- History and visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris
- Discover the surroundings of Eiffel Tower in Paris
- Transfer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris
History and Visit of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower is a global symbol of France. It is located in the 7th district of Paris, on the northwest edge of the Champ de Mars park. Previously, it was known as the 300-meter tower. It was designed between 1884 and 1887 by Maurice Koechlin, Emile Nouguier, and Stephen Sauvestre. The construction of this famous tower was carried out by engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company. The tower has a freestanding wrought iron architectural style and was designed to function as an observation and telecommunications tower. The construction work was completed by 250 workers between 1887 and 1889. It stands at 324 meters, with the antenna reaching 279.11 meters from the top floor.
The tower is owned by the city of Paris and is operated by the Eiffel Tower Operating Company. It is the tallest monument in Paris and attracts the most visitors. The Eiffel Tower has been highly appreciated by the public since its construction, as indicated by its ever-increasing number of visitors. It has been a testament to French expertise in construction techniques. The tower was showcased at the 1889 Universal Exposition and was presented as the event’s masterpiece. It was also constructed to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel won the competition launched by the Minister of Trade and Industry on May 1, 1886, for the tower’s completion. An agreement was signed on January 8, 1887, and the work was done in record time—only two years, two months, and five days. The inauguration of the tower took place on March 31, 1889. It was classified as a historical monument on June 24, 1964, and was recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1991.
The Eiffel Tower has four levels and comprises about 116 sections. The base of the tower is positioned on a 116-meter square. These pillars rest on a 2-meter-thick moving concrete slab, supported by 16 foundations. It has large bolts measuring 7.80 meters in length. The tower’s substructure, which houses the bases of the pillars, measures 25 meters on each side. The north and west pillars house the ticket booths, the south pillar contains a private elevator, and the east and west pillars accommodate public elevators. The four pillars are connected by arches with a 74-meter diameter. The first floor of the tower spans an area of 4220 square meters.
This floor houses the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant. The second floor of the tower can accommodate around 1,600 people simultaneously. It offers a fantastic view and houses the Jules Verne restaurant. The third floor can accommodate 400 people and covers an area of 350 square meters, providing access to the fourth floor. The tower has replicas not only in France but also worldwide, with versions found in Lyon, Prague, Las Vegas, Tokyo, and Hangzhou in China. The Eiffel Tower has been featured in various art forms, including paintings, photographs, literature, and films.
Discover the surroundings of Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower, standing proudly on the Champ de Mars, is surrounded by some of the most fascinating attractions in Paris. Just steps away, the Trocadéro Gardens provide one of the best viewpoints for admiring the tower, especially at sunset when the monument sparkles with thousands of lights. Across the river, the Palais de Chaillot hosts museums such as the Musée de l’Homme and the Musée national de la Marine, offering cultural discoveries in a stunning architectural setting. Visitors can stroll along the Seine River, enjoy boat cruises departing nearby, and experience the beauty of Paris from the water.
Within walking distance lies the Quai Branly Museum – Jacques Chirac, showcasing fascinating collections of indigenous art and cultures. The area is also filled with elegant cafés and restaurants where you can taste French cuisine while enjoying views of the Iron Lady. For those who love open spaces, the Champ de Mars park offers green lawns perfect for a picnic with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. A short walk takes you to the golden-domed Hôtel des Invalides, home to Napoleon’s tomb and a military museum, highlighting another layer of Parisian history.
Exploring the surroundings also means discovering the stylish avenues leading to the River Seine bridges, such as Pont d’Iéna and Pont Alexandre III, both renowned for their impressive sculptures and breathtaking panoramas. For a smooth arrival to this remarkable area, it is advisable to book a direct shuttle from Orly. This reliable service ensures comfortable transportation, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying the cultural, historical, and scenic treasures surrounding the Eiffel Tower.
Transfer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris, is located 19.2 km from Orly Airport, 31.7 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 87.5 km from Beauvais Airport. Travelers arriving in the city often face the challenge of choosing the best way to reach this landmark. Public transportation such as the metro or RER is inexpensive but involves crowded trains, stairs, and multiple transfers, making it difficult with luggage. Taxis offer direct access but at a high cost and with unpredictable traffic.
Many visitors prefer the convenience of booking a shuttle service, which combines comfort and efficiency. These transfers provide door-to-door service, luggage assistance, and reliable schedules. A CDG airport shuttle ensures a smooth connection from Charles de Gaulle, while a private transfer from Orly offers direct access to the Eiffel Tower area. For those planning excursions, booking a shuttle to Versailles adds convenience to your Parisian adventure. These services make traveling stress-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying the beauty of the Eiffel Tower and its surroundings.