EIFFEL TOWER

The iconic Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous attractions in the world. It is listed as one of the Wonders of the Modern World and has over 7million visitors each year. It was built as a temporary exhibit to commemorate the centenary celebration of the French Revolution but it was never removed. The Tower has three levels, two restaurants, a champagne bar, two observation decks, a garden and the enchanting Esplanade for guests to explore. 

Paris has always been enveloped by an enchanting aura of romance and vigour and standing in the heart of the city, lies the Eiffel Tower, wrapped in its air of beauty and cultural elegance. Your Paris trip, enhanced by exploring Europe trip packages, would surely remain incomplete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower. Built of 18,000 iron parts, the Eiffel Tower is popularly and aptly known as the “Iron Lady”.

As you lay your foot on the grounds of Champ de Mars, the towering structure of one of the seven wonders of the world will pop up right in front of your eyes. Every year, hordes of tourists from different parts of the world flock to this place to behold the architectural beauty of the tower.

As you ponder about it’s history dating back to 1889, you will surely get surprised at its cause of origin. Constructed to serve as a mere entrance to the World Fair back in 1889, today it stands as one of the most integral cultural icons of France. As you engage in an exploration of the three different levels of the tower, you will get mesmerised to find cafeterias, restaurants, souvenir shops, and scenic vantage points tucked in at each floor.

The panoramic view of the Paris cityscape spread against the azure skyline is a pleasing sight to behold from the tower’s summit. As night descends, another spectacular sight of the Eiffel Tower illuminated with myriad bulbs will leave you in sheer awe. Thus, one can well understand that the tower is undeniably a tour de force of structural elegance and will turn out to be a worthwhile memory to cling onto for a lifetime.

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Highlights

• The Eiffel Tower is a 330 meter tall wrought iron structure made with 18,038 pieces of metallic parts. It is an architectural marvel and should be visited for its uniqueness. 
• The First Level has a glass floor and walking on it is one of the major highlights of the visit.
• The views of the city from the second floor and the summit observation deck are breathtaking. 
• Dining at one of the restaurants in the Tower or raising a toast to the City of Lights from the Champagne Bar at the top deck of the Eiffel Tower is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 
• You can take a leisurely stroll in the Garden or plan a picnic while you enjoy the magnificent views of the imposing structure
• Learn about the 135 year old history of the Tower, right from the lift machinery to Gustave Eiffel's office at the summit. 
• Explore the Secret Apartment made by Gustave Eiffel for his personal use which is now accessible to the public. 
• The light show and beacon of light at the top is something you should not miss out on. Click Here To Book Now: Eiffel Tower TicketsMust Read : Top Things to Do in Paris

How To Reach

The Paris Airport lies at a distance of around 31.5 km from Eiffel Tower and can be easily accessed via road. You can easily avail of the bus services that are frequently available after an hour’s time. The bus trip will take you around an hour to reach your destination.

One can also opt for the budget-friendly method and travel from the Charles de Gaulle to Eiffel Tower by the RER train. The journey takes around 1 hour 40 minutes and the train is easily available every 10 minutes. For a more comfortable journey, one can also book taxi services that can cost between 60 to 80 euros.

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Best Time To Visit

The best days to visit the Eiffel Tower are during weekdays as it gets really crowded on weekends. Even during weekdays, it's best to plan your visit either on Wednesday or Friday.

Afternoon and evening is the best time during the day to enjoy a visit to the Tower. It is best to ascend the Tower in the evening as you can enjoy the sunset views as well as watch the lighting of the Tower after sunset.

The best months to visit the Eiffel Tower are from March to October. The beginning of summer is ideal as the weather is pleasant and humidity levels are not too high. 

Autumn months which are September and October have mild temperatures and slightly cold weather which makes it the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower.

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Other Essential Information

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

Timings: 9 am to 12.45 am daily. However, timings might vary during New Year’s Eve. One can avail of the last elevator ride at 11 pm. 

Facilities: At the Eiffel Tower, there are restrooms on each floor along with restaurants and cafeterias. The immersion gallery and the gift shop on the first floor is a must-visit. In total there are five distinct restaurants in the tower. The Le Jules Verne and the 58 Tour Eiffel lies on the first floor and offers a memorable dining experience.

For some refreshing tidbits, you can pay a visit to the Buffet Tour Eiffel snack bars that lie on both the first and second floors. There lies a Champagne bar at the summit of the tower where you can raise a toast as you gaze down upon the fantastic panorama. You can also book a table at the Les Restaurants de la Tour Eiffel for a refined dining experience.

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History and Construction of Eiffel Tower

Taking its name from its very creator Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower built in 1889 served as a befitting centerpiece for the Exposition Universelle. The Universelle was a world fair that was being held on the occasion of the centennial of the French Revolution. However, before growing as a cultural symbol for Paris, the Eiffel Tower fetched criticism for its height by some of the intellectual and aesthetic minds of the city. The 324 meters structure today clearly displays the architectural ingenuity and is widely held to be the second tallest free-standing tower in France.

The three different levels of the tower rest on four gigantic pillars and one can easily use the flight of stairs or the elevator to ascend to the top. The first level situated at a height of 57 meters has glass pavilions and a transparent floor. From here, a beautiful view of the city will greet every visitor and the CinEiffel documentary cast here enriches the audience about the history of the Eiffel Tower. The cafeterias and the souvenir shops at this level give one and all a warm welcome.

A sweeping view of the entire cityscape awaits you at the second level of the tower which is situated at an altitude of 115 meters. The famous Le Jules Verne restaurant lies here and offers the foodies a delicious blend of French cuisine. 

The top-level lies at a height of 276 meters and one can get a view of the Paris city extending up to almost 70 kilometers from here. For those seeking a breathtaking view, a visit to this part of the tower will surely be eventful. Gustave Eiffel’s office is also nestled at this level along with his wax model.

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Fun Facts About the Eiffel Tower

• Eiffel Tower remains shrouded in interesting pieces of information that will lure you to visit this iconic structure.
• Around 7 million tourists flock every year to witness the majestic beauty of the Eiffel Tower.
• The tower gets repainted every 7 years and requires 60 tonnes of paint to complete the task.
• To mark the tower’s 125th anniversary, a special tower-shaped $10 coin was launched by the British Virgin Islands.
• One needs to climb 1665 steps in total to reach the summit of the Eiffel Tower.
• Due to the winds, the tower may sway around for 6 to 7 centimeters.
• 20,000 light bulbs make the Eiffel Tower dazzle at night daily.
• Due to thermal expansion, the top of the tower shifts away from the sun by almost 18 cm.

Places to Eat near the Eiffel Tower

Your Paris journey will remain unfulfilled if you miss out on these restaurants. Grab a hearty meal from any of them and give your taste buds a real French treat.

1. Chez l’Ami

Chez l’Ami is one of the world-renowned bistro’s and has attracted many eminent personalities over the ages. The colonial decor of the place along with the delectable food that includes the traditional dishes of lamb and foie gras will surely win your heart.

2. Monsieur Bleu

One of the well-known restaurants in Paris, Monsieur Bleu lies just across the Eiffel Tower and along with the stunning view provides an appetizing range of food to the visitors. It is one of the ideal spots to dine with family and friends and dance to the grooving music. As you gorge upon the delicious food, take a look around at the impressive decor of this place.

 3. Apollon

If you want to taste some sumptuous Greek dishes in Paris, then Apollon is the perfect restaurant to visit. From traditional dishes to a contemporary blend, some of the famous items available here are the zucchini, eggplant croquettes, Saganaki, and many others. The homely service and affordable prices make this restaurant a favorite among tourists.

4. Café Constant

At Café Constant you will come across a variety of lip-smacking starters, main course dishes, and desserts. The friendly service along with the charming atmosphere will be a welcome change for you and your family. Here, do remember to try the eggs mimosa, roast lamb, oyster tarter, rice pudding and other appetizing dishes.

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Places to Stay near the Eiffel Tower

Your Paris visit would certainly be made more pleasurable by your stay at these hotels which lie near the Eiffel Tower itself.

1. B&B Relais 12bis

At B&B Relais 12bis, you will get to experience a refined class sojourn. The hotel is 500 m away from the Eiffel Tower and the luxury rooms lie well- equipped with all the modern facilities. The gourmet breakfast and the top-class service will make you want to revisit this place again.

2. Hotel Le Derby Alma

Le Derby Alma is one of the boutique hotels near the Eiffel Tower and the luxurious Haussmanian building is one of the most beautiful hotels in Paris. Here you will get to experience the French Arts of Living which will surely be an incredible experience. The elegant decors, the homely stay, and the cooperative staff will provide you with one of the memorable sojourns.

3. Résidence Charles Floquet 

Situated right next to the Eiffel Tower, Résidence Charles Floquet comprises 16 elegant apartments that consist of all the modern conveniences and comforts. You can choose from the different classic and deluxe apartments which have inbuilt kitchen facilities also. A homely, personalized stay awaits you at Résidence Charles Floquet.

4. Shangri-La Hotel

To experience the sheer luxurious essence of the Parisian lifestyle, a stay at the Shangri-La will make your stay worthwhile. The well-furnished rooms, the restaurant cum bar, and the spa offer their quality services to render you a pleasant experience. From here, you will also get an impressive glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River.

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Traveler's Tip before Visiting Eiffel Tower

• Book your tickets in advance as the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attractions in the city.
• Visit the Tower during the day and at night to truly get the full experience of this Wonder of the Modern World. 
• Take the stairs as it saves time and you can enjoy the view at your own pace. 
• Carry bare minimal of your belongings and make sure it's safely kept at all times.  
• Take your time and spare at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the Eiffel Tower and all its floors. 
• Always check the weather on the day you plan to visit the Tower. 
• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear as the Tower and Park is on a hill and the climb can be exhausting if you are not dressed for it. 

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