Imagine Paris, and you’ll likely envision the iconic Eiffel Tower rising majestically over the city. This wrought-iron marvel, originally intended as a temporary structure, has become an inseparable part of the Parisian landscape, just as symbolic as the River Seine.
A Symbol of French History and Innovation
Designed as the centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, celebrating the French Revolution’s centennial, the tower was initially meant to be dismantled after two decades. Many Parisian artists and intellectuals protested this decision, deeming the tower a “monstrous” blemish on the city’s elegant skyline. Thankfully, the Eiffel Tower proved its worth, serving as an indispensable tool for scientific experiments, including early radio transmissions. This monumental structure, weighing an astonishing 10,000 tons, has withstood the passage of time.
A World-Renowned Landmark
Today, “La Dame de Fer” (the Iron Lady) is a towering symbol of France, captivating imaginations worldwide. The tower, which marked its 130th anniversary in 2019, was inaugurated on March 31, 1889, and opened to the public on May 15 of the same year. Let’s delve into the fascinating lore surrounding this Parisian landmark, which borders on travel myth.
Tales of the Eiffel Tower
Did you know that con artist Victor Lustig actually sold the Eiffel Tower – not once, but twice – to scrap metal dealers? And, Gustave Eiffel, the architect behind this architectural masterpiece, maintained a private office at the summit, welcoming guests like Thomas Edison, who arrived bearing gifts like a gramophone.
A Universal Inspiration
The Eiffel Tower is a timeless design, imitated countless times but never duplicated. From Prague to Shenzhen, and even in Sin City, mini versions of this Parisian landmark adorn the globe. Yet, there’s only one original, and a visit to the top of this iconic structure is a must-do for any visitor to Paris.
Planning Your Visit to the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower welcomes visitors every day of the year. During summer (mid-June to late August), the tower is open from 9 a.m. to midnight, while the rest of the year, it remains open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
If you’re spontaneous and prefer not to plan ahead, avoid weekends and the period between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. For those who enjoy a good workout, consider climbing the stairs. There are 704 steps to reach the second level, and the line is usually shorter. This provides a unique perspective on the tower’s construction, with informative boards along the way.
Keep in mind, climbing to the summit requires a separate elevator ticket from the second to the third floor. Pregnant women enjoy priority access with a dedicated line. For the most up-to-date ticket prices, click here. In the spring of 2019, adult tickets started at 10.2 euros (about $11.50 US). Avoid third-party ticket resellers who often inflate prices.
Staying Informed and Avoiding Disruptions
Even with a ticket in hand, check the official website and Twitter account for the latest information on weather and security. The Eiffel Tower’s opening can be delayed in rare cases. If you purchased your tickets through the official website, you’ll receive an email with alternative visit times or a refund.
Remember, the Eiffel Tower is a popular attraction, and workers occasionally go on strike, as they did in August 2018 and June 2013.
Getting to the Eiffel Tower
The Trocadéro metro station (lines 6, 9) offers a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower from a privileged location above the Seine. This is also an excellent spot to witness the Bastille Day fireworks and the dazzling light show that illuminates the Eiffel Tower every hour. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk across the Pont d’Iéna.
Alternatively, the Bir-Hakeim metro station (line 6) is a 10-minute walk along the Quai Branly, and the École Militaire metro station (line 8) is 15 minutes away.
The Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel stop on the RER C line is the closest to the tower. Be sure to check for station closures or route repairs before heading to the Eiffel Tower.
Beyond the Ordinary: Unveiling the Eiffel Tower’s Secrets
The Eiffel Tower, a magnet for rumors, has some truth behind some stories (a zipline was indeed installed during the French Open) while others are mere myths (no wall is being built around the landmark).
For an intimate and insightful experience, consider a private guided tour, offering access to usually off-limits areas. With Cultival, you can explore the original machinery room and the “bunker” under the Champ de Mars.
These behind-the-scenes tours also highlight hidden details, such as the new wind turbines cleverly camouflaged to match the tower’s color.
New Adventures at the Eiffel Tower
New attractions are constantly being added to this Parisian icon. The first level now features a transparent glass floor, ideal for thrill-seekers. In winter, this area transforms into an ice-skating rink. In March, witness the “la Verticale de la Tour Eiffel”, a unique race where runners sprint to the top of the tower, ascending all 1665 steps.
Capturing the Eiffel Tower’s Elegance
The Eiffel Tower consistently ranks as one of the most photographed attractions globally. From various locations throughout Paris, you can capture breathtaking shots of this architectural masterpiece.
The Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars are popular locations for snapping pictures. But, Mary Quincy, a renowned photographer with over 122,000 Instagram followers, shares hidden gems for capturing the Eiffel Tower in its best light.
From the Avenue de Camoens, she suggests, “It’s a lovely perspective to take photos, especially if you want personal portraits with the Eiffel Tower in the background without anyone else around.” She also recommends the Square Rapp, offering “an original view of the Eiffel Tower between two buildings.”
For a unique vantage point, Quincy suggests exploring the Rue Saint-Dominique, while walking from Invalides to the Champ de Mars, or the top of the Sacré-Cœur basilica and the Arc de Triomphe, thanks to their proximity and impressive panoramas. The observation deck at the top of the Montparnasse Tower also offers a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower.
A Culinary Journey with Eiffel Tower Views
If you can’t secure a reservation at Le Jules Verne, the exquisite restaurant nestled on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, there are several nearby eateries that offer equally stunning views without the tourist trap feel.
At the Musée de l’Homme (Museum of Mankind) on the Trocadéro, the Café de l’Homme boasts one of the city’s most beautiful terraces. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking Eiffel Tower views while indulging in creative French cuisine, showcasing seasonal products like heirloom tomatoes and summer truffles.
The Eiffel Tower view is equally impressive from Les Ombres, the rooftop restaurant at the nearby Quai Branly museum, and the seasonal Krug Terrace at the Shangri-La Hotel.
Philippe Excoffier, a renowned chef who served as the head chef at the American Embassy for over a decade, runs his namesake bistro, a mere 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. This bistro attracts a loyal following, drawn to its delectable prix-fixe lunch.
In Paris, it’s best to reserve your table in advance by calling or emailing. If you forgot to make a reservation, the famous Rue Cler market street, just a short walk away, offers a range of picnic items from the specialty food stores lining this pedestrianized thoroughfare.
This article was initially published in August 2017 and updated in March 2019.
