Thursday: May 6

Tour Eiffel: One of the most recognisable structures on the planet

Is it almost impossible to go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower stands in the heart of Paris surveying all below her. The view from each level is just fantastic. You look around and the whole of Paris is laid out in front of you, with roads seeming to lead right to the tower. You are in the middle of everything.

The Eiffel Tower (French: Tour Eiffel), is a 19th century iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris that has become both a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The Eiffel Tower, which is the tallest building in Paris, is the single most visited paid monument in the world.  Millions of people ascend it every year. Named after its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair.

The tower stands 324 m (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-story building. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world from its completion until 1930, when it was eclipsed by the Chrysler Building in New York City. Not including broadcast antennas, it is the second-tallest structure in France, behind the Millau Viaduct, completed in 2004.

The tower has three levels for visitors. Tickets can be purchased to ascend either on stair or lift to the first and second levels. The walk to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the walk from the first to the second level. The third and highest level is accessible only by lift. Located on its first floor and in the stairways is the story of the Eiffel Tower as told by posters, photos, illustrations, films and interactive displays.Both the first and second levels feature restaurants; but in my opinion both overrated and over priced!

The tower has become the most prominent symbol of both Paris and France.

Bum under the Eiffel Tower

 Look under the Eiffel Tower for the patch of grass especially designed for your bum. Sit on it. Extract a bottle of wine, bread, the world’s best cheese, pate etc from your bag. Wait for the sun to set and the lights to come on. Magic, to be enjoyed with personage(s) of your choosing.

Click here to see other pictures.

     

Click here to see other pictures.                                                             Click on the movie strip above to see the tower at NYE
                                                                                                                  This works - the file is 36 meg and may take a
                                                                                                                   a minute to load (see upper left corner of media
                                                                                                                   player. Not sure if it works on a MAC?

I was going to put something else here but I just can't detract from the beautiful tower. We will crowd in stuff on another day. Until then, relax and enjoy the tower...it's magical!