The Eiffel Tower, or La Tour Eiffel in French, symbolizes Paris and France's innovative spirit. Conceived in controversy, surviving critical scorn and threats of demolition, the Eiffel Tower has proven its critics wrong by becoming one of the world's most visited and recognized structures.

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The Beginning: The 1889 Exposition Universelle

The origin of the Eiffel Tower lies in the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. In preparation for this event, the French government announced a competition to design an iron tower that would stand on the Champ-de-Mars near the Seine and rise 300 meters high, roughly 1000 feet, making it the tallest structure in the world at the time. The winning design came from the engineering firm owned by Gustave Eiffel, although the initial plan was created by one of his employees, Maurice Koechlin.

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Design and Construction

Eiffel's design was innovative and represented a monumental engineering feat. It was constructed with puddled iron, a very pure form of structural iron, and over 18,000 individual iron pieces were used, held together by over two and a half million rivets. Remarkably, Eiffel's meticulous planning meant no lives were lost during construction, which was quite an accomplishment for a project of this scale during that time.

The tower's lattice structure was designed with mathematical precision to resist wind forces, an essential factor for a structure of such height. It's said that if all the iron in the tower were melted down, it would fill a base just over two inches deep.

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Completion and Reception

The Eiffel Tower was completed in March 1889, two months before the exposition's opening. Gustave Eiffel ascended the tower and planted the French flag at its pinnacle. Initially, the Eiffel Tower was not universally loved. Many Parisians thought it was an eyesore. Renowned French figures, including author Guy de Maupassant and composer Charles Gounod, even sent a petition to the Minister of Works and the City Council protesting its construction, referring to it as a "useless and monstrous" structure. Despite the controversy, the tower attracted over two million visitors during the World's Fair.

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The Eiffel Tower's Saving Grace: Wireless Telegraphy

After the exposition, the Eiffel Tower faced demolition, as its 20-year lease on the land it occupied was set to expire in 1909. However, the tower was reprieved due to its value for communication purposes. It was used as a wireless telegraph transmitter, crucial for sending and receiving messages across long distances without needing a physical exchange. Later, during World War I, the Eiffel Tower intercepted enemy radio communications, significantly contributing to the war effort and solidifying its place as a valuable national asset.

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The Eiffel Tower Today

Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most visited monuments. It has three levels open to the public. The first two levels house restaurants and shops, while the third level is an observation deck that offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is more than just an observation deck; it's a cultural symbol of France and a triumph of engineering. It even serves as a broadcast tower, though now for television and radio signals. At night, it lights up in a spectacular display, earning it the nickname "La dame de fer," the Iron Lady.

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Here are a few interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower:

Height Fluctuation

The height of the Eiffel Tower varies by up to 15 cm due to temperature changes. The iron structure expands with heat and contracts with cold.

A Colorful History

The Eiffel Tower was not always the iconic brown color it is today. It has been painted various colors over the years, including red at the base and yellow at the top during its early years, and even a camouflaged print during World War I.

Stair Master

The Eiffel Tower has a total of 1,665 steps. However, the stairs only go up to the second level. The third and highest level is accessible only by elevator.

An Illuminating Display

The Eiffel Tower sparkles every night for five minutes on the hour, thanks to the 20,000 light bulbs that adorn the structure.

Eiffel's Private Retreat

Gustave Eiffel had a private apartment at the top of the tower, which he used for entertaining guests and for scientific studies. The apartment is now open to the public and is displayed as it was during Eiffel's time, complete with wax figures of Eiffel and his daughter Claire welcoming Thomas Edison.

 

From its controversial beginnings to its current status as an architectural beauty and innovation icon, the Eiffel Tower's story is as fascinating as the structure itself. Over a century after its construction, it inspires and fascinates, standing tall as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring allure of Paris. It has become an integral part of Paris's skyline, embodying the spirit of progress, the audacity of design, and the charm of the city it calls home.

 

Here are the general details about Eiffel Tower tickets. Please note that the prices and availability may have changed, so it's always best to check the official Eiffel Tower website for the most up-to-date information.

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Ticket Types

There are several types of tickets you can purchase for the Eiffel Tower:

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Lift Entrance Ticket: This ticket allows you to take the lift either to the second floor or to the top.

Stairs Entrance Ticket: This ticket allows you to climb the stairs to the 2nd floor. From there, you can purchase an additional ticket to take the lift to the top.

Stairs + Lift Entrance Ticket: This ticket allows you to climb the stairs to the 2nd floor and then take the lift from the 2nd floor to the top.

Prices vary based on the ticket type and the buyer's age category (adult, youth, child, or disabled).

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Booking Tickets

As of 2021, the most convenient way to book tickets is online, directly from the Eiffel Tower's official website. The website typically provides a calendar view showing available dates and times for each ticket type. This method lets you secure a specific date and time for your visit, saving you time waiting in lines on the day of your visit.

It's also possible to purchase tickets at the Eiffel Tower itself, but be aware that lines can be long, and there's a risk of tickets selling out for the day.

Prices
Lift ticket to the top: €25.90 for adults, €13 for 12-24 year-olds, €6.50 for 4-11 year-olds, and for disabled individuals and their companions.
Lift ticket to the 2nd floor: €16.60 for adults, €8.30 for 12-24 year-olds, €4.10 for 4-11 year-olds, and for disabled individuals and their companions.
Stairs ticket to the 2nd floor: €10.40 for adults, €5.20 for 12-24 year-olds, €2.60 for 4-11 year-olds, and for disabled individuals and their companions.
Stairs + Lift ticket to the top: €19.70 for adults, €9.80 for 12-24 year-olds, €5 for 4-11 year-olds, and for disabled individuals and their companions.
Please remember that the prices and ticketing policies may have changed after my last update in September 2021. Always check the official Eiffel Tower website for accurate and current information.

 

Two sit-down restaurants are located on the Eiffel Tower, along with a champagne bar at the top.

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Madame Brasserie (first floor)

The menu features classic French bistro fare. Prices start at €57 for a three-course meal. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a panoramic view of Paris. A typical lunch might include a starter, main course, and dessert. The dinner, on the other hand, was a more elaborate multi-course meal. Prices vary greatly depending on the time of day, the chosen menu, and the table location (center of the restaurant, window, and which window); as a guideline, you might expect to pay anywhere from €57 to €200 per person.

Le Jules Verne (second floor)

Renowned chef Frédéric Anton oversees this Michelin-starred restaurant, which offers a fine dining experience. The restaurant provides a unique and sophisticated culinary journey with a spectacular city view. The menu typically includes high-end French cuisine, with set menus for lunch and dinner. The prices here are relatively high, reflecting the fine dining experience. The meal cost per person could range from €100 to €200 or more, depending on the menu chosen.

Champagne Bar (top floor)

For those making it to the very top, there's a Champagne Bar where you can toast your ascent with a glass of bubbly, served either plain or with a dash of fruit syrup.

Given the unique location and experience these restaurants offer, many visitors find dining at the Eiffel Tower to be a highlight of their visit to Paris, despite the premium prices.

View from the top

You're treated to a stunning 360-degree view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. On a clear day, this vista can extend for miles, providing unique perspectives on the city's iconic landmarks and layout. Here's what you can typically see:

The Seine River: This major river cuts through the heart of Paris, winding around the Ile de la Cité, and it's a prominent feature of the view from the Eiffel Tower.

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Although it's not as tall as other structures, this famous cathedral is often visible thanks to its central location on the Île de la Cité.

The Louvre: The vast expanse of the Louvre, one of the world's largest museums, can be appreciated from this height.

Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe: The wide boulevard of the Champs-Élysées leads up to the Arc de Triomphe, another of Paris' iconic landmarks.

Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur: In the distance, you can usually spot the hill of Montmartre, topped by the distinctive white domes of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Les Invalides: With its golden dome, this complex is another eye-catching sight. It's home to museums and monuments related to military history, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans.

La Défense: On the horizon, you might see the modern skyscrapers of La Défense, the central business district located in the western part of the city.

Centre Pompidou: This high-tech-styled building with colorful exterior piping is another recognizable structure that can be spotted.

Palais Garnier: The opulent opera house with its distinctive architecture can also be seen from the top of the tower.

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Additionally, the top level of the Eiffel Tower has maps and informational displays to help visitors identify what they're looking at and a champagne bar for a celebratory toast. The view from the Eiffel Tower is often considered one of the best ways to get a sense of Paris's layout and appreciate the city's architectural beauty.