[A to Z] Information about the Eiffel Tower - France's Iconic Landmark

The History of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower (French: Tour Eiffel) is a symbol of Paris, the capital of France. Situated in the Champ-de-Mars area next to the peaceful Seine River, it is one of the most beloved landmarks in France, attracting visitors from all corners of the world.

• Address: Champ-de-Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 7th Arrondissement, Paris, France.

The construction of the Eiffel Tower officially began in 1887 and was completed two years later in 1889, coinciding with the World Exposition and the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower was known as the tallest structure in the world at the time, though it lost this title after over 40 years to the Chrysler Building in New York.

During the more than two years of construction, the Eiffel Tower cost over 800,000 Francs, an enormous sum for that era. The tower's design was praised for its precision and structural integrity, with the hole patterns aligning perfectly with the original plans. It is fair to say that the Eiffel Tower in Paris is a remarkable achievement in architectural history.

Information about the Eiffel Tower of France (Photo: @timtour)

It’s a little-known fact that Gustave Eiffel was not the creator of the Eiffel Tower. The design was actually developed by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, with modifications by chief architect Stephen Sauvestre. Once the design was finalized, Gustave Eiffel secured the building rights under his name and later acquired the exclusive rights to the design.

In addition to its role as a major tourist destination, the Eiffel Tower also contributes to scientific endeavors and serves as a television and radio broadcasting station for the entire Paris metropolitan area. Through this symbol, France sought to assert its position as an industrial powerhouse, leading the revolution in iron and steel construction materials.

Eiffel Tower Admission Fees

The Eiffel Tower in France is typically open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM every day of the week, although ticket sales usually close earlier than the visiting hours. If you plan to experience the Eiffel Tower's stunning night views, it is advisable to purchase your tickets in advance.

Ticket prices for the Eiffel Tower are regularly updated and available both online and in-person. To avoid standing in long lines, it is recommended to buy tickets online at least two months in advance. Some online ticket options allow you to skip the line for quicker entry.

When researching ticket prices for the Eiffel Tower as part of a tour in France, it’s important to confirm the specific time of your visit before booking to avoid any complications with ticket collection or waiting in line. Refer to the detailed schedule below for more information:

Ticket prices for visiting the Eiffel Tower at the current time (Unit: VND)

Ticket prices for the Eiffel Tower are updated on the official Tour Eiffel Paris website based on the current exchange rate. These prices have been increased following a government decision to support the massive restoration costs. Visitors can also opt for additional combo tickets that include food, drinks, a guide, or a boat ride along the Seine River.

Architecture of the Eiffel Tower

Originally designed with a height of 300 meters, the Eiffel Tower’s height was increased to 325 meters due to a new digital antenna on top, making it equivalent to a 100-story building. The tower's body is entirely made of steel, featuring around 12,000 metal-welded details, contributing to the structure's total weight of approximately 10,000 tons.

Design Features and Architecture of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower's architecture consists of three levels, as detailed below:

• The first level of the Eiffel Tower stands at a height of 57.6 meters, with an area of approximately 4,200 square meters. The northern and western legs of the tower host the ticketing area, while the eastern and western legs are equipped with elevators that take approximately 8 minutes per ride. There is also a pedestrian path on the eastern leg with around 1,700 steps that lead to the upper levels. The south leg is reserved for staff and guests of the Le Jules Verne restaurant, with an exclusive elevator.
• The second level offers a stunning view of Paris from a height of 115.7 meters, covering around 1,650 square meters. Visitors can explore the corridors and gaze out at various parts of the city through telescopes. Notably, the second level displays some historical remnants of the original Eiffel Tower, such as the spiral staircase, which has been restored and removed.
• The highest level of the tower is located at 276.1 meters above the ground and covers an area of around 350 square meters. Due to its height, this level is primarily used as an exhibition space and observation deck. On clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the City of Light and explore fascinating sights in the sky through telescopes.

Eiffel Tower Architecture (Photo: @freepik)

At the information counter of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, alongside the Altitude 95 restaurant and Le Jules-Verne, visitors can find a variety of other areas offering fast food, souvenir shops, exhibition rooms, and a store selling commemorative stamps from France.

Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower

Visitors can explore the Eiffel Tower at any time of the day; however, the tower tends to be more dazzling and crowded during the evenings. Additionally, visiting the Eiffel Tower in all four seasons offers unique experiences each time.

Spring

Spring in the French capital runs from March to May, bringing gradually warmer temperatures averaging between 10-15°C, clear skies, and minimal rain. During this time, Paris showcases the Eiffel Tower surrounded by the vibrant pink of cherry blossoms and other colorful flowers in bloom.

Spring is the peak season and the ideal time to book a European tour to visit the Eiffel Tower. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance and check the schedule to ensure smooth entry and a pleasant experience while avoiding long queues.

Eiffel Tower in Spring (Image: @amazon.co.uk)

Summer

Summer in Paris, from June to August, is pleasantly mild with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. This season is popular among France lovers due to the clear skies, abundant sunshine, and the Eiffel Tower’s striking silhouette against the bright sky.

At this time of year in Paris, the sun sets quite late, even until 9 PM, and the sky is bathed in twilight hues. Visitors can take advantage of the late hours to enjoy the Eiffel Tower sparkling in lights. Don't miss the chance to visit the Eiffel Tower on France's National Day, July 14th, when the area around the Seine River and the tower itself are illuminated by vibrant fireworks.

Eiffel Tower in Summer (Image: @girlstripvibes)

Autumn

Much like spring, autumn, from August to November, is a beloved season with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 15°C. Instead of the pink hues, the Eiffel Tower is now surrounded by the golden shades of trees, turning the area into an even more enchanting and romantic paradise.

Make sure to check the weather forecast and prepare an umbrella and a jacket to guard against sudden rain showers, as Paris' rainy season can be quite unpredictable.

Eiffel Tower in Autumn (Image: @maitravel)

Winter

Winter in Paris lasts from December to February, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C. During this time, visitors will see the Eiffel Tower blanketed in white snow. Although this is not the peak tourist season, it offers the perfect opportunity to take photos with fewer crowds and without the long waiting lines.

Hãy chuẩn bị những trang phục ấm áp và chống thấm nước để tận hưởng một Paris ngập trong tuyết trắng cũng như đón một mùa Giáng sinh rực rỡ tại kinh đô ánh sáng thời điểm này.

Hình ảnh tháp Eiffel mùa đông (Ảnh: @holivn)

Cách di chuyển tới tháp Eiffel

Theo kinh nghiệm du lịch châu Âu, để di chuyển tới tháp Eiffel bạn cần lưu ý các thông tin dưới đây:

From Vietnam to Paris

To reach the Eiffel Tower in France, travelers need to book a flight from Vietnam to the capital city, Paris, landing at major airports like Charles-de-Gaulle International Airport, Paris-Le Bourget Airport, Paris-Orly Airport, etc. The direct flight takes approximately 12 hours, while flights with 1 or 2 layovers range from 15 to 35 hours.

Typically, Vietnam Airlines and Air France operate direct flights. Alternatively, travelers can choose connecting flights with Qatar Airways, Air China International, Emirates Airlines, and other airlines, as well as find affordable flight deals to France.

Flight prices to Paris at the moment, excluding taxes and fees (Currency: VND)

From the center of Paris to the Eiffel Tower

The distance from the center of Paris to the Eiffel Tower is approximately 4.6 km. The journey is not long and offers several public transportation options, including:

• Metro: Visitors using the metro to reach the Eiffel Tower can get off at Bir-Hakeim station (Line 6), École Militaire station (Line 8), or Trocadéro station (Line 9). The walk from the station to the tower takes around 8 to 16 minutes.
• RER Train: Similar to a regular train but with both underground and surface routes, the RER train passengers can take Line C from the Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station. The walk from the station to the tower will take about 8 minutes.
• Bus: Buses are the slowest and most economical mode of transportation. Travelers can enjoy the sights of historic Paris aboard buses 30, 40, and 82. The walk from the bus stop to the Eiffel Tower takes around 5 minutes.
• Taxi: A taxi is the most flexible option but also the most expensive. Visitors using a taxi can be dropped off near the Pullman hotel. This area allows drivers to park and avoids traffic congestion, with a short walk to the tower.

RER Train in Paris, France (Photo: @mhdzastavka)

An unmissable experience when visiting the Eiffel Tower

In terms of Eiffel Tower architecture, the first level features a completely glass walkway, providing not only a stunning photo opportunity but also a chance to conquer the vast space beneath the tower. This area not only sells admission tickets but also hosts many dining options, including Altitude 95, Madame Brasserie, souvenir shops, and an exhibition space showcasing French history and culture.

Image of the Eiffel Tower at the first level (Photo: @moatti-riviere)

The second level offers the best views of Paris, the capital of France. This floor is divided into two sections: the main floor and the upper balcony. The main floor not only features a corridor with telescopes for city views, but also houses souvenir shops and charming snack counters.

The highlight of the second level is the upper balcony, home to luxury restaurants, including Le Jules-Verne, which has a private entrance. To dine here, reservations must be made 1 to 3 months in advance, offering the chance to experience Michelin-starred cuisine with a million-dollar view.

Image of the Eiffel Tower at the second level (Photo: @toureiffel.paris)

The topmost level is the highest point of the tower, often referred to as a museum that preserves artifacts. It includes Gustave Eiffel's working space and a wax statue exhibit. Visitors are advised to bring a jacket if they plan to step outside the corridor to view Paris through telescopes, as the winds at this altitude can be very strong.

Image of the Eiffel Tower at the top level (Photo: @paris-tickets)

Some interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower

Used for scientific purposes

Few people know that, while the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of France's tourism, culture, and history, it was initially used for scientific purposes. In addition to serving as a broadcast station for television and radio signals across the Paris metropolitan area, the tower also houses a meteorological and aviation laboratory on its top level. Moreover, the names of 72 scientists from the 18th and 19th centuries are engraved on the exterior glass panels of the second level.

Once rejected

For more than 140 years, the Eiffel Tower has been closely associated with France, and particularly Paris. However, there was a time when this iconic structure faced harsh criticism and ridicule. It was even considered an ugly ironwork by many, and a group of architects once signed a petition opposing its construction. It's hard to imagine modern France without the Eiffel Tower as its symbol.

The height can change

An interesting feature of the Eiffel Tower is that its height varies between winter and summer. Typically, the tower shrinks by 10 to 20 cm during winter and rises by approximately 17 cm during summer. This phenomenon is explained by the expansion and contraction of metal due to temperature changes.

The Eiffel Tower is not just one color

At first glance, you might think the Eiffel Tower is painted in a single shade of brown, but that's a misconception. To achieve a harmonious look and to combat the effects of fog, the Eiffel Tower is coated with three different shades of brown, with the darkest color at the top gradually lightening as it goes down.

Commercial photography of the Eiffel Tower when lit is not permitted

Hình ảnh tháp Eiffel về đêm khi lên đèn luôn mang đến vẻ đẹp lung linh, rực rỡ. Tuy nhiên, du khách chỉ có thể đăng tải dưới hình thức cá nhân trên mạng xã hội. Trường hợp sử dụng để bán ảnh với mục đích thương mại sẽ là bất hợp pháp vì phần trình chiếu ánh sáng trên tháp đã được đăng ký và công nhận bản quyền.

Tháp Eiffel và những sự thật thú vị (Ảnh: @freepik)

Kinh nghiệm tham quan tháp Eiffel

Tham quan tháp Eiffel ở Pháp, đừng quên bỏ túi một số kinh nghiệm “thực chiến” sau:

To avoid long lines and waiting times when visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, visitors should purchase tickets in advance through the official website or trusted distribution channels.

As one of the most famous landmarks, the Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors each year. Not only is it a symbol of a glamorous Paris and a powerful France, but it is also one of the greatest architectural wonders in the world.

Author: Dung Nguyễn

Image source: Internet