Eiffel Tower: The Most Iconic Landmark in Paris and it Wasn’t Supposed to Stay
The Eiffel Tower broke ground in 1887 and at an aggressive pace was completed in 1889 for the World's Fair. The builder and owner of the construction company, Gustav Eiffel was not the only person who deserves credit. It was Maurice Koechlin who came up with the design. The two men worked on the Statue of Liberty structure years earlier. The Tower was not welcomed by many noted artists and literary figures. Protests ensued but with the acceptance of so many, the 2 million visitors during the world’s fair, and the use of the tower for scientific experiments, the tower won. Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel even had a small apartment in the tower which you can see if you tour the tower.
A few interesting facts about the construction of the tower, courtesy of the Eiffel Tower website.
· 18,038 iron parts
· 5,300 workshop designs
· 50 engineers and designers
· 150 workers in the Levallois-Perret factory
· Between 150 and 300 workers were on the construction site
· 2,500,000 rivets were used
· 7,300 tons of iron in the tower
· 60 tons of paint was used
· 2 years, 2 months and 5 days of construction
· 5 lifts from the esplanade to the 2nd floor and 2x2 duo lifts from the 2nd floor to the top of the tower
· 10,100 tons in total weight
“If you are afraid of heights, you may want to stay on the first observation area but if you can muster the courage, go to the top, you won’t be sorry.”
THE EIFFEL TOWER TODAY
The Eiffel tower is said to be the most visited paid monument in the world. It has 7 million visitors per year and nearly 300 million since it opened at the World’s Fair in 1889.
OBSERVATION LEVELS
Climbing the Eiffel Tower, or ascending via elevator like I did, is an experience I recommend to anyone that has the opportunity. There are 2 primary viewing levels; the second floor at 376 feet high, dizzying even at that height, and the top which will take your breath away. You can walk to the first and second levels if you have the thigh strength and that is 190 feet high.
Interesting side note: the French Resistance cut the cables to the elevator during the German occupation so that the Germans would have to climb the tower if they wanted to ascend the tower.
There are a few different security checkpoints you must go through and they will check bags. If you planned on bringing a love lock to secure to the Eiffel tower, don’t even think of it. They will take it from you. The tour guide was kind enough to tell us that up front and I saw many in the boxes at the security checkpoints. You will also see signs posted everywhere about it.
Fortunately, we had skip the line passes and we got in reasonably quickly. The elevator is packed and if you are claustrophobic, be aware of this in advance. It is packed and has lots of windows. You will take one elevator to the second floor and take a second elevator to the top. The views from the second floor are worth the trip even if you don’t go to the top.
The elevator to the top takes 1 minute and 18 very long seconds. For me, going up was harder than coming down even with my eyes closed. But I’m not one to let fears stop me from a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so up I went. Eyes closed, my niece talking to me the entire time. It makes me smile now but it was scary then.
The tower stands at 1063 feet tall if you include the antenna on the top. To say the view from the top was breathtaking would be an understatement. I’ll admit it, it was hard to go all the way to the railing for me, but I got the obligatory photo there and stayed a bit closer to the opposite side after that. You can see modern Paris sticking out like a mountainous island in a sea of white buildings. Sacre Coeur is off in the distance visible only as a shape with its distinctive domed roof, Champs d’Mars had been designed with a series of arms with hands grasping each arm and you can see it clearly from the top. There is a photo in my gallery page so check if out if you are interested.
The video link below is the ride down from the top to the second floor. Yes, I kept my eyes open this time.
RESTAURANTS
The tower has it’s share of shops and restaurants. You can shop on every floor for souvenirs. Here is the run down on the restaurants.
The 1st Floor has the 58 TOUR EIFFEL with views of Paris and seasonal french cuisine. I did not eat at the restaurant but it appears to be a gastronomic delight with a 4-star rating from Trip Advisor.
The 2nd Floor has the Jules Vern which is a French gourmet restaurant. Proper attire required. It has 4-star rating from Trip Advisor but the reviews are mixed on this one. You will also find a Macaroon Bar and quick service on this floor. I chose the lower end and ate at both and they were standard quick service fare, tasty, enjoyable, and in my price range. I can't turn down a macaroon and they had so many it was hard to choose a flavor, or two ;-) I do hope to plan in advance next time and try Jules Vern or 58 Tour Eiffel.
The Top of course has a Champagne Bar. I was already dizzy so did not partake in champagne.
BUYING TICKETS
Tickets are available in a variety of ways. As us about it, we can help. They sell out fast and so plan 3-6 months in advance so you can still get tickets. hey still had tickets and I paid more but got skip the line access and a great tour guide. Plus, I did not have to tell my niece we could not go to the top, which for me, was worth the extra money! The rates vary by Adult, Youth, Child, and under 4 which are free. The next option is how high, and then walking or riding.
SCHEDULE
The schedule changes throughout the year so check before you go.
SPECIAL NOTES:
No Locks Allowed.
As with most of the tourist attractions, watch out for pick pockets.
コメント