Proof of French industrial excellence, on a temporary basis, the Iron Lady is today THE symbol of France. Go visit the Eiffel Tower.
If you are told symbol of France and light of all Paris, what do you think? At the Eiffel Tower, of course. Despite the neighboring historic and architectural masterpieces, the reputation of the Iron Lady is second to none. Three hundred and twenty-four meters high and made up of eighteen thousand pieces of puddled iron, it can boast of tickling the clouds. Should we present its genius creator? Gustave Eiffel ! The man who, fortunately, had one day the idea of participating in the Universal Exhibition. One thing is certain, it is impossible to be in Paris without visiting the Iron Lady. To visit the Eiffel Tower, follow our guide.
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History of the Eiffel Tower
We are in 1889. All of Paris celebrates the centenary of the storming of the Bastille during the Universal Exhibition. Towards the Champ-de-Mars, on the banks of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower stands proudly.
Initially, the government wishes to celebrate Liberty and the prodigious evolutions of the country since the Revolution. This must go through the construction of a unique and unequaled monument, testifying to French industrial know-how. Know that at this time, Western countries are waging a sacred war of ego on this subject.
One hundred and seven projects are competing. The specifications are strict: a tower of three hundred meters, slender at the entrance to the Universal Exhibition. It is the project of Gustave Eiffel , entrepreneur in the construction of metal bridges, which wins the favor of the juries.
At the start of the work, many artists and emblematic figures of the 19th century oppose, according to them, this iron monster disfiguring Paris and threatening to collapse. However, no reluctance succeeds in dissuading Gustave Eiffel and his teams
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Building the Eiffel Tower: an extraordinary project
The site is monumental. If you decide to visit the Eiffel Tower you will understand why:
The metallic giant then slowly takes shape in the Parisian sky. The tower of interwoven beams, supported by four arched and imposing pillars, vaguely borrows a pyramidal shape. The curved pillars meet at the level of the second floor and then form a single, vertical pylon. Before that, a first floor. After, a third, more mysterious and almost perched at the top.
A real success from its inauguration
As expected, after more than two years of work and the work of hundreds of workers, the Iron Lady is making its remarkable entrance. It is March 31, 1889, the day of the Universal Exposition. Parisians flock to visit the Eiffel Tower. It dominates all creations. It shines brightly under the jet of incandescent lamps. It becomes the tallest tower in the world. Record which was beaten only in 1930, with the construction of the Chrysler Building in New York.
The rules are strict: the metal work will overhang Paris for only twenty years. Gustave Eiffel nevertheless saved his work by demonstrating his scientific interest. Experiments on gravity, meteorological analyzes, and studies on aerodynamics, the Eiffel Tower is a fabulous playground for science. The engineer even installed his apartment on the third floor.
However, what definitively saved this icon from demolition was its use for broadcasting. The army ordered it to remain intact, as it was extremely useful and effective in sending and receiving messages.
Since its inauguration, the Iron Lady has gone through wars, changes, progress, celebrations, renovations. Its metallic structure contains the entire history of a country. He is also the star of many films, books and songs. A muse listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To visit the Eiffel Tower is to meet the beloved of all French people.
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What to see and do at the Eiffel Tower?
Do you want to visit the Eiffel Tower? Normal! Seven million visitors a year tread its legendary stairs and floors. Its location in the seventh arrondissement of Paris is not for nothing either. Let yourself be taken on board, we will take you to discover this exceptional monument.
The first floor
Welcome to the number one stop on your journey into the metallic giant. You reach the first floor, fifty-seven meters high. The most economical and sporty solution is undoubtedly to go up the stairs. It will heat up, four hundred steps await you!
To visit the Eiffel Tower while having fun, embark on the Adventure Game. A treasure hunt, free and fun. The goal ? Solve puzzles and unravel the mysteries of the Iron Lady to find the name of a confidential file.
To reward you, a nice view, orientation tables, spotting scopes and a glass floor. The Eiffel Tower has also been modernized over the years: numerous digital animations and reprographies of objects litter the route. Lift your head: the maze of arches and braced metals are hypnotic.
Also discover the old spiral staircase going to the top. This historic section, now obsolete, measures more than four and a half meters.
Need a break? Rest areas facing the cityscapes invite you to contemplate.
Much more than visiting the Eiffel Tower, do you want to privatize one of its spaces? Bingo! The Gustave Eiffel reception room is located in the heart of the Iron Lady and is suitable for private or professional events. We will not lie, an evening above the most remarkable Parisian sites, in a decor as refined as contemporary, it throws!
The second floor
Want a challenge? Take the stairs to the second floor! Courage, more than three hundred steps!
The second floor dominates a hundred and fifteen meters high. The panorama is reputed to be the most breathtaking over the City of Lights. You inevitably fall in admiration when Paris lies at your feet. The sinuous ribbons of the Seine flow before your eyes. The Louvre, the Grand Palais, Montmartre, the Invalides, Notre Dame, the Champ-de-Mars, the Quai Branly and the Trocadéro are spread over the whole horizon. To visit the Eiffel Tower is to sweep all of Paris at a glance.
The third floor
The third floor is only accessible by a glass elevator. Your heart lifts slightly. The climb is astounding. The doors open. You take a step forward. Beware of vertigo, you sit two hundred and seventy-six meters from the ground. Between the pylons, you walk in the old landmark of Gustave Eiffel. You hover above the city, suddenly plunged into silence. Life is in full swing at the bottom, as long as you take advantage of this unique parenthesis. Maybe even with a glass of champagne in hand?
Do not miss the reconstruction of Gustave Eiffel's office, which is particularly authentic and enriching.
Yum, French gastronomy!
We are in France ! So, visiting the Eiffel Tower is good, feasting your taste buds, it's better!
On the second floor, the buffets offer fast food, on site or to take away. It is more like snacks on the go, but they will still be fun in case of hunger!
On the same floor, restaurant 58 also opens its doors to you. Its plunging view of the Trocadéro and the Palais Chaillot is unforgettable. Just like its contemporary decor and its refined, but not stuffy, cuisine.
On the third floor are the tables of Jules Verne. Much more than a restaurant, it is a temple of French gastronomy, experimental and unique. The view is spectacular. Toast facing the City of Lights, flooded with arteries and prodigious monuments. Of course, the dining experience comes at a price. Also on the third floor, a champagne bar offers you a drink in honor of your visit! Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a celebration!
Otherwise, you will always have the choice of a snack in one of the buffets. Special mention for the one dedicated to the macaroon: a 100% Parisian delicacy.
Bucolic stroll
Since 2018, gardens as romantic as they are soothing line the massive pillars of the tower. The green setting invites you to take a gentle stroll through time. You will find unique perspectives on the Iron Lady.
The alleys are an ode to French gardening: large green lawns, carefully trimmed flowers and trees, pools of water. Finally, you stroll and end up falling on the old chimney of the Eiffel Tower.
The nicest? The gardens are free and accessible without going through the ticket office. Ultimately, visiting the Eiffel Tower and enjoying a green break is possible!
How to go to the Eiffel Tower?
Needless to say, this historic monument is widely served. To visit the Eiffel Tower, you must go to the Champ-de-Mars. Specifically: 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris.
By metro
From Trocadéro (lines 6 and 9), Bir-Hakeim (line 6) or Ecole Militaire (line 8) metro stations.
By RER
From Champ-de-Mars / Eiffel Tower station (RER line C).
By bus
Take lines 30, 69, 82, 86, 87 or 72. Get off at the stops named Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, Montessuy or Point Iena. The Iron Lady can then be reached on foot in a few minutes.
By Batobus
Here is a unique tourist and cultural attraction. It allows you to visit the Eiffel Tower and cross the Seine, romantic and confidential.
By car
We do not recommend it, but you must park in the parking lot of the Quai Branly museum .
Times and Prices of the Eiffel Tower
HOURS
When to visit the Iron Lady? Well, all year round!
The lifts are accessible from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. . Ditto for the stairs, except from October 19 to November 2 (closed at 6:30 p.m.).
Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is also an incredible experience. In July and August, during hot nights, the Eiffel Tower stays awake for an additional hour.
PRICES
You have several options for visiting the Eiffel Tower. Suddenly, several rates also.
Young people from twelve to twenty-four benefit from a half price price. A rate further reduced by half for children up to eleven and people with disabilities.
RSA beneficiaries and children under the age of four have free access to the Eiffel Tower.
You can, and it is even advised, book your tickets for the Eiffel Tower in advance. This saves you, at least, the queue at the checkouts.
Visit the Eiffel Tower without queuing? It's possible
Are you interested in priority access to the Iron Lady to pass all the tourists? When you see the endless queues at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower, it doesn't make you want to go up there at all. But it is quite possible to climb without queuing. We guarantee that you will have a damn satisfied satisfaction!
To do this, choose to visit the Eiffel Tower with a guide. Already, he will reveal the history and secrets of the monument to you. But the best part is that it takes you to the priority entrance and goes up by the independent elevator. You can then spend as much time as you like on the first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower.
These tickets may also include access to the third floor.
You can also combine your guided tour with other attractions. For example, thanks to its exceptional location on the banks of the Seine, many agencies also offer a ride on the river. Or, book for a top flight dinner hosted by the Iron Lady. Otherwise, you can visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening. Promise of an exceptional sunset or a remarkable starry night.