You are going to Paris and one of your must-see sights has to be the Eiffel Tower! It is one of the most recognized structures in the world but also a way to distinguish a tourist from a Parisian. How so?
Travel on the Metro (line 6) towards Place Charles de Gaulle, and when you do not see a single person glance out the window at the tall structure, you know you are amongst locals.
Here are some things to consider before your first visit to the famed monument!
1. Visit on a major french holiday
If your vacation plans are flexible, try to be there during one of the French holidays when the Eiffel Tower serves as the major site of celebration - namely on Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale) and New Year's Eve. One year there were even fireworks launched from the tower itself! Other years they have been viewable from the Champ de Mars, the green space directly to the south of the tower.
Photo: David Lefranc, Paris Tourist Office
Holidays aside, in recognition of the start of France's six-month presidency of the European Union in June 2008, the tower was lit an electric blue!
2. Visit the Eiffel Tower at night
The year 2000 marked the first year that the Eiffel Tower was lit with twinkling lights each evening. Ever popular, it was brought back in 2003 and still occurs each evening at dusk for 10 minutes on the hour until 2 AM.
3. Walk up the stairs to the first and second levels
Did you know that you can walk up the Eiffel Tower for 4 euros? Why pay to walk up when you can pay only 12 euros to take the elevator? So you can say that you climbed the Eiffel Tower which is a pretty unique conversation starter. Plus, you'll avoid the lineups to both sets of elevators. Be sure though that you have the right shoes and are up for the exercise!
Photo: David Lefranc, Paris Tourist Office
4. Enjoy a meal at the Eiffel Tower
There are 3 different places where you can enjoy a special meal: the Buffets, Altitude 95, and Jules Verne.
The Buffets are "fast-food" stands located on the Esplanade - probably not your best choice unless you are really hungry or need a light snack.
On level 1, Altitude 95 underwent renovations and reopened at the end of March 2009. It has also been renamed 58 Tour Eiffel.
The famed Le Jules Verne restaurant on level 2. The menu is expensive, but for a special occasion, the venue just might justify it.
5. When to go
One of the most visited monuments in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is open 365 days of the year for your viewing pleasure!
January 1 to June 12: 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
June 13 to August 31: 9:00 AM to midnight
September 1 to December 31: 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Photo: Stéphane Querbes, Paris Tourist Office
6. See the view right from your computer
It is of course not the same thing as being there, but courtesy of the acclaimed photographer Denis Gliksman, enjoy a panoramic 360° view from the Eiffel Tower.
Photo: Amélie Dupont, Paris Tourist Office
7. The official site of the Eiffel Tower
For further information, visit the official site of the Eiffel Tower, or just wait until you get to Paris to discover more!
By Margaret Li on Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 11:28 AM
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Travel,
Monuments