Unspecified/General

Few structures are as instantly recognisable as the Eiffel Tower, the wrought-iron lattice that has stood over the Champ de Mars since 1889 and become the enduring emblem of Paris and of France itself. It was designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel and his team as the centrepiece of the Universal Exhibition held to mark the centenary of the French Revolution, and at some three hundred metres it was the tallest structure in the world for over forty years. Far from being universally admired at first, it was attacked by many leading artists and writers as a monstrous eyesore and was only meant to stand for twenty years; its survival was secured by its usefulness as a radio and later television transmitter, and over time it won the affection it enjoys today. The tower rises in three levels, reached by lifts and by stairs, with viewing platforms offering ever wider panoramas over the city, the river and the surrounding monuments, and on the top level visitors can see a reconstruction of Eiffel's own office. Restaurants on the first and second floors, a champagne bar at the summit and a glass floor add to the experience, while at night the structure sparkles for a few minutes on the hour with thousands of lights. Set beside the Seine across from the Trocadero, it is the most visited paid monument in the world, drawing millions of visitors a year. People come for the views, for the romance and symbolism the tower has gathered over more than a century, and for the simple thrill of ascending an icon. Whether admired from the lawns of the Champ de Mars or climbed to the summit, the Eiffel Tower remains the essential image of Paris. Tickets are timed and far cheaper and quicker when booked online well in advance, as queues for unbooked entry and for the lifts can be very long; those willing to climb can save by taking the stairs to the lower levels. The summit, reached by a further lift, is exposed and can be cold and windy, so warm clothing is sensible. Early morning and late evening are the quietest and most atmospheric times to ascend the great iron tower.

Type: Tourist Attraction

Address: 5 Avenue Anatole France, Paris, France

Website: https://www.toureiffel.paris

Opening Date: 31/03/1889