Happy Birthday Eiffel Tower!

This year is the 125th anniversary of the Iron Lady in Paris. This is the occasion to learn about this worldwide famous building. Did you know that…?

  • It is now the most visited paid monument in the world and about 7 million visitors discover one of its three levels each year. However, it’s worth remembering that when construction started in July 1887, a group of around 300 artists and architects sent a petition to the commissioner of the Paris exhibition demanding that he halt construction of the “ridiculous tower”.
  • The Eiffel Tower was built in two years, two months and five days – beginning in 1887.
  • With the antenna at the top, the tower is 324 meters heigh (1,063 feet). Without the antenna it is 300 meters tall (984 feet).

You want to go up the Eiffel Tower and take a nice trip to Paris? See our Tours including Paris. 

  • Six inches: That’s how much the tower grows in the sun. The Eiffel Tower grows when it gets hot and shrinks in the cold.
  • It was built by Gustave Eiffel to commemorate the French Revolution and show off France’s industrial might. It was meant to last for 20 years only. The removal men were meant to pull it down after 20 years, but Eiffel appears to have persuaded them to have a change of heart. The fact that the tower could be used as a wireless telegraph transmitter, made it fairly useful and saved it from the wrecking ball.
  • There are 1,710 steps up to the top - but visitors can only walk to the first floor – then they have to use the elevators.
  • The Eiffel Tower can sway 6 to 7 meters in the wind. But don’t think about it while going up!
  • The Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest building for 41 years….until the Chrysler Building in New York came along and stole its mantle.
  • 250 million people have paid a visit to the Eiffel Tower over the years.
  •  In 1944 Hitler ordered the German military governor of France to tear it down but he refused.

If you would like to learn about the Eiffel Tower's new 1st Floor with the Glass Floor.

go up the eiffel tower in paris

 This picture was taken by Ginger & Tom who traveled with us to Paris, Normandy & the Loire Valley

  • If you would like to book online the tickets to the Eiffel Tower, this is the official website: Tour Eiffel website

However, they are very hard to get as the biggest tour operators around the world have implemented advanced informatic systems to purchase all the tickets as soon as they come out on the website. Also, when you are ON the Eiffel Tower, you don't get the Iron Lady in the souvenir pictures that you'll take.

  • Even if climbing the Eiffel Tower is part of most travelers dreams, we have several recommendations of other towers to climb (or take elevators) and enjoy a beautiful view...including the Eiffel Tower on the picture! 

eiffel tower in paris

This picture was taken by one of our travelers in Paris  ©Benjamin Bard

 

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Susan
We just returned from a 15 day trip to Paris, the Loire Valley and Normandy. Our trip was planned by Emilie with precise attention to detail, giving us our perfect itinerary. We were independent in our travels but it was evident that Emilie and her staff were available throughout the trip. They appeared to always be mindful of our location and …
Maroun
I cannot say enough good things about Emilie and "France Just for You". We spent 15 days in France in June to celebrate our special anniversary and it was more than perfect. I found this superlative agency while browsing online, looking for a custom made trip to France that does not involve hopping on a tour bus with a large group of people, being …
Bob
France just for you was fantastic. We provided a list of places we like to see, they customized our trips with great suggestions. They Provided Car, places to stay, a 2 book itinerary with wonderful suggestions, great Bed and Breakfast and small hotel (very romantic) , assistance when ever we accidentally called their number. We requested guides at …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Jilly & Marc
from the US
in Paris
Tonia & Peter
from Canada
at the Louvre Museum in Paris
Judy & Rich
from the US
in Giverny, Normandy
Stephanie & Vania
from Canada
At the top of Aiguille du Midi, by the Mont Blanc, in the French Alps
Joe
From the US
Digging & Finding a truffle in Provence
Frederick
from Canada
Enjoying some cheese
Jim & Sarah
from the US
in love in Amboise!
Kathy & Bill
From the US
Biking in Burgundy for a day - near Chateau de la Rochepot
Naz & Mounir
On a side-car tour in the Loire Valley
John & David
David & John from Canada
Chocolate & Wine tasting in Carcassonne
Bruce from Australia
Cooking outdoor in Provence, bon appétit !
Tonia
from Canada
Cycling in the Loire Valley

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