Eiffel Tower - lift to the top
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Eiffel Tower - by Alexis Minchella on Unsplash
Description
The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower built over the Champs de Mars in Paris and owe its name to Gustave Eiffel whose company designed and built the structure. It has reached iconic status among tourists and is the most visited paid-monument in the world. It was constructed between 1887 and 1889, at the entrance to the World's Fair taking place in the city, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. At the time, it became the tallest man-made structure in the world and remained so for 41 years until the record shifted to the other side of the Atlantic. Around the tower spreads the Champ de Mars, a large public greenspace that was used by the Ecole Militaire for military drills in the 18th and 19th century - which is where the name originates from (Mars is the Roman God of War). Tourists have several ticket choices: steps or lift to the 2nd floor at 115m (674 steps) and then option of lift access to the top observation deck at 276m
Access & Transport
The closest metro and train stations are Bir-Hakeim and Champs de Mars (RER C), respectively. There are several other stations within walking distance: Trocadero, Ecole Militaire and Pont de L'Alma. There are several buses stops and services on various roads surrounding the Champs de Mars. Lift access is at the West and East pillars and visitors electing to use the stairs should head to the South pillar where the tickets can be bought on the spot.
Instructions & Recommendations
Best to book tickets online and be ready to queue to access the lift. The stairs are great unless you suffer from vertigo - they also require a minimum amount of fitness. We would suggest coming in from the Trocadero side for great views over the monument and then combining this attraction with a visit to the Musee du Quai Branly, a cruise on the Seine River or a walk to Les Invalides.
Environmental & Social
You may be surprised to learn that the monument has very green credentials with wind turbines powering the equivalent of its 1st floor businesses, LED lights and a solar thermal panel to heat 50% of its hot water requirements which is partially collected from rainwater. Socially neutral.
Conclusion
There are two ways to experience the Eiffel Tower: looking at it from up close and climbing it (by stairs / lift). The design may not please everybody, but taking the time to think about it, it was an artistic and engineering masterstroke signalling a city turned towards modernity. With respect to going up, we are more ambivalent, and visitors should follow their heart on that one - we think going up the stairs to the 2nd storey is fun, delivers great views and is cost effective and the main reason to go to the top is really only to say you have done it.
Key positive
An iconic and photogenic French landmark
Some of the best views over the city
Going up the stairs is exciting, possibly a bit scary for some
Key negative
Potentially some waiting time
Tickets are a bit expensive (not Vs other top tourist cities though)
Suitability
Suitable for all ages Visitors with reduced mobility can access the first and second floors but not the top one.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Monday09:30 - 23:00
Tuesday09:30 - 23:30
Wednesday09:30 - 23:30
Thursday09:30 - 23:30
Friday09:30 - 23:30
Saturday09:30 - 23:30
Sunday09:30 - 23:30