I'm sorry you had a bad experience at the Eiffel Tower, blaxx. It makes me sad. And the way you described it, it does sound pretty awful.
I also adored the view from the Sacre Coeur at the top of the Montmartre. But it's not the same as the view from the Eiffel Tower, right in the middle of the city.
Maybe part of the appeal for me is that I have a real fascination for "world's fairs." One of my earliest memories ever (in my life) is going to the 1964-65 World's Fair in NY. I wasn't yet 3 years old.
I think because of that, I took the history with me when I rode up in the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It wasn't just an event I was experiencing right then. I was picturing myself seeing the same view in 1889. And seeing similar "points of interest" and "modern marvels" from the Chicago Exposition of 1893 and the St. Louis fair of 1904 and the NY World's Fair of 1939. Back when people had hope for "tomorrow" and, at least for that one day, saw nothing but a promising future.
That's what I took with me when I stood at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
And yeah, getting there early and not having to fight horrendous crowds helped me enjoy that moment.
EDIT: And for something like that, the expense is moot. However, I will say, I don't recall it being THAT expensive. Maybe $25? I honestly don't remember because I genuinely didn't care.
EDIT2: Okay, I just checked. It's $13.40 Euro. That's $17.57 US dollars. When you're in Paris and your'e talking about going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, that price is not even remotely an issue! If $17.57 will hurt your funds, you have no business traveling to Paris from the U.S. in the first place. Sorry ... but seriously.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Updated On: 1/28/12 at 05:59 PM