot, next to exit 2 on the North side.
The garden is also home to a 200-year-old Sycamore Tree, planted in 1814!
Please note: You can also find public restrooms on the Esplanade
Do I need tickets to explore the Esplanade?
You can explore the Esplanade and Garden area without a ticket for free!
However, you must get past the security lines at the entrance to access these areas.
You can stay here for as long as you want till the Eiffel Tower closes at 11.45 pm.
FAQs on Eiffel Tower Esplanade
1. What is the Esplanade of the Eiffel Tower?
The ground area at the base of the Eiffel Tower is called the Esplanade. It is a space where people gather before getting to the top. You can find the staircase and elevator entrances here.
2. Can you walk under the Eiffel Tower for free?
Yes, you can walk under the Tower without an entry ticket for free. However, you must get through security to get to this space.
3. How long does it take to explore the Esplanade and Gardens?
It can take about 1 hour to explore the esplanade in the Gardens. You can spend longer here since the Esplanade is open to access till the Eiffel Tower closes.
4. From where can I grab a snack at the base of the Eiffel?
You can grab a small refreshment or snack from the buffet at the base of the Tower.
5. What are some highlights I can see at the Tower’s base?
You can see the statue of Gustave Eiffel and the elevator machinery at the base of the Tower. Visitors can also have a small snack at the Buffets and buy exciting souvenirs from the stores.
6. Where are the entrances to the Tower on the Esplanade?
The staircase entrance is on the South Pillar of the Esplanade, whereas the elevator entrance is on the East Pillar.
7. From where can I get a map of the Eiffel?
You can get a map from the information desk at the base of the Tower.
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Featured Image : toureiffel.paris
