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

Tracey & Sandra
Without a doubt one of the best vacations my friend and I have ever taken! We keep raving to all about how authentic the trip was. Not only was every aspect of this trip gorgeous from the grape vineyards to the lavender fields to the mountainous towns and cathedrals, but the details were second to none. Emilie and Laura provided my friend and I …
Lola
My husband and I have just returned from an amazing 16 day trip in France organized thoughtfully and beautifully by Emilie of France Just for You. As the other reviewers have stated, all interactions with Emilie have been prompt, professional and thorough. Although we have organized European travel on our own in the past, concerned that we might be …
Beverley & John
We've just come back from an amazing holiday planned by Emilie. The detailed guide book and all the maps and brochures we received were way beyond our expectations. The information on local customs and language helped us immensely during our stay in France. Emilie was prompt and courteous answering our many questions while planning our custom tour …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Young Nam, Albert & Myoung from the US
In the Dentelles de Montmirail, in Provence
Lorelea, Teresa, Diane & Chris
From the US
With their hostess in Lille, Northern France
Dan & Kim
From the US
Romantic time in Paris...
Judy, Marlyn, Alex & Jose from Mexico
Drinking Champagne at Taittinger in Reims...looking so French with the "beret"
Bob & Naomi
From the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny, Normandy
Peter
from Canada
Truffle Hunting in Dordogne
Judy & Rich
from the US
in Giverny, Normandy
Karen & Ed
from the US
At the restaurant in Giverny
Kathie, Joan, Brian and Richard
from Canada
Biking for a day in the Loire Valley
Lis, Mervyn & Stephen
from Australia
On the Riviera
Ron, Jane, Don & Nancy
From Canada
Visiting a wine cellar
Marcy, Mike & their daughters
from the US
in front of Clos Vougeot in Burgundy

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