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The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, a national symbol of the country of France, was constructed in 1889 and was the tallest structure in the world until the year of 1930. Today it is one of Paris’s most famous sights.

History

When learning about Paris, one the most fascinating things to cover is the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was built originally for the International Exhibition of Paris and its’ construction came roughly 100 years after the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel was the architect whose design of the building was chosen out of a large competition. The tower was originally planned to be deconstructed in 1909, but the local Paris government decided to keep it for its growing charm among locals and tourists as well as for its landmark significance for getting around Paris.

One interesting piece of Paris history concerning the Eiffel Tower came after Hitler and the Nazis took over France. The Nazis had planned to place a huge swastika flag at the top of tower. However, the French soldiers cut the elevator lines and forced the Nazi soldiers to climb of the top via foot; when the large flag was placed a big wind came and blew it away.

Today the Eiffel Tower is a main tourist attraction in modern Paris and it also plays a vital role in television broadcasting and radio transmission. Roughly seven million tourists a year flock to the Eiffel Tower. The tower has been replicated around the world and is truly embedded in the identity of the city and culture of Paris.

Structure

The tower is made out of pig iron, weighs nearly 10,000 tons and stands at 324 meters. There are four base pillars that are proportionately aligned to the center point of the tower. The tower is re-painted at least once a decade with three different fades. The bottom section has the darkest painting while the top section receives the lightest painting. The tower currently sports two restaurants and an ice-skating rink on the first floor.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a must-see tourist attraction in Paris. When you calculate the price of a Paris trip, make sure to include a visit to the Eiffel Tower in those calculations. It is romantic, architecturally magnificent and terrifying for those afraid of heights. One interesting place to view it is from a boat on the Seine River.

The Tower is open all year-round and from nine thirty in the morning to 11 at night.

Getting There

Be sure to plan out your visit to the Eiffel Tower beforehand. It is a busy place during peak seasons. The Tower can be reached via the Paris bus system or a taxi; if you found one of those Paris hotelsnear the tower, you can walk there.

The Paris Metro line number six makes it stop right near the Eiffel Tower at the Bir Hakeim stop. The Paris Metro line number nine also stops right nearby at the Trocadero station. The Paris subway line C Champ de Mars stop will drop you off within close walking distance to the Tower.

Tips and Warnings

If you plan to have some French cuisine at one of the restaurants on the Tower, make a reservation beforehand. It can get pretty packed.

Keep careful watch of your belongings. The Eiffel Tower area has been prone to some pickpockets and clever scams.

Take note that there are three viewing levels. The higher you climb the more money it will cost. Taking the steps is difficult, but is worth it to the avid climber and adventurer. Going to the top is highly recommended.

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The Eiffel Tower