Embark on a magical journey to the iconic Eiffel Tower! To ensure a smooth and memorable visit, it’s crucial to understand the safety regulations and guidelines. This guide outlines essential information taken directly from the Eiffel Tower’s official visit regulations, which you can find in full here. Let’s dive into the details, so you can fully appreciate this architectural masterpiece!
Navigating Security: A Smooth Entry
The Eiffel Tower, like all French public facilities, has strict security measures in place. This ensures the safety of everyone, and includes the national “Vigipirate” plan, which is currently at the “increased security – risk of attack” level.
All visitors, regardless of whether you pre-purchased tickets or plan to buy them on-site, must go through two security checkpoints: one at the entrance to the site and another before entering the pillar to access the elevator or stairs. These checks are critical to ensure a safe environment for all.
Prohibited Items: What to Leave Behind
For safety reasons, certain items are strictly prohibited inside the Eiffel Tower. These include anything that could potentially harm people, the facilities, or the monument itself. Be mindful of the contents of your bags, as even small items like a Swiss army knife are considered weapons and are not allowed.
Please be aware that our security team cannot make exceptions or store prohibited items. For a complete list of prohibited items, please refer to Articles 16, 23, 24, and 25 of the visit regulations.
Luggage and Strollers: Planning Your Trip
Many visitors aim to make the most of their time in Paris, which is understandable. However, for safety and to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, large luggage is not permitted in the Eiffel Tower.
There are no luggage lockers, storage facilities, or cloakrooms available at the Eiffel Tower. To make your visit stress-free, it’s highly recommended to arrange for your luggage to be stored elsewhere, such as a train station or hotel luggage storage, before heading to the Eiffel Tower. A luggage sizer is provided at the security checkpoints, and any luggage exceeding the permitted size will not be allowed.
For families with young children, strollers are welcome, but only folding strollers are permitted. This is to avoid overcrowding and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. Non-folding strollers, scooters, bicycles, and roller blades are not permitted. If your children use roller blades or skates, they must be stored in a bag and cannot be used during the visit. For detailed information, please refer to Articles 16 and 18 of the visit regulations.
Safety First: Be Mindful of Your Belongings
Never leave your bags or strollers unattended. In today’s security environment, an unattended bag can trigger a significant safety response, including perimeter security, floor evacuations, and even bomb disposal services.
Have you misplaced something? If you are still at the Eiffel Tower and know where you last saw the item, immediately report it to a member of our reception team or the Information desk in the west pillar on the esplanade. If you realize you have lost something after leaving the Tower, access our “Lost Property” service online. For more information, consult Articles 18, 27, 28, 29, and 38 of the visit regulations.
Photography and Safety: A Balancing Act
The Eiffel Tower’s breathtaking views of Paris may tempt you to capture the moment with your phone or camera. However, for safety reasons, it is strictly forbidden to extend your phone or camera over the railings or gates to take photos. Doing so could lead to your device falling and causing harm to visitors below.
Parents, it’s essential to emphasize this safety guideline to your children and teenagers. This simple precaution ensures the safety of everyone enjoying the iconic views from the Eiffel Tower. Refer to Article 18 of the visit regulations for detailed information.
A Fear of Heights: Enjoying Your Visit
If you have a fear of heights, we strongly advise against attempting to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower. The climb from the second floor, while offering extraordinary views, may be unpleasant for those with acrophobia.
To fully enjoy your visit, we recommend purchasing tickets that provide access to the second floor only. This option includes a visit to both the first and second floors, allowing you to experience the thrilling panoramic views without the added pressure of going to the top. Consult Article 19 of the visit regulations for further information.
Further Questions: Explore the Resources
For any additional questions or clarifications, please refer to our visit regulations and frequently asked questions (FAQs). These comprehensive resources provide further details on the Eiffel Tower’s safety guidelines and policies.
We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to plan a safe and enjoyable visit to the Eiffel Tower. Remember, following these simple guidelines helps ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors, allowing everyone to fully appreciate the beauty and grandeur of this iconic landmark.
