Eiffel Tower
One of the most famous attractions in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Standing on the banks of the Seine, it is the tallest structure in Paris and one of the most visited monuments in the world, with an estimated attendance of over 7 million people last year (2006), and over 200 million people since its completion. Originally built as the entrance arch for the World’s Fair celebrating the 100th anniversary of the end of the French Revolution, the Tower was opened by King Edward VI of England on May 6, 1889. Engineered by Koechlin, three hundred workers were employed to build the open frame iron Tower. Wind resistance was a primary consideration in shaping such a structure, and mathematical calculations were used. In addition to being a world famous landmark, the tower has been used for radio transmissions since the early 1900’s.
The following is a brief physical description of the tower: 1,050’ high, including a 74’ antenna, weighing over 7,000 tons, and accessible to the first and second levels through stairs, three elevators to the second floor, and four to the top level. There are 328 steps to the first level, 340 to the second, and 15 additional steps from the third level to the upper observation platform. At the direction of Gustave Eiffel, the names of 72 famous people, scientists, engineers, mathematicians, inventors, and astronomers, were engraved under the first balcony of the Tower in recognition of their contributions.
The maintenance of the Tower is monumental in itself. It is freshly painted about every 7 years, using three different colors that range from dark to light from top to bottom. The illumination of the Tower, created by Pierre Bideau, was inaugurated on December 31, 1985, with 336 projectors and a rotating beacon that symbolizes Paris to the rest of the world. The hourly displays of over 10,000 lights vary from year to year, in gold, red, blue, and green in celebration of various international events.
A gilt bust and monument of Gustave Eiffel, carved by Antoine Boudelle, stands at the entrance to the ground floor of the Tower. In 1989, a fresco of 100 panels was created to depict historic and scientific events including famous visitors, stories, and anecdotes about the Tower. These numbered panels are located on stairs and levels and presented in chronological order in newspaper format. In addition to exhibits of Paris attractions, a huge, transparent bubble containing an interactive display of the engineering and painting of the Tower is suspended from the beams. Wax figure replicas of the painters sit on the beams. You can also view the computer monitoring of the movement of the tower (thought to sway from 2” to 3” in the wind), a 3-minute film in seven languages, and eight television screens in the Totem portraying Paris sights, the history of Eiffel and his Tower, and other virtual images. Take a tour to view the original machinery used in the Tower, stop in the souvenir shop, or have a snack on the patio of the Pavilion Ferrie.
Continuing on to the second floor, we find spectacular, panoramic views of the city, of obvious appeal for photographers. Other points of interest on this level are a specialty food shop, animated window scenes, three souvenir shops, Internet stations, snack bars, and the exclusive Jules Verne restaurant, accessible by private elevator only.
The ultimate observation point is from the very top of the Tower, where far above the city of Paris many of its main attractions such as the Passy Cemetery, the Trocadero Gardens, the Musée de l’Homme, and the Palais de Chaillot can be seen. Visitors can enjoy the view both day and night from the indoor and outdoor areas of the top floor, where viewpoint indicators show distances to other major cities, as well. A model of his office on this level features wax figures of Gustave Eiffel, his daughter, Claire, and Thomas Edison.
The Eiffel Tower continues to be the subject of numerous publications, exhibitions, and fairs, as its historical significance has increased through the years. Modern tourism exploitation of this Paris landmark also continues – a 20-minute scuba diving experience offered in June 2007 with certified instructors in a swimming pool and tent built below the north pillar. Admission was free with the purchase of an entrance ticket to the monument. Other points of interest at the Tower include films of discovery and space exploration, ice skating, roller-skating, and roller-blading nearby.
Elevator Ticket Prices: January 1 to March 14, 2008 (Adults & children over 12) – First floor, 4,50 Euros; Second Floor, 7,80 Euros; Top Floor, 11,50 Euros. Children 3-11 -2,30, 4,30, and 6,30 Euros, respectively.
March 15 to April 3, 2009 – (Adults & children over 12) – 4,80, 7,80, and 12 Euros. Ages 3-11, 2,50, 4,30, and 6,70.
Stairs: Only for 25 and older – 1st & 2nd floors, 4,30 and 3,10 Euros.
(Notes: Ticket booth located at the south pillar tower base. Guided tours, adult & youth group rates, and reduced rates for handicapped are also available. Handicap access to 1st and 2nd floors only.
Hours: Open every day. January 1 to June 14 – Elevators, 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., Steps, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 15 to September 1 – Elevators & Steps, 9 a.m. to Midnight. September 2 to December 31 – 9:30 to 11:45, Steps, 9:30 to 6:30.
Spring vacation & holiday weekends, open until 0:45 a.m.
Restaurant Dining: The Altitude 95 on the 1st floor, and the more private, expensive Jules Verne on the 2nd. Reservations needed for both.