Imagine yourself gazing at the breathtaking panorama of Paris, the city of lights spread out before you, a feeling of awe washing over you. This is the magic the Eiffel Tower offers, and you can enhance this experience by savoring a meal at one of its exceptional restaurants.
This iconic landmark has long offered a variety of dining options to its visitors, from quick snacks to gourmet experiences. The Eiffel Tower’s culinary history is as rich as its structure, with restaurants evolving over time to meet the tastes of every palate.
A Culinary History
The Iron Lady has always offered a place to satisfy your hunger, with a range of options from simple bites to Michelin-starred delicacies. Even in its early days, the Eiffel Tower boasted four restaurants on the first floor, each nestled in one of its majestic legs. These restaurants were demolished in 1937 and rebuilt as two distinct establishments. These eventually merged in 1980 to become the “Madame Brasserie,” a large, bustling brasserie.
Moving up to the second floor, the legendary Jules Verne restaurant made its grand entrance in 1983, offering a truly unforgettable dining experience. This iconic restaurant, accessible by a private elevator, promised a journey into Parisian gastronomy.
The Eiffel Tower’s culinary offerings have continued to diversify over the years, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Today, alongside the traditional restaurants, there are buffet-style options and even a stylish champagne bar, ensuring that every visitor can find their perfect culinary moment.
Indulge in the Madame Brasserie
In June 2022, the “Madame Brasserie” replaced the “58 Tour Eiffel,” taking its place on the first floor. This restaurant serves up elegant and refined French cuisine, curated by the renowned chef Thierry Marx. The menu features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, crafted into contemporary dishes designed for sharing and joyful celebration.
Step into the “Madame Brasserie” for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and enjoy unparalleled views of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. The restaurant is a perfect spot to start your day, or to end it with a delectable meal and a glass of fine wine. For a more casual affair, the lounge offers light snacks, gourmet treats, and refreshing drinks throughout the day. As the sun sets, the lounge transforms into a cozy cocktail bar, perfect for unwinding with a nightcap.
Culinary Heights: Jules Verne
For a truly special culinary experience, ascend 125 meters to the second floor and indulge in a gourmet feast at the Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant. Chef Frédéric Anton leads the kitchen, crafting a unique experience at the heart of the Iron Lady.
The Jules Verne offers three distinct dining rooms, each with a unique perspective of the city: the Champ-de-Mars, the Trocadéro, and the Quai Branly. You can also choose to dine in the intimate alcove, or at the counter, offering a glimpse into the Eiffel Tower’s fascinating machinery.
The atmosphere is both elegant and inviting, enhanced by the architectural design of Aline Asmar of Ammam. The restaurant is a testament to Parisian sophistication, offering a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary.
Buffet Bites: Fast Food with a View
If you crave a quick bite or a light snack, the Eiffel Tower offers two buffet options on the first and second floor esplanades. The buffets provide a range of hot and cold delicacies, including salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastries, and ice cream. Enjoy a quick break with a hot or cold beverage, or indulge your sweet tooth with a macaron from the tower’s signature macaron bar.
Champagne Under the Stars
As you reach the top of the Eiffel Tower, the atmosphere is truly magical, a moment to savor and celebrate. What better way to enhance the experience than with a glass of champagne at the tower’s champagne bar on the third floor?
The bar offers a curated selection of the finest champagnes, allowing you to elevate your experience with a luxurious touch. Enjoy your glass with a panoramic view of Paris, a perfect way to end a day of discovery and delight.
Your Parisian Retreat: Hotel du Cadran
Ideally situated in the heart of Paris’s 7th arrondissement, the Hotel du Cadran is the perfect base for exploring the Eiffel Tower. This 4-star hotel offers comfortable, fully-equipped rooms, just a short walk from the iconic landmark.
After a day of culinary adventures and breathtaking views, retreat to the tranquility and luxury of your hotel room. Unwind in the hotel’s spa and wellness area, complete with a sauna and jacuzzi. Indulge your palate further with a selection of fine wines from the hotel’s wine by the glass dispenser.
The Eiffel Tower offers a wealth of culinary experiences, each unique and unforgettable. Whether you seek a refined French meal at the Madame Brasserie, a gourmet adventure at Jules Verne, or a celebratory sip of champagne at the top of the tower, your Parisian adventure will be complete with a meal to remember.
