Eiffel Tower
This is one of the world's most recognizable monuments (and the best-known monument in all of Europe), and it is breathtaking to behold. Be sure to take the lift to the top for a spectacular view of the city. This attraction alone drew 6.2 million visitors in 2002, according to Paris Office of Tourism statistics.
|
 |
 |
History
The Eiffel Tower, an immense structure of exposed latticework supports made of puddle iron, was erected for the Paris Exposition of 1889. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, officiated at the ceremonial opening. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, one was unanimously chosen, a radical creation from the French structural engineer Gustave Eiffel.
However, the controversial tower elicited some strong reactions, and a petition of 300 names was presented to the Paris government, protesting its construction. The petition read, "We, the writers, painters, sculptors, architects and lovers of the beauty of Paris, do protest with all our vigour and all our indignation, in the name of French taste and endangered French art and history, against the useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower."
Nature lovers thought that it would interfere with the flight of birds over Paris. But the Eiffel Tower was admired by Rousseau, Utrillo, Chagall, and Delaunay. It was almost torn down in 1909 at the expiration of its 20-year lease, but was saved because of its antenna — used for telegraphy at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became part of the International Time Service. French radio (since 1918), and French television (since 1957) have also made use of its stature.
Built to celebrate the science and engineering achievements of its age, soaring 300m / 984 ft. (320.75m / 1,052 ft. including antenna) and weighing 7000 tons, the structure consists of two visibly distinct parts: a base composed of a platform resting on four separate supports and, above this, a slender tower created as the bents taper upward, rising above a second platform to merge in a unified column.
Practical Information
The Eiffel Tower has three platforms. A restaurant (extremely expensive; reservations absolutely necessary), the Jules Verne is on the second platform. The top platform has a bar, souvenir shop, and the (recently restored) office of Gustave Eiffel.
Probably the best approach to the tower is to take the Métro to the Trocadéro station and walk from the Palais de Chaillot to the Seine. Besides fabulous views, especially when the Trocadéro fountains are in full force, you get a free show from the dancers and acrobats who perform around the Palais de Chaillot. The vast green esplanade beneath the tower is the Parc du Champs-de-Mars, which extends all the way to the 18th-century École Militaire (Military Academy), at its southeast end. This formal lawn was once a parade ground for French troops.
How to get there
METRO : Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, Ecole Militaire
RER : Ligne C - Station Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel
BUS : 42,69,72,82,87
TAXI : Station Quai Branly, Pilier Ouest
Opening
From January 1 to June 18: 9:30 am - 18:30 pm (11:00pm via lift)
From June 19 to August 29: 9:00 am - midnight
From August 30 to December 31: 9:30 am - 18:30 pm (11:00pm via lift)
Last admitance 1 hour before closing.
Fees:
Stairs - all visitors: 3,80 euros
under 25 years old : 3,00 euros
Adults
Lift to 1st platform 4,10 euros
Lift to 2nd platform 7,50 euros
Lift to 3rd platform 10,70 euros
Children
Lift to 1st platform 2,30 euros
Lift to 2nd platform 4,10 euros
Lift to 3rd platform 5,90 euros
Hotels near eiffel Tower
hotels-paris.com have selected the best hotels located in the Eiffel Tower area. Save up to 60% on your Paris hotel near Eiffel Tower. |
|
Hotels close to
Eiffel Tower |
|
