Eiffel Tower, Paris
Constructed by Gustave Eiffel for the World Fair in 1889 that commemorated the French Revolution centennial, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world at 1,050 feet at that time. Initially opposed by the literary and artistic elite in Paris, the building was almost torn down in 1909. However, it was saved when it proved to be an ideal platform for the antennas that are necessary for radiotelegraphy.
Today, the highlight of a visit to the Eiffel Tower is the view of the city. It offers 3 levels that tourists can explore.
Touring the Tower
At the south base of the tower, you will find a booth that sells tickets to use the stairs, which start at the booth itself. You can access the first and second levels by both stairs and lifts, but for the summit of the third level, you can only access it by lift. On the first platform, the stairs will lead you up from the east tower.
However, taking the steps would not be good if you are faint-hearted, as the actual count of stairs to the highest level it takes you is hundreds—9 steps to the ticket booth, 328 steps to the 1st level, 340 steps to the 2nd level and 18 steps to the lift platform on the 2nd level. And after taking the lift at the 3rd level, you will need to take 15 more steps to get to the upper observation platform. But for the majority of the climb, the Eiffel Tower allows you to have an unhampered view of the beautiful city, eliminating the thought of weariness of taking the stairs.
Also, the Eiffel Tower has 2 restaurants, with the one on the 1st floor (at 95 meters above sea level) called Altitude 95 and another on the 2nd floor called Jules Verne, an expensive gastronomical restaurant that has its own private lift.
Nearby Places of Interest
Did you know that the area around this tower in Paris is also full of attractions? These include:
- Les Champs Elysées - Just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, the Avenue des Champs-Elysées is reputed as the most beautiful avenue in the world more and more each year. Around it are the most prominent restaurants, luxury stores, prestigious entertainment venues, 4-star hotels, monuments and museums.
- Trocadéro and Passy - Located on the opposite side of the Seine, Trocadéro is home to splendid ornamental ponds, fountains and gardens. Just behind it is the village of Passy, where you can find charms of the past, a beautiful church and a cemetery where Debussy and Manet are buried.
- Alma and Iéna - A must-visit since Princess Diana’s death in 1997, the Alma bridge has become a place frequently visited by tourists. Not only this, but the place is also known for fashion, the arts and the spiritual.
- Hôtel National des Invalides - This building is known for its intimidating canons and imposing size.
Trivia
Did you know that the Eiffel Tower was supposed to be demolished in 2 decades after construction? This is because Gustave Eiffel was only permitted to have the Eiffel Tower standing for such a time span. However, it was realized to be valuable as a communications resource, so it was allowed to remain in place even after the expiration of its permit.