Paris experts...need touring/timing advice

[Minnie824]

We're going to Paris this July for the first time and have a question.
We bought the tickets for the Eiffel tower already for 11am on a Wed. Do you know about how long this will take to tour? My schedule calls for us to go to the Louvre the same day because they're open late on Wednesdays. But to buy those tickets in advance you need to pick a specific time on the 1/2 hour. I was originally thinking 2:30, but don't want to be rushed, as after the Eiffel tower we'll need lunch somewhere too. Any suggestions on what time I should buy Louvre tickets for? Thanks!

 

[ldo]

first, go extra early. we went from DLP on the train in July and one of the metros was closed. We had to take a bus part of the way. Add at least 1 extra hour in the AM to get there. You can always walk around, gift shop, etc. It takes about 1.5 hrs. It's very hot in July, so you will be more fatigued than normal. I would actually pick a 5pm Louvre ticket--no rush and many day tourist might be leaving by then. I would plan on a longer lunch at a café with AC and walking around (lots to see near the Louvre--bridge with love locks, Notre Dame for outside pictures, etc.). I wish I had done this on our trip to pace ourselves more. The train back to DLP runs until 11pm or so. If you don't already know, get the Mobilis pass for zones 1-5 for this day. Good for train to/from, plus metro, buses in Paris. Here is another idea of what you can do after the EF:
buses #72, from Trocadero/Eiffel Tower (on the Trocadero side) past the Tuilleries, the Louvre, to the Hotel de Ville and beyond. Compared with the Metro, buses aren't as quick. But what they lack in speed they make up for by being above ground, so you can see the sights. This is a Rick Steves "bus tour." Another one is #69. We did one to the Louvre and enjoyed riding around looking at the bldgs. If you pass a cute café, just get off, dine and then continue journey later.