Eiffel Tower Facts – The Iconic Parisian Tower in Paris France

Paris France Virtual Field Trip Week 3

Free Paris France Vacation coloring page: The Eiffel Tower coloring page

Ask anyone what they first think of when the hear France or Paris, and no doubt, the Eiffel Tower will come to mind.  Here you’ll learn some fun Eiffel Tower facts that will make your visit there even more fun!

The tower has become the global icon of both Paris and France. In addition, the tower welcomes about ten million tourists every year . This makes it the most-visited monument in the world that requires entrance fees.

Eiffel Tower Construction

The iron made lattice Eiffel Tower is situated at the vast green lawn of Champ de Mars. It was named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who built it. The construction of the tower began in 1887 and ended in 1889 as the gateway arch for the 1889 World’s Fair.

Standing tall at 324 meters (1063 Ft or 12,756 inches), the Eiffel Tower is about the same height as an 80-story building.

Though its design was initially criticized by many artists and intellectuals of France, it has become a cultural icon of the country, as well as one of the most well-known structures in the world.

Visiting the Tower

There are three levels open to visitors. Ticket prices vary depending on the levels you visit and how you get to the levels,  either the stairs or the lift.

 

Take the Stairs?

Taking the stairs would be a cheaper (and yes, healthier) option, but access to the third and highest level is not available via stairs.

If you want to enjoy the panorama of Paris by stairs,  be prepared for a workout. From ground level to the first level alone is over 300 steps then another 300 steps from the first to the second level.

There are restaurants and snack bars at the first and second levels just in case.

Keepsake of visit

The must-have Eiffel Tower miniatures and other souvenir items are available on the ground, first and second levels.

When can I visit?

The Eiffel Tower Paris France is open every single day of the year from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. There are certain occasions and holidays when they extend the opening hours to midnight. To avoid long lines and crowds, visit during weekdays rather than weekends. October to March are cold and rainy months. Not only does the gloomy weather obstruct the scenic view of the city, access to the top of the tower may sometimes be suspended due to weather conditions and/or security measures.

The Eiffel Tower is picturesque both morning and night. Arriving right before sunset is a good idea. The morning light features its architecture while the gold lights illuminating the Eiffel Tower at night is equally charming and shouldn’t be missed.

Most people probably have the Eiffel Tower in their travel bucket list. But did you know that when the Eiffel Tower was first built, it was controversial and many resisted as the public felt it was an eyesore. Luckily, it was kept as Paris or France would definitely now be incomplete without the Eiffel Tower.

 

Eiffel Tower Facts in Pop Culture

Many TV shows, music videos and movies have made the tower a backdrop and perfect setting for their romantic plots. No wonder many couples have paid a visit to this monument to propose or celebrate their honeymoon.

Reviews

Tower Reviews on TripAdvisor

Getting to the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower  is located in Champ de Mars, a large public greenspace in Paris, France.

Metro Station: Champs de Mars / Tour Eiffel on line RER C

Website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/

WebCam: https://www.earthcam.com/france/paris/?cam=eiffeltower_hd

Fun Eiffel Tower Facts

• The tower is named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer whose firm designed and erected the tower.
• The tower is the tallest structure in Paris— it is 1,063 feet (324 meters) tall.
• Gustave Eiffel himself engraved on the tower the names of 72 French engineers, scientists, and mathematicians as a symbol of recognition for their contributions in building the tower,.
• The tower weighs, in total, 10,100 tons.
• Eiffel Tower is painted in three shades, darkest at the bottom and lightest at the top. This was done to complement the Parisian sky.
• To prevent the tower from rusting, 60 tons of paint is applied every 7 years.
• Around 25,000 people, on average, ascend the tower every single day.
• In addition to being an observation tower and tourist attraction, the tower is also used to make radio transmissions.
• Eiffel Tower is known worldwide as a symbol of love.
• The Eiffel Tower is a lattice tower made of wrought iron.

 

Paris France Virtual Field Trip Recap

Week 1 – Things to do in Paris with kids
Week 2 – The Parisian Catacombs
Week 3 – The Eiffel Tower
Week 4 – Arc de Triomphe Paris

For updates on all new Virtual Field Trips, join our updates list by using the box at the bottom of the page (Click on Free Download of Top Attractions for Kids in London – or click through here)