Imagine what it would be like to be so iconic that everyone knew who you were just by a picture or quick description. People would come from all around the world to get a photo with you. Or spend an afternoon in the park by you. Or pay mega amounts of money to have an apartment right next to you. Could you handle that kind of fame? Well, the Eiffel Tower can and has since its inception.
Just mentioning the name and your mind can picture the shape perfectly. Let’s be honest, you can’t say Paris without thinking of the Eiffel Tower. Just like New York with the Statue of Liberty, which was a gift from France. Is that a coincidence?
seeing the Eiffel Tower
I was excited to see this monument. It’s a must-do if you’re visiting Paris. What I wasn’t expecting was the scale. When you see things on T.V., they can look bigger than life, then when you see them its like… “Whoa is that it?”
In this instance, it was “………..” Because there aren’t words to express seeing it emerge from behind a building for the first time. The sun gleaming off its exterior gives it an unrivalled radiance.
We walked in to stand beneath the metal framework and found it so peaceful and calming. Even though the queue to go to the top was long, almost everyone was silent with their eyes looking up.
We didn’t have any tickets as the official site had sold out, so we decided that we would meander the gardens until our river cruise was ready. I am happy we did; it was an enjoyable experience. Just point your camera at any angle and press the shutter. Trust me; you’ll capture gold on the other end.
interesting facts about the eiffel tower
- Built 1887, as the entrance arch for the Worlds Fair in 1889.
- Wrought-iron lattice tower 984′, 1,063′ to tip and was the tallest human-made structure for over 41 years.
- In cold weather, the Tower shrinks approximately 6 inches and sways 2 – 3 inches in the wind.
- It is repainted every seven years, requiring 60 tonnes of paint.
- There are 1,665 steps to the top.
- The Tower, named after the designer Gustave Eiffel, built a secret apartment for himself, which is now open to the public.
- Estimated worth is approximately 400 Billion Euros.
- Also, there is a secret military bunker underneath the Towers south pillar. There is a rumour that there is a long tunnel connecting it to the nearby Ecole Militaire.
- Hitler tried to have the Tower destroyed by the Military Governor of Paris, Dietrich von Choltitz, who refused.
- Twenty thousand bulbs and 336 projector spotlights make a spectacular light show every hour, on the hour from sunset to 1 am, lasting five minutes.
in a nutshell
- Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France Left Bank of River Seine
- Nearest Metro station to the Eiffel Tower is Champ de Mars / Tour Eiffel on line RER C. Other Metro stations close to the Eiffel Tower include Ecole Militaire on Line 8 and Bir-Hakeim on Line 6
- There are many different ticket prices to enter the Tower, depending on which level you’d like to get to and whether you want to take the stairs or the lift.
- Book tickets ahead of time as they can be sold out weeks in advance. Always buy from the official Eiffel Tower ticket website or as part of a guided tour. We use Viator.com
- The other option is to queue up on the day, which could take you several hours.
- Give yourself plenty of time to go through the security checkpoints
- Free to walk around the grounds
location map
Hey there! I just finished reading your article about the Eiffel Tower, and I couldn’t resist leaving a comment. It’s so refreshing to come across a travel blog that not only provides great insights but also has a personal touch. Your love for the Eiffel Tower really shines through in your words, and it made me feel like I was right there with you, experiencing its magic. I’ve always dreamt of visiting Paris, and your article has fueled that desire even more.
Thanks for sharing your adventure and your passion for travel – it’s truly inspiring. I can’t wait to read more about your explorations. Keep up the fantastic work!