Paris -- US First Lady Michelle Obama took her two daughters up the Eiffel Tower for a birds-eye view of Paris at sunset Friday after flying in to France to join President Barack Obama, who arrived from Germany.

Hundreds of onlookers screamed "Michelle" as she stepped out of a Chevrolet to wave to the crowd before shepherding Malia, 10, and Sasha, seven, into the landmark tower by a discreet side entrance in the south pillar.

The Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoe was on hand to welcome the US party at one of the world's most visited attractions, with six million visitors a year.

The iron-laced monument, emblem of the Paris skyline, remained open throughout the family's 30-minute tour with tourists climbing its steps and milling about below.

The family left just as the tower, soaring 324 metres (710 feet) above the Paris skyline, suddenly lit up the night sky with thousands of sparkling lights.

The first family arrived as President Barack Obama flew in to Orly airport, just outside Paris, after visiting Germany.

He was to stay overnight with the family at the US embassy residence, a large 19th-century building with a vast garden located close by the French presidential office, the Palais de l'Elysee.

The US president travels to Normandy on Saturday to attend international ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of World War II D-day landings in northern France on Saturday.

After the Normandy celebrations, the Obama family is expected to go to Notre-Dame cathedral on the Seine before dining in a restaurant that is a closely-guarded secret.

The president flies home on Sunday while the family will spend an extra day in Paris.

AFP/Expatica