The majestic Eiffel Tower

Group tours to Paris inevitably include a must-see visit to the Eiffel Tower, synonymous with the city of Paris. It is the most visited landmark in the world with nearly 7,000,000 people from every corner of the globe each year. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, who won the bid out of 107 bidders, and built in 1889 for the Universal Exposition to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution, the iron-clad structure attests to its roots in infrastructure technology during the 19th century. It stands a whopping 324 meters high (1063 feet), with three levels, at a total weight of 22,000,000 pounds (10,100 tons).

A 360 degree, panoramic view of Paris is seen from the Eiffel Tower. The tower is illuminated in the evenings, and it sparkles with breathtaking vibrancy for 10 minutes every hour on the hour until 1:00 am each evening.

Each of the three levels offers a slightly different perspective overlooking Paris, each with a different admission price. The first level is 190 feet above the ground, the second- 380 feet, and the third- 900 feet. The first level is open and currently undergoing renovation, while boasting boutiques, restaurants, and even a cinema showcasing the history of the Eiffel tower. For visitors with children aged 6-10, a kid-friendly host named Gus helps these little tourists to learn about the Tower’s history. The second level offers 3 souvenir shops, and places to eat, including the well-known, modern and chic, “Jules Verne” restaurant. Reservations highly recommended. The third level shows a wax-figure reconstruction of Eiffel’s office. At the summit there is also a champagne bar, and interesting facts about La Tour Eiffel, such as how much paint is used every seven years to repaint the tower (60 tons).

The best views from the tower can be seen after dark, when the City of Lights shows its finery. Views of the city are often clearer and better defined without the haze of the daylight, and the lines of people waiting to go up are less long. Overlooking the Iena Bridge on one side and the beautiful Champs de Mars on the other, the Tower is the background setting to the most beautiful display of fireworks

Fireworks near the Eiffel Tower

display every national holiday, the 14th of July. A stroll along the Seine River invariably keeps the Tower in view. One of the nicest images of it is from the Mirabeau Bridge, where once can capture both the Tower and the miniature Statue of Liberty, which is posted on the Grenelle Bridge.

The Eiffel Tower is an incredible feat of architecture. Initially expected to last a mere 20 years, it has stood for more than 120 years, and has become the symbol of France/ Hours: every day from 9am to 11pm, and until 12 midnight during the summer. Metro stops: Bir-Hakeim, or Alma; Trocadero; RER-C Champs de Mars. Take a virtual tour HERE.