Eiffel Tower
Can you imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower? Probably not. Today, Parisians talk about the main attraction with warmth. And after it was built, they had a completely different mood and the residents of the capital demanded that it be demolished.
Tourists appreciated the structure. Despite its size, the tower looks miniature and very unusual.
To see the symbol of Paris not only from the outside, but also inside, to get acquainted with the history of the tower and learn the secrets, it is better to order the a sightseeing tour with Metropole Voyage. Our guide will familiarize you with the landmark and answer all your questions.
Background information
- Address: Paris, Champ de Mars, Avenue Anatole France, 5
- The attraction is open without weekends from 09:30 to 23:45.
- During the summer period, it opens for visitors at 09:00 and closes at 00:45.
- Entrance is paid for both children and adults. To get to the top by elevator, you have to pay just over 25 euros for adults and almost 7 euros for children.
- Material: Steel
- Architects: Gustave Eiffel
- Height: 300 meters + 24 meters antenna
- Age: 130
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years has the Eiffel Tower been standing?
– The symbol of Paris began to be built in 1889. Today, this beauty is already 130 years old.
How much does it cost to climb the Eiffel Tower?
– The price of entrance tickets is paid. You can order a tour and not stand in line, but if you decide to conquer the attraction of the French capital on your own, be prepared to pay:
| Adult ticket |
Children aged 4 to 11 years old |
Teenagers from age 12 to 24 |
|
| Elevator ride up to the 2nd floor | 16.30 euros | 4.10 euros | 8.10 euros |
| Elevator ride to the top | 25.50 euros | 6.40 euros | 12.70 euros |
| Climbing the stairs up to the 2nd floor | 10.20 euros | 2.50 euros | 5.10 euros |
…
*Information is current, price is for 2019-2020.
In what neighborhood is the Eiffel Tower located?
– The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, at Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole.
How many steps/stories are there on the Eiffel Tower?
– There are 3 floors in total. The elevator takes you to the second and third floors. Walk to the second floor. The views from there are incredible.
Who is the creator of the Eiffel Tower?
– Designer Gustave Eiffel. He called his creation simply “300-meter tower”. It was later named after its creator.
How much does the tower weigh?
– The metal structure weighs about 7300 tons and the total weight is 10100 tons.
How much was spent to build the Eiffel Tower?
– Eiffel started construction with his own money. When there was not enough money, many banks invested. As a result, 7.8 million francs were spent on the construction of the architectural monument. But all the costs were quickly recouped.
History of the construction of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower began its history in 1889. During this period, a world exhibition was planned to be held in the French capital, which was dedicated to the centenary of the great French Revolution.
The government announced a competition for the best engineering and architectural projects. Participants had to demonstrate their projects and showcase France’s technical achievements over the last decade.
First sketch of the Eiffel Tower (Wikipedia)
But, the contest works were similar to each other and they could not find anything new and original. But, one of the jury members paid attention to the work of designer G. Eiffel. After discussing the project, they decided to give the victory to him.
The final version was discussed for a very long time and adjustments were constantly made. It was important for the designers to make not just a tower, but to create a room for an exhibition. G. Eiffel suggested creating three tiers and building glass halls on them. And the top should be slightly rounded and decorated with decorative elements. As a result, this option was approved and construction could begin.
Construction began on January 28, 1887. The project was delivered in a short time – 2 years and 2 months and 5 days. Only 300 laborers worked on the site.
It is worth paying tribute to the architects. The workers worked according to precise drawings with the most accurate dimensions.
The tower was assembled from prefabricated metal structures with prefabricated rivets. Each piece weighed no more than 3 tons. This was done on purpose to make it easy to lift them to the top.
At first, the parts were lifted by cranes. But once the tower had grown a lot and they could no longer reach them, Eiffel designed special mechanisms that used rails to bring the parts to the right height. Subsequently, those rails didn’t go anywhere. They became 
to be used for elevators. The creation of the elevators surprised everyone. They were operated by hydrolytic pumps. They have survived to this day and are available for everyone to see.
The tower was opened on March 31, 1889. In the evening it shone with multicolored lights and became the main decoration of Paris.
In 1906, a radio station appeared on the tower. And then, in 1925, an attempt was made to transmit a television signal. Developments were carried out until 1935 and the residents of the French capital were able to see the first television program from the Eiffel Tower.
With the arrival of the Nazis, the tower suffered some damage. The French damaged the elevator drive on purpose. But after the German occupiers left Paris, the elevators worked again.
The tower has been repainted more than once. This is due to the events held near it. Today it is painted in a golden color.
Interesting facts related to the Eiffel Tower
- After construction, the Eiffel Tower was slightly lower. But, later an antenna was installed on its top and now its height is 324 meters;
- Г. Eiffel started the construction with his own money and personally supervised all kinds of works;
- The Eiffel Tower is the most visited attraction in Paris and this is despite the fact that there is an entrance fee;
- А. Dumas and G. De Maupassant were against this “ugliness” and demanded from the local authorities to demolish it;
- Hitler never managed to get to the top of the tower. When the Führer arrived at the top, the elevators stopped working. It was only after the Germans had left France that they started working again;
- The staircase of the Eiffel Tower has 1,710 steps;
- The costs of building the tower were recouped after the exhibition and today the attraction generates a huge income;
- Hitler ordered the destruction of a landmark that would not submit to him. But the general disobeyed him and preserved the structure, which he liked very much;
- At the time of its opening, the tower was the tallest structure in the entire world. Only 41 years later, the Chrysler skyscraper was built, which was taller than the legendary tower;
- During the years of construction, not a single worker died. And by those standards and capabilities, that’s an achievement;
- Every 7 years, the tower is painted with ordinary brushes and different shades of brown are used in the work. This makes the landmark look very beautiful;
- Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has become a favorite suicide spot. Today, the death toll stands at 400;
- There are smaller replicas of the tower around the world, such as in Las Vegas, Copenhagen, Vietnam, and other cities;
- The Eiffel Tower is not afraid of strong winds. Even during a hurricane, the tower tilted only 12 centimeters;
- The second floor of the tower is home to fine dining restaurants. From there, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city and the River Seine;
- Every year athletes organize jumping competitions. In 2010 it was possible to set a world record. Tai Chris jumped from the second floor on roller skates and landed successfully.
Recommended visit:
- Excursion to the Chateau of Fontainebleau
- Excursion to Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Excursion to Mont St. Michel from Paris
- Bruges sightseeing tour
