The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris, a magnificent iron structure reaching 324 meters high, rising majestically from the banks of the Seine. It’s a sight that captivates hearts and leaves a lasting impression. But what about the experience of actually visiting the tower?
A Walk Through Time: Revisiting the Trocadéro
Before even thinking about climbing the tower itself, we took a nostalgic stroll through the Trocadéro Gardens, a place we’d visited on previous trips. The gardens are beautifully framed by the wings of the Palais du Trocadéro, with a cascading fountain leading towards the Eiffel Tower across the river.
The atmosphere was vibrant, but we couldn’t help but feel a slight tinge of disappointment as we navigated the crowds of souvenir sellers. It was difficult to fully appreciate the view of the tower from the open space, as we were constantly being approached by enthusiastic salespeople. We couldn’t help but imagine the sheer number of sunglasses, hats, and miniature Eiffel Towers we’d have collected if we bought from everyone!
As we stood there, lost in thought, I reminisced about our first trip to Paris back in 1991. We stood in exactly the same spot, and I even found a photo from that trip! It was amazing to see how much time had passed, how much had changed, and yet how some things, like the charm of the Trocadéro, remain the same.
The Eiffel Tower: A Century of History and Evolution
The Eiffel Tower, a masterpiece of engineering, was completed in 1889, a feat of construction requiring the efforts of around 250 workers, many of whom were chimney sweeps, experienced in working at great heights.
It was officially inaugurated on March 31st, 1889, with a delegation climbing the stairs to raise the French flag at the top, as the elevator was still under construction. The tower was then opened to the public as part of the World Exhibition, a time when crowds flocked to experience the marvel of the tower. The exhibition also helped recover most of the construction costs, as visitors eagerly paid to climb the tower’s different levels.
The Eiffel Tower’s story continued beyond its initial purpose, becoming a radio tower in 1921 when the first public radio station began broadcasting. It gained landmark status in 1964 and was later included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991.
Today, the Eiffel Tower continues to draw millions of visitors each year, with around 7 million people climbing its iconic structure.
The Climb to the Top: Then and Now
While we enjoyed the view from the base of the tower during our 2003 visit, we were also fortunate to have a relatively short wait before ascending to the top. Back then, there were no security barriers or bag checks, and the ticket prices were a bit more affordable, with adults paying 7€ and children under 11 paying 3.90€.
However, things have certainly changed since then. In 2017, we found ourselves navigating security checkpoints and walking through a network of massive steel trusses that created a fascinating and intricate structure. The Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of grandeur and modern security, with visitors being carefully screened before entering the iconic structure.
The Eiffel Tower: A Must-See in Paris
After navigating the security checks, we were mesmerized by the impressive scale of the Eiffel Tower. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the tower’s sheer size, as you stand in the heart of the structure and look upwards towards the sky.
The tower offers three levels, accessible by foot or elevator. The first level is 58 meters high, the second level reaches 115 meters, and the third level, at a breathtaking 276 meters, is accessible only by elevator. The lower levels are home to souvenir shops and restaurants, while the third level features the former office of Gustave Eiffel and, more recently, a stunning glass floor offering a spectacular view of the square below.
Although we opted not to climb to the top this time, we knew that the view from the Eiffel Tower was certainly worth experiencing. We are sure that the view has changed since our last visit, but we decided to wait a bit longer before taking in that incredible panorama.
Regardless of whether you climb to the top or not, the Eiffel Tower is a sight that cannot be missed. It’s a symbol of Parisian grandeur, a testament to human ingenuity, and a captivating piece of history. We wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to walk beneath the shadow of this magnificent structure for anything!
Adult Ticket Prices (25+ years):
* Stairs Only: 7€
* Elevator to 2nd Floor: 11€
* Elevator to Top: 17€
Discounted tickets are available.
