Maybe the issue was me asking when we were buying tickets as opposed to just wandering over to the elevator! Perhaps wandering is the way to go! And yes, we also went after dark as my sister was living there at the time and so knew the "scoop" on most everything!! She even took me to a lookout about 5 min walk from her flat at Place Gambetta where there was a clear view of the Eiffel Tower at night and the said sparkling
I am going back for a couple of days after Christmas to re-live the magic, albeit in an abbreviated format. The accom will be somewhat upgraded from her flat....to the Hyatt Place Vendome
Gotta love Gold Passport Points ^
Oh, and to buy some...check that, a lot of cheese
Not to worry, already have the research done with our Canadian Agriculture folks and its all good!