The Eiffel Tower, the tallest structure in Paris, is the city's most iconic landmark, recognised around the world. It is an attraction that all first time visitors find themselves drawn too.
It was built between 1887 - 1889 to mark the main entrance to the world fair 'Exposition Universelle' held in Paris in 1889 to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution.
It was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the steel framework for the Statue of Liberty.
300 meters in height, the tower was the tallest man made structure in the world until New York City's Chrysler Building(319m) was erected in 1930. Constructed from 1500 steel girders held together by 2,500,000 rivets, the tower weighs 7000 tons. The weight of the paint that coats the tower is an amazing 60 tons, and the weight of the entire structure comes to 10,100 tons.
The Tower was nearly dismantled by the ciy authorities in 1909 at the end of its 20 year lease, and was only saved because of its antenna, which was becoming increasingly important as telecommunications technology increased.
The tower has three viewing platfoms. The first platform is at 58m, the second at 116m and the third at 276m. Elevators take you to all three platforms, or you can climb the steps to the 1st and 2nd platforms.
The tower is popular throughout the year, and during summer months you can find yourself queueing for several hours to gain entrance.
The Place du Trocadero is the site of the Palais de Chaillot, which sits on top of the Chaillot hill. The Palais, built for the 1937 World Fair Exhibition, is popular with tourists and locals alike because of the spectacular unobstructed views it offers of the Eiffel Tower.
Though most popular for its views, there are other things to do while here. The Jardins du Trocadero is decorated with small streams, bridges and tree lined walkways. Their centre piece is a long elongated pool, which is bordered by waterfalls and stone and bronze gild statues.
The Aquarium du Trocadero, a large aquarium located in the gardens, is home to over 500 hundred species of sea creatures from seahorses to sharks.
The Palais de Chaillot houses a Maritime museum (Musee de la Marine), architecture museum (Cite de l’Architecture et tu Partimoine) and a natural history museum (Musée de l'Homme).
Eiffel Tower Opening Hours
Daily: 9.30am to 11.45pm
(Jun-Aug 9.30am - 00.45am)
Eiffel Tower Prices
Elevator:
3rd platform: 12 Euro
2nd platform: 7.80 Euro
1st platfrom: 4.80 Euro
Stairs:
1st & 2nd platforms: 4 Euro
Eiffel Tower Address
Champ de Mars
75007 Paris
How to Get There
Champ-De Mars (RER - Line C)
or
Trocadero (METRO - Line 6 & 9)
External Links
Official Eiffel Tower website
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