Eiffel Tower
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The most distinctive symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) was much maligned by critics when it rose on the city’s skyline in 1889 as part of the Universal Exhibition, but its graceful symmetry soon made it the star attraction. At 320 m (1,050 ft) high, it was the world’s tallest building until it was surpassed by New York’s Empire State Building in 1931. Despite its delicate appearance, it weighs 10,100 metric tons and engineer Gustave Eiffel’s construction was so sound that it never sways more than 7 cm (2.5 in) in strong winds.
For more on the Eiffel Tower Quarter See Invalides and Eiffel Tower Quarters
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1. Viewing Gallery
1. Viewing GalleryAt 274 m (899 ft), the view is stupendous from the third-level viewing gallery, stretching for 80 km (50 miles) on a clear day. You can also see Gustave Eiffel’s sitting room on this level.
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2. Ironwork
The complex pattern of the girders, held together by 2.5 million rivets, stabilizes the tower in high winds. The 18,000 metal parts can expand up to 15 cm (6 in) on hot days.
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3. Lighting
3. LightingA 292,000-watt lighting system makes the Eiffel Tower the most spectacular night-time sight in Paris. Illuminated for 10 minutes every hour, it forms a golden filigree against the dark sky.
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4. View from the Trocadéro
Day or night, the best approach for a first-time view of the tower is from the Trocadéro (see Jardins du Trocadéro), which affords a monumental vista from the terrace across the Seine.
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5. Cineiffel
Located on the first level, this small museum tells the history of the tower through an audio- visual show. It includes footage of famous visitors to the tower, from Charlie Chaplin to Adolf Hitler.
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6. First Level
You can walk the 360 steps to the 57 m (187 ft) high first level, or jump the lift queue by booking a table at the Altitude 95 restaurant. Mail your postcards at the post office.
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7. Second Level
At 115 m (377 ft) high, this is the location of the Jules Verne Restaurant, one of the finest in Paris for both food and views (see Le Jules Verne). The walk up from the first level is 700 steps.
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8. Hydraulic Lift Mechanism
The 1889 lift mechanism is still in operation and travels some 100,000 km (62,000 miles) a year. The lifts have limited capacity, so on busy days allow two hours to the top.
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9. Bust of Gustave Eiffel
This bust of the tower’s creator, by Antoine Bourdelle, was placed below his remarkable achievement, by the north pillar, in 1930.
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10. Champ-de-Mars
The long gardens of this former parade ground stretch from the base of the tower to the École Militaire (military school).
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Absolutly beautiful! No other words for it! views are to die for! I would love to go again!! and again and again!!!
1 month ago
There is no other landmark on Earth that compares to the Eiffel Tower. A pure showcase of true architecture and progress. Especially for such a structure that was built in the 1880's!
about 11 months ago
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