Imagine strolling through the City of Lights and gazing up at the iconic Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris’s timeless allure. This wrought-iron marvel, a testament to engineering prowess, has become as integral to the Parisian landscape as the Seine River itself.
The Eiffel Tower’s story unfolds like a captivating novel. Originally intended as a temporary structure for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, celebrating the French Revolution’s centennial, the tower faced staunch opposition from Parisian artists and intellectuals who decried its “monstrous” intrusion on the city’s graceful skyline.
Fortunately, the tower’s undeniable utility for scientific experiments, including pioneering radio transmissions, sealed its fate. This massive structure, weighing a staggering 10,000 tons, defied the odds and secured its place in history.
The Eiffel Tower: A Legacy of Innovation and Enchantment
Today, the Eiffel Tower, affectionately nicknamed “La Dame de Fer” (the Iron Lady), reigns supreme in the hearts and minds of people across France and the world. It’s a symbol of Parisian charm and a beacon of innovation that continues to inspire awe.
This year, 2019, marks the tower’s 130th anniversary. The inauguration took place on March 31, 1889, and it opened to the public on May 15th of the same year.
Join us as we unravel the captivating lore that surrounds this architectural masterpiece, a tale woven with intrigue and charm.
Did you know that Victor Lustig, a notorious con man, managed to “sell” the Eiffel Tower to a scrap-metal dealer? Not once, but twice! And that Gustave Eiffel, the mastermind behind its design and construction, maintained a private office at its summit, where he welcomed guests like the legendary inventor Thomas Edison?
An Unrivaled Landmark: From Paris to the World
The Eiffel Tower’s enduring allure has inspired countless imitations worldwide. From Prague to Shenzhen, even Sin City, mini-versions of this architectural gem dot the globe. But there’s only one true original, a must-see for any traveler visiting Paris.
A visit to the Eiffel Tower is an absolute must.
The tower welcomes visitors every day of the year, from 9 am to midnight in the summer months (mid-June to late August) and from 9:30 am to 11:45 pm during the rest of the year.
For those who prefer to avoid the crowds, it’s best to skip weekends and the period between 11 am and 5 pm.
For the fitness enthusiasts among us, climbing the stairs (a total of 704 steps to the second level) offers a unique perspective on the tower’s construction, with informative boards along the way. It’s also a fantastic workout with breathtaking bird’s-eye views.
Note: To reach the summit, you’ll need an additional elevator ticket from the second to the third floor. Pregnant women enjoy priority access, allowing them to bypass the queues.
For the most up-to-date ticket prices and information, please visit the official website.
Avoid third-party sellers, who often inflate prices.
Even with a ticket in hand, check the official website and Twitter account for real-time updates on weather and security. On rare occasions, the tower’s opening may be delayed. In such cases, if you purchased your ticket through the official website, you’ll receive an email recommending an alternate visit time. Alternatively, you can request a refund.
Keep an eye on the news as well. Tower workers have been known to go on strike, with recent instances occurring in August 2018 and June 2013.
Exploring the Eiffel Tower’s Enchanting Surroundings
For a truly spectacular view of the Iron Lady, take the metro to Trocadéro (lines 6, 9) and admire the tower from a privileged vantage point above the Seine River. This is also the ideal spot to catch the Bastille Day fireworks and the dazzling light show that illuminates the Eiffel Tower every hour. From here, it’s a leisurely 15-minute stroll across the Pont d’Iéna.
Another convenient option is the Bir-Hakeim metro station (line 6), just a 10-minute walk along the Quai Branly, while the École Militaire metro station (line 8) is about 15 minutes away.
For the closest access, head to the Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel stop on the RER C line. Remember to check for station closures and route repairs before venturing to the tower.
Unveiling Hidden Gems: Behind-the-Scenes Delights
Did you know? The Eiffel Tower has its own share of intriguing rumors, some true and others false.
For an insider’s perspective and fascinating anecdotes, consider a private guided tour.
Cultival’s “behind-the-scenes” tour grants exclusive access to areas usually off-limits to the public, including the original machinery room and the “bunker” beneath the Champ de Mars.
Your guide will unveil hidden treasures often overlooked by visitors, such as the new wind turbines, artfully camouflaged to match the tower’s paint color.
New and exciting additions to the tower include a transparent glass floor on the first level, sure to get your heart racing. In the winter months, an ice skating rink takes center stage, offering a unique experience. And if you’re lucky enough to be visiting in March, you might catch a glimpse of the “la Verticale de la Tour Eiffel” race, where runners compete to reach the tower’s summit (a challenging 1665 steps).
Capturing the Eiffel Tower’s Magic Through the Lens
The Eiffel Tower is a social media star, one of the most photographed attractions in the world.
From countless vantage points throughout the city, you can capture its stunning beauty.
Popular photo spots include the Trocadéro and the Champ de Mars.
Instagram photographer Mary Quincy, with over 122,000 followers, shares her insider knowledge of lesser-known photo opportunities:
- Avenue de Camoens: Offers a beautiful perspective, especially for capturing personal portraits with the tower as a backdrop without any crowds.
- Square Rapp: Provides an original view of the Eiffel Tower framed between two buildings.
- Rue Saint-Dominique: While walking from Invalides to the Champ de Mars.
- Top of the Sacré-Cœur basilica: Offers a panoramic view of the city, with the Eiffel Tower as a distant but striking focal point.
- Top of the Arc de Triomphe: Its close proximity to the Eiffel Tower and its breathtaking panoramas make it an ideal spot for a stunning photo opportunity.
- Observation deck at the top of the Montparnasse Tower: Offers a sublime view of the city, including the Eiffel Tower.
Savor the Eiffel Tower’s Charm with a Delightful Culinary Experience
If you’re unable to indulge in a luxurious meal at Le Jules Verne, the magnificent restaurant perched on the Eiffel Tower’s second level, several nearby eateries offer a delightful alternative without falling into the tourist trap.
- Café de l’Homme, located inside the Musée de l’Homme (Museum of Mankind) on the Trocadéro, boasts one of the city’s finest terraces, providing exquisite Eiffel Tower views accompanied by creative French cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients.
- Les Ombres, the rooftop restaurant atop the nearby Quai Branly museum, offers spectacular Eiffel Tower views.
- Krug Terrace at the Shangri-La Hotel: Offers breathtaking views alongside seasonal delights.
- Philippe Excoffier, a bistro run by the eponymous chef who helmed the American Embassy kitchen for over a decade, is a short 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. Regulars flock to this bistro to savor its prix-fixe lunch.
A friendly reminder to diners: It’s always a good idea to call or email ahead for reservations. And if you haven’t made reservations, the famous Rue Cler market street is a short distance away, perfect for picking up picnic items from the specialty food stores lining this pedestrianized thoroughfare.
This article was first published in August 2017 and updated in March 2019.
