How long is the wait to enter Paris tourist sites?

Question

how long do you have to wait in lines before you can enter a Parisian tourist site like the Lourve and Eiffel tower?
Which days of the week are least busy and which times?

Answer 1

The queue to get into the Eiffel tower was not long when I was there, the queue on the second floor to go to the top was much longer, but as they open up lifts on demand, the queues will always be rather long.
As said, if you plan to go to more than one of the museums that honour the museum card, get one, it is cheaper and you do not have to wait in line before getting in.
I have been waiting to get into museums for about an hours several times in Paris (if you only want one museum per trip it is not worth to buy a card and I have been in Paris several times) and I have been talking with the people who were standing near, not dull at all.

The guidebooks advise to be at the museum at the time it opens, and I have seen it work. (But mostly I am a little lazy when on holidays.)
One day a month the main museums are free entry, according my guidebook the Louvre is free the first Sunday in the Month. The lines will be extra long that day, as many people want to go in and the museum will only allow so many people at a time.

For things like the Eiffel tower and the Arce de Thriomph you can go any time in the day, and many people prefer to go just before sunset, so they can see the town by day and night.

If you want a drink when on the main boulevards, remember that the street side sitting is very expensive. Inside is a little less extravagant, but you will get much more drink for your Euros when you go into the smaller streets and drink in a small cafe there.

The Lonely Planet guide is very useful, I have the France edition, but they also have one for just Paris. It has opening times and what it costs for all main sights and museums in Paris, (the Paris edition will have many of the small museums too.) And places to eat, sleep and have fun, also with an indication of cost.

Answer 2

Based on our visit this summer....don't go to the tourist sites on the weekends if you can help it. Enen so the wait is not bad at all. Earlier in the day is best. If you want to visit a lot of sites, look into getting a museum pass. . You can get them at travel shops or train stations. But take plenty of time to enjoy the Brazziers (streetside cafes) and sip a bit of wine and enjoy their good food!! Good luck!