Complete Eiffel Tower Apartment Guide: Historic Tours & Modern Rentals

Whether you’re fascinated by Gustave Eiffel’s secret apartment hidden atop Paris’s most iconic monument or dreaming of waking up to Eiffel Tower views from your own rental, this comprehensive guide covers both the historic marvel and today’s most coveted apartment options—because sometimes the best Parisian adventures happen when you know exactly where to look and how to book them.

Gustave Eiffel’s Secret Apartment: The Original Tower Residence

When Gustave Eiffel completed his iron masterpiece in 1889, he reserved the most exclusive real estate in Paris for himself—a private 100-square-meter apartment perched 276 meters (906 feet) above the ground. This wasn’t just an architectural afterthought; it was Eiffel’s personal sanctuary and scientific laboratory, complete with all the luxuries of late 19th-century living.

What You’ll Find in Eiffel’s Historic Apartment

The apartment originally featured a living room furnished with elegant period pieces, three small offices, a fully equipped kitchen, and even a grand piano. The décor reflected the aesthetic sensibilities of the era—rich paisley wallpaper, ornate brown furniture, crystal chandeliers, and leather-bound books lining custom bookcases. No bedroom existed, dispelling myths that Eiffel actually lived there permanently.

Today, visitors can glimpse this remarkable space through windows during summit visits. The apartment now features three wax figures created by Musée Grévin:

• Gustave Eiffel himself – depicted in his signature white beard and gray pinstripe trousers
• Thomas Edison – shown relaxing with a cigar, representing one of Eiffel’s most famous guests
• Claire Eiffel – Gustave’s daughter, elegantly dressed in period burgundy and black

Famous Visitors and Royal Guests

Eiffel’s apartment attracted the most distinguished personalities of the era. Famous visitors to the tower included the Prince of Wales, Sarah Bernhardt, “Buffalo Bill” Cody (his Wild West show was an attraction at the exposition) and Thomas Edison. Eiffel invited Edison to his private apartment at the top of the tower, where Edison presented him with one of his phonographs, a new invention and one of the many highlights of the exposition. Edison signed the guestbook with this message on September 10, 1889: To M Eiffel the Engineer the brave builder of so gigantic and original specimen of modern Engineering from one who has the greatest respect and admiration for all Engineers including the Great Engineer the Bon Dieu, Thomas Edison.

Visiting Gustave Eiffel’s Apartment Today

Access to Eiffel’s apartment is included with Eiffel Tower summit tickets—no additional fee required. However, the space is viewed through windows only; entry is restricted except for exceptional events or filming. The apartment is occasionally closed without notice, so plan accordingly and consider booking guided tours that include summit access for the most comprehensive experience.

Modern Eiffel Tower Apartment Rentals: Your Luxury Options

Today’s Eiffel Tower apartment scene offers everything from intimate studios to sprawling penthouses, each promising that coveted tower view that transforms any Paris stay into something extraordinary. The hunt for the perfect rental becomes an adventure in itself when you know which neighborhoods deliver the most spectacular vantage points.

Prime Neighborhoods for Eiffel Tower Views

7th Arrondissement (Tour Eiffel District)
The epicenter of Eiffel Tower living, this elegant neighborhood puts you within walking distance of the tower itself. Streets like Avenue de la Bourdonnais and Rue Saint-Dominique offer prime rental opportunities with direct tower views.

Trocadéro District (16th Arrondissement)
Famous for its panoramic Eiffel Tower perspectives, Trocadéro apartments often feature the most dramatic views and spacious terraces. This area commands premium prices but delivers unmatched photo opportunities.

Champ de Mars Area
Apartments overlooking the expansive gardens provide unique tower views framed by Parisian greenery. These rentals offer the perfect balance of proximity and tranquil park views.

Apartment Types and Current Pricing

The Parisian rental market offers diverse options for every group size and budget:

• Studio Apartments: €850-€2,500/month, perfect for couples seeking intimate tower views
• 1-Bedroom with Eiffel Views: €1,630-€3,200/month, ideal for romantic getaways
• 2-Bedroom Luxury Options: €3,200-€5,000/month, suitable for small families or friend groups
• 3+ Bedroom Family Apartments: €5,000-€9,000/month, featuring multiple bathrooms and spacious terraces

Pricing varies significantly based on view quality, floor level, and seasonal demand. Apartments with direct, unobstructed Eiffel Tower views command premium rates, while partial views offer more accessible luxury.

Booking Your Perfect Eiffel Tower Apartment

The key to securing exceptional Eiffel Tower accommodations lies in working with established platforms that curate quality properties and provide reliable support throughout your stay.

Recommended Booking Platforms

Established rental platforms like Paris Perfect (offering fractional co-ownership opportunities), Plum Guide (focusing on luxury properties that pass rigorous quality tests), and specialized luxury rental companies like Homanie provide comprehensive concierge services and carefully curated apartment selections.

Other vetted platforms include Paris Attitude, Lodgis, and HousingAnywhere, which offer extensive inventories of furnished apartments with professional support throughout the booking process.

Essential Booking Considerations

• Documentation Requirements: International renters typically need passport copies, proof of income, and security deposits
• Seasonal Pricing: Summer months and holidays command peak rates; shoulder seasons offer better value
• Concierge Services: Premium rentals often include housekeeping, private chefs, and local experience coordination
• Cancellation Protection: Understand policies before booking, especially for luxury properties with strict terms

Insider Tips for the Ultimate Eiffel Tower Experience

Smart apartment hunters know that the best Eiffel Tower views aren’t always obvious from listing photos. Higher floors typically offer superior perspectives, but lower floors can provide more intimate, framed views of the tower through Parisian architecture.

Maximizing Your Tower Views

The most spectacular views often occur during the tower’s hourly light show (every hour after sunset). Apartments with west-facing terraces capture both sunset colors and the tower’s evening illumination. Consider the tower’s seasonal lighting schedule when planning your stay—winter’s earlier sunsets extend your viewing opportunities.

For photography enthusiasts, morning light provides the clearest tower visibility, while golden hour creates the most romantic ambiance. Apartments with multiple exposures allow you to follow the light throughout the day.

Hidden Costs and Budget Planning

Beyond base rental rates, budget for city taxes (typically €1-4 per person per night), utility charges for extended stays, and optional services like daily housekeeping or grocery stocking. Premium locations may charge additional fees for parking or building amenities.

Many luxury rentals include welcome amenities, local guidebooks, and 24/7 support, adding significant value to higher-priced options. Calculate the total cost of comparable hotel accommodations with similar services to understand the true value proposition.

Living Like a Parisian: Neighborhood Amenities

The magic of Eiffel Tower apartment living extends beyond the views to the authentic Parisian lifestyle waiting outside your door. The 7th arrondissement buzzes with local markets like Rue Cler, where residents shop for daily essentials among fromageries, boulangeries, and wine shops.

Transportation connections are exceptional, with multiple metro lines and bus routes providing easy access to all Paris attractions. The area’s walkability means you can stroll to the Invalides, cross bridges to the Right Bank, or explore the Seine’s riverfront paths.

Whether you’re drawn to the historical significance of Gustave Eiffel’s remarkable apartment or ready to create your own Parisian memories from a modern rental with tower views, the key lies in understanding your options and booking with trusted sources. The City of Light’s most iconic symbol becomes your neighbor when you choose the right apartment—and that transforms any Paris visit into an unforgettable adventure in sophisticated urban living.