Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel)
Welcome to the Tour Eiffel – the ‘Iron Lady’ who transformed from Paris’s most controversial structure into the world’s most recognizable monument. We’re standing where Gustave Eiffel’s revolutionary iron lattice design defied critics who called it an eyesore, proving that bold engineering can become timeless art. During our visit, we’ll discover hidden details that reveal how this ‘temporary’ exhibition structure became an eternal symbol of human ambition.
Built on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution (and in the spirit of the Industrial Revolution), the tower was the centerpiece of a World Expo designed simply to show off what people could build in 1889. For decades it was the tallest structure the world had ever known, and though it’s since been eclipsed, it’s still the most visited monument. I rode the elevator to the top of its 1,063 feet for expansive views that stretch 40 miles.
The first visitor to the Paris World’s Fair in 1889 walked beneath the “arch” formed by the newly build Eiffel Tower and entered the fairgrounds. This event celebrated both the centennial of the French Revolution and France’s position as a global superpower. Bridge builder Gustave Eiffel (1832 – 1923) won the contest to build the fair’s centerpiece by beating out rival proposals such as a giant guillotine.
The tower was nothing but a showpiece, with no functional purpose except to demonstrate to the world that France had the wealth, knowledge, and can-do spirit to erect a structure far taller than anything the world had ever seen. The original plan was to dismantle the tower as quickly as it was built after the celebration ended, but it was kept by popular demand.
My ticket is set for 3:30 PM – the latest I could set it. ☹ Aim to arrive at around 3 PM. Look for the entrance with green signs showing Visiteurs avec Reservation. (Visitors with Reservation), where attendants will scan our tickets and put us on the first available elevator.
There are three observations platforms, at roughly 200, 400, and 900 feet. If you want to see the entire tower, from top to bottom, then we’ll see it… from top to bottom. There isn’t a single elevator straight to the top (le Sommet). To get there, we’ll first ride an elevator to the second level. Once on the second level, immediately line up for the next elevator, to the top. Enjoy the views from the “summit,” then ride back down to the second level. When ready, head to the first level via the stairs (no line and can take as little as five minutes)… or we can take the elevator down. Explore the shops and exhibits on the first level. To leave, we could line up for the elevator, but it’s quickest and most memorable to take the stairs back down to earth.
Top Level – We’ll find wind and grand, sweeping views on the tiny top level. The city lies before us. On a good day, we can see for 40 miles. Do a 360-degree tour of Paris. Feeling proud you made it this high? Celebrate with a glass of champagne!
Second Level – The second level has the best views because we’re closer to the sights, and the monuments are more recognizable. The second level as souvenir shops, WCs, and a small stand-up café. The world-class Le Jules Verne restaurant is on this level, but we won’t see it; access is by a private elevator.
First Level – Here are more great views, all well described by the tower’s panoramic displays. There’s a small concert hall, a restaurant, and a pubic hall with a café, shop, and little theater. Pop-up restaurants and kiosks appear with every season – even a little playground for the kids.
The highlight is the breathtaking, vertigo-inducing, selfie-inspiring glass floor. Venture onto it and experience what it’s like to stand atop an 18-story building and look straight down.
Back on the ground – For a final look, stroll across the river to Place du Trocadero or to the end of the Champ de Mars and look back for great views. However impressive it may be by day, the tower is an awesome thing to behold at twilight, when it becomes engorged with light, and virile Paris lies back and lets night be on top. When darkness fully envelops the city, the tower seems to climax with a spectacular light show at the top of each hour… for five glorious minutes.
