Paris Eiffel Tower

Paris Eiffel Tower

The Iconic Eiffel Tower, the pride of a nation

Today the Eiffel Tower stands as one of the proudest symbols of Paris and the French nation. A massive structure of iron latticework, the structure was created as a feature of the Paris Exposition of 1889. The design competition held to invite designs for a groundbreaking and imposing structure received more than 700 entries, out of which Gustave Eiffel's sensational proposal found favour with the judges. Britain's Prince of Wales performed the functions at the opening ceremony.

For its time the Eiffel Tower was a state of the art construction, with a total weight of 7,000 tons and rising a majestic 300m into the air. The structure is formed of two inter-connected sections; a platform with four supports making up the base of the tower, each of the base pillars tapering upwards to form a single tower. This sensational construction was the tallest structure in the world until the completion of the Empire State Building forty years later.

The tower's platforms afford a spectacular panoramic view over the city of Paris; it is widely considered that the view is best experienced an hour before sunset. Don't miss out on having a look at the mammoth machinery – dating to 1889 – which powers the elevators of the tower; it is an amazing awe-inspiring sight. The first level of the tower features an observatory, a restaurant, souvenir shops, a post office and other features related to the tower. The second level features the exclusive ‘Jules Verne' restaurant, animated displays, telescopes and shops. Meanwhile the third level presents waxworks and dioramas in addition to the spectacular view.

However at the time of its creation not everyone was favourable towards the iconic tower. Such luminaries as Emile Zola, Guy de Maupassant and Charles Garnier strongly opposed the tower but the tower also had strong support from such figures as Utrillo, Rousseau, and Chagall. Today however the tower is loved and admired by all French citizens.

For the visitor to Paris seeking Paris airport hotels, the obvious choice is the Millennium Hotel Paris Charles de Gaulle. This cosy establishment features comfortable and convenient Paris hotel rooms in a tranquil setting.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

What's the best way to get to Eiffel Tower from the Paris airport?

I'm getting ready to travel to Kiev, and will have an 18-hour layover in Paris, France. Should I take a bus or a train to the Eiffel Tower? How long will it take to get there? Any advice on Paris travel? Will I need a visa to France? Delta says I don't.
I'm an American Citizen flying from Atlanta, USA, into Paris-Degaul airport

An American citizen does not need a visa to enter France of less than 90 days.

I need to know when you will arrive to tell you the best way to get to the tower because work is being done on the RER which will close a section of the line untill August 17th.

Assuming you arrive after that time then simply take the RER B to the Denfert-Rochereau station and transfer to the Metro line 6 (no additional ticket is required) and take the train marked "Direction : Charles de Gaulle-Etoile" to the Bir-Hakeim (Grenelle) station.

NOTE: 18 hours is a fair amount of time and you could certainly see more than just the Eiffel Tower. Would you like a suggested itinerary?