Eiffel Tower: Experience The French Icon
In the beginning, Eiffel Tower was thought only as a temporary structure but it became one the most famous building in the whole world. Eiffel Tower was meant to be on the stage for 20 years to celebrate the French Revolution in 1889. It takes two years to build this iconic wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Name of the tower comes from its creator engineer Gustave Eiffel. Eiffel Tower is 324 meters long which is equal to almost 80 storey building and the tallest structure in Paris.
Construction of Eiffel Tower
The original design of the Eiffel Tower belongs to Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguire who worked for the Compagnie des Établissements Eiffel. The tower was designed as an inspiration from the Latting Observatory in New York. I won't write so many things of details about the pre-construction phase of the tower but it was a quiet event for the French community to show the world the power of the French Revolution.
First drawing of the Eiffel Tower with size comparison with famous landmarks (Source) Construction of foundation started on 28 January 1887. East and south legs of the tower ere straightforward concrete slabs. West and north legs are more engineered than the other. Maybe you won't see any differences on legs today but hard work performed to make the thing rights during the construction. There are huge limestone blocks to support the ironwork. When you go up to the tower just thing what lies under the tower the keep it standing :) To make the tower more secure for its visitor lifts were also designed and constructed. Lifts reach to the top from the first level and they almost follow a straight path to the end. Each mini trip with lifts takes around a minute which is very fast.
Foundation of Eiffel Tower (Source)
Eiffel Tower Construction (Source)
Where is The Eiffel Tower?
This unique landmark is located on Champ de Mars near the Seine river. Famous avenues of Paris like Boulevard de Grenelle, Quai Branly, Avenue de Suffren and the Avenue de la Bourdonnais covers the tower. Charles de Gaulle airport to Eiffel Tower If you came to Paris and want to see the Eiffel as soon as possible you can do it. From Charles de Gaulle Airport to Eiffel Tower you need to take a bus or train from the airport to reach the Eiffel Tower but taking a train is the most efficient way if you have pieces of luggage. You can take the B train line to reach to St-Michel Notre-Dame station and transfer to the yellow line to reach the Pont de l'Alma station for the tower. Disneyland to Eiffel Tower If you plan to visit Disneyland in the morning and Eiffel Tower at afternoon you need to take the RER A train to reach the Gare de Rueil Malmaison and take the bus number 30 to reach the tower. This journey should take around 90 minutes. Louvre Museum to Eiffel Tower Paris's other iconic landmark is the Louvre Museum. If you want to go to Eiffel Tower from the Louvre Museum take M1 from Palais Royal Musée du Louvre station to Franklin D. Roosevelt station then take the M9 line to reach the Alma-Marceau station. You just need to take a 10-minute walk from here to reach the tower.
Eiffel Tower from above (Source)
Eiffel Tower Tour and Tips
Since 1889, more than 250 million people visited this unique French landmark. Yearly, more than 7 million people visit the Eiffel, means more than 75.000 per day. These number will force you to plan your trip carefully. You should take look to this website before visiting a tower. They are sharing real-time info about the tower-like warnings, crowd etc. Also, you can buy your ticket online from that website. Prices will vary depending on the type of the ticket between 16.30 to 25.50 Euro. There are different rates for young, children and infants. The tower is open between 09.00-00.45 between and 14 June - 31 August, 09.30-23.45 rest of the years. These times are valid for the lifts. If you want to use the stair times changes to 09.00-00.45 and 09.30-18.30. In Eiffel Tower, there are three different spots; First floor, Second floor and The top. Also, there is the Esplanade where you can see through the iron tower. Places offer you a spectacular view. 1st floor is 57 meter, 2nd flor is 116 meter and the top is 276 meter-high from the ground. You will also see the Gustave Eiffel sculpture here. Information desk and The 1899 lift machinery can be seen also. Tower 1st Floor 1st floor offers you a stunning panoramic view of Paris. There are galleries, slideshows and relaxation facilities for the visitors. You can visit the floor both with lift or stairs. You need to climb 56 meters with stair to reach the 1st floor. Tower 2nd Floor Its better than the 1st floor of course. Entire Paris will lay on your feet. You will see the Louvre, Grand Palais, Seine River, Montmarte, Invalides, Notre Dame and much more. There is also Michelin-starred restaurant the Jules Verne in here. Tower The Top You won't hear the sound of the cars, horns or the people in here. You're 276 meters up from the floor to share your love. During the night, it will be a quiet experience to see Paris. Please share your experiences to improve this guide to help the people who are planning to visit the Paris and iconic landmark of the French Revolution. Read the full article
