The Eiffel Tower in Paris is not just a feat of engineering – it is an enduring symbol of ambition, controversy, elegance, and innovation. While it’s one of the most photographed structures in the world, few people truly understand its turbulent beginnings, the ingenuity behind its creation, and the little-known details that make it a must-see for every traveler.

A Monument to Revolution and Modernity

In preparation for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), the French government wanted to build something extraordinary to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The project was meant to showcase France’s industrial and artistic prowess, and an open call was made for bold architectural proposals.

The design chosen was that of engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company – a 300-meter iron tower, unlike anything the world had seen. Interestingly, Eiffel himself was initially skeptical of the radical structure, but he eventually became one of its biggest advocates, investing his own money into the project to ensure its completion when funding fell short.

Why Is It Called the Eiffel Tower?

Though many associate Gustave Eiffel with its design, the tower was actually conceived by Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, two senior engineers at Eiffel’s firm. Eiffel supported and promoted the project, and thanks to his political connections and business acumen, the tower was approved and ultimately named in his honor. Today, it stands not just as a monument to the revolution, but to Eiffel’s vision and personal investment in what was then a futuristic marvel.

Fierce Opposition and a Daily Protest

Not everyone in Paris was impressed. A group of intellectuals and artists signed a scathing petition calling the tower a “monstrous piece of ironwork” and an eyesore. One famous opponent was author Guy de Maupassant, who disliked the tower so much that he reportedly ate lunch at its restaurant every day – claiming it was the only place in Paris where he didn’t have to see it.

Engineering Marvel: How It Was Built

Construction began in January 1887 and took just 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days – remarkably fast for such a pioneering structure. It involved around 300 workers, who assembled more than 18,000 iron components, all riveted together with 2.5 million rivets. At its time, it was a showcase of engineering precision and safety – and remarkably, no workers died during construction. The only recorded fatality was a worker who tragically fell from the tower outside of working hours, while trying to impress his sweetheart by showing her the view. This unfortunate accident was not connected to the construction process itself.

Its skeleton-like lattice structure was revolutionary, taking cues from bridges and railways. The tower weighed over 10,000 tons upon completion and stood as the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1930.

Painted to Perfection

To maintain its elegance and protect it from rust, the Eiffel Tower is repainted every seven years – a task that requires around 60 tons of paint, 50 painters, and takes about 18 months to complete. Each repainting involves hand-brushing every surface, maintaining the same signature color: “Eiffel Tower Brown.”

The Secret Room in the Sky

At the top of the tower, Gustave Eiffel built a private apartment – a small chamber equipped with stylish furnishings and scientific equipment. Here, he hosted dignitaries and conducted meteorological and aerodynamic experiments. Today, the room has been preserved as a mini-museum with wax figures of Eiffel himself and his guests, including Thomas Edison.

A Radio Beacon and Lifesaver

Though the Eiffel Tower was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years, its value as a radio transmission tower in the early 20th century saved it. It became critical for military communications, especially during World War I. Its strategic importance ultimately secured its permanent place on the Paris skyline.

Summit Heights and Sparkling Moments

Today, the Eiffel Tower stands 330 meters tall with antennas included. The top observation deck, at 276 meters, remains the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in Europe. On a clear day, you can see up to 70 kilometers into the horizon.

And yes – you can drink champagne at the top. A tiny champagne bar offers a glass of bubbly with the best view in town. Romantic? Très.

What’s Around the Eiffel Tower?

The tower is nestled in the Champ de Mars, a vast green lawn perfect for photos, picnics, or just lying back to admire the Iron Lady. Across the river, you’ll find the Trocadéro Gardens, one of the best spots for panoramic photos, especially at night when the tower lights up.

Nearby attractions include:

• Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac (ethnographic collections)
• Les Invalides (Napoleon’s tomb)
• Rue Cler (a charming market street)
• Pont Alexandre III (Paris’s most ornate bridge)

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Fun Facts About the Eiffel Tower

• Some people affectionately refer to the Eiffel Tower as “she” – and not just metaphorically. It’s often seen as feminine in French culture, and in 2007, an American woman named Erika “married” the Eiffel Tower in a symbolic ceremony, identifying as objectum-sexual.
• The Eiffel Tower shrinks! During winter, the iron contracts and the tower can shrink by up to 15 centimeters.
• More than 250 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower since it opened in 1889.
• It was once the world’s tallest structure for 41 years – until the Chrysler Building in New York was completed.
• It has been featured in over 200 films – from Hollywood blockbusters to French cinema classics.
• Gustave Eiffel’s name is engraved on the side of the tower, along with 71 other French scientists and engineers.
• The tower weighs approximately 10,100 tons.
• In 1925, con artist Victor Lustig “sold” the Eiffel Tower for scrap metal – twice! He posed as a government official and convinced scrap dealers that the city could no longer afford the tower’s upkeep. He even produced forged documents and pocketed a large sum before fleeing. What’s more, he managed to pull off the scam twice before being arrested in the United States.
• The Eiffel Tower has a weather station, wind tunnel lab, and even hosted experiments in radio and aerodynamics.

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Visiting the Eiffel Tower Today

Opening Hours:

• Mid-June to early September: 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. (last elevator at midnight)
• Rest of the year: 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (last elevator at 11:00 p.m.)

Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris

Official website & ticket booking: toureiffel.paris

Ticket Options:

• Summit access via elevator: From €36.10
• Second floor via stairs + elevator: From €27.50
• Stairs to second floor only: From €14.50
• Children under 4: Free

Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during weekends and holidays. Time slots often sell out days ahead.

Best Time to Visit:

• Early morning or after sunset for fewer crowds
• Golden hour for photography
• The tower sparkles every hour on the hour after dusk – a must-see moment!

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Eiffel Tower and the Paris For You App

Planning to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris? The Paris For You app is your best companion (App Store, Google Play).

With the app, you can:

• Navigate to the tower offline using real-time maps
• Get insider facts and stories about the Eiffel Tower’s history
• Find nearby spots like Trocadéro or Rue Cler
• Track your route, save your own photos, and add notes
• Explore the tower’s surroundings with curated walking tours

With Paris For You, your Eiffel Tower experience becomes seamless, educational, and unforgettable.

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Top 3 Things to Do in Paris
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