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In 1982, the old elevator system between the second and third levels was replaced.   The new elevator system, consisting of four cabins [two pairs of counterbalanced cabins], can make the 160-meter trajectory in a single try. At the same time, the old spiral staircase was 

staircase was installed but is used only for emergencies; you cannot walk up to the 3rd level.

                                           Tower Levels

From the Tower's three platforms — especially the topmost — the view of Paris is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset, the panorama is at its best. If you can't be there in person, then check out a Live Aerial View of Paris with TF1's webcam online: from the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can see Paris in real time, 24 hours a day, whatever the weather conditions in the French capital. To get the most out of this view of Paris, we suggest you surf to their web site between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM GMT [1:00 AM and 3:00 PM Eastern Time in the U.S.], when the City of Light is at its best.
To mark the end of the tower's first century of existence, a huge fresco, consisting of 100 individual panels, was created. The Otis Company commissioned the frescos were drawn and captioned much as they would have been in the news papers of the belle époque. They were then distributed among the observation decks of tower's three levels and on the staircases:

First Level

The Eiffel Tower's First Level is 57.63 meters [189 feet] above the ground. The following are found at this level:

·         The observatory where the movements of the Eiffel Tower's summit are measured with a computerized laser technology;

·         The FerOscope, placed around one of the Tower's beams, provides scenes presenting the techniques that enabled the building of the Tower and its painting maintenance;

·         A wax representation of the steeplejack painters perched on a beam;

·         A kiosk presentation about the mythic painting of the Eiffel Tower;

·         The Cineiffel, a room offering an exceptional collage of unusual images of the Tower.  There is also:

o        An electronic telescope to view Paris in detail;

o        A cinema room with screens presenting the Tower's history;

·         Souvenir shops;

·         A post office, where you can find special stamps marked "Paris Eiffel Tower";

·         A large, circular 'panoramic' gallery, employing explanatory panels, displays Parisian sites and monuments;

·         A spacious area to stroll and relax;

·         One of the tower's two restaurants, Restaurant "Altitude 95" [phone 01-45-55-20-04].  It is so named because the first level is 95 meters above sea level.  Its ambience is much like the lighter-than-air ships of the twenties and thirties.  For its 200 guests, there are bay-window views of the Seine, the Trocadéro and the inside of the tower; Altitude 95 also runs a bar, at the ground level, which serves refreshments and drinks all day.

Second Level

The Second Level is 115.73 meters [379 feet, 8 inches] above the ground. This level contains the following:
 

·         In-place telescopes to see the beautiful panorama of Paris;

·         Animated displays concerning the construction of the Tower and the operation of both the elevators, that ran to the top until 1983, and the current elevators;

·         The two level [one open air, one enclosed] panoramic view elevators that propel you 180 meters to the Tower's top level;

giant structure.  The restaurant has its own private elevator that traverses the southern pillar.  Reservations are absolutely necessary for this Michelin Red Guide one star establishment; phone 01-45-55-61-44].  There are also some shops.

Third Level

At the Third Level, 276.13 meters [905 feet, 11 inches] above the ground, there is an exceptional panoramic view, day or night, of Paris and its surroundings. Here, you will find:

·         The recently restored office of Gustave Eiffel, showing him welcoming Thomas Edison;

·         A panoramic guide displaying the location of Parisian sites;

·         Dioramas, presenting the history of this platform.

The Eiffel Tower at night is one of the great sights of Paris and shouldn't be missed. The gold lighting highlights the delicacy of the steelwork in a way that is missed in daylight. Skip the tour buses and pickpockets on Trocadéro and head up to the Ecole Militaire for a more tranquil view.

View across Seine to northwest     showing Trocadéro Gardens          and Palais de Chaillot		View southeast down Champ       de Mars to the Tour           Monparnasse