Eiffel Tower

Most visited monument in the world

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments in the world. And the symbol of Paris. The story behind this steel tower, is special. It is named after its creator Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (1832–1923), the son of a German officer.

Once despised, it is now the icon of the city of Paris, if not France. It was built in 1889 for the World Expo as a temporary object. Nowadays, the most visited paid attraction in the world.

Best time for the Eiffel Tower

The best way to enjoy this tower is at sunset. At the height of 324 meters you have a great view of the city. After all, the structure was built for the World Expo in 1889 for this purpose precisely: to impress… You can go up via the stairs or the elevator. The elevator will bring you all the way to the top where you can have a great view of Paris city. Be aware, it can be busy in the afternoon, especially in summer.

Did Gustave Eiffel design the Eiffel Tower?

However, the design was created by two of his employees: Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier. Though Eiffel was not impressed by the design, he did buy it from them and submitted it for the World Exhibition in Barcelona (1888). It was rejected.

In 1889, Eiffel submitted the design again at the World Exhibition in Paris. That year, France celebrated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

The ornamental redesigns

Many residents found the steel skeleton despicable and thought its construction a true blunder of the city. Yet, after some ornamental redesigns, Eiffel was commissioned to build it. The 324-meter-high, steel tower would serve as the gateway to the exhibition. Initially, the Eiffel Tower would only stay temporarily: it would remain at its location for only twenty years. Today, the Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid attraction in the world.

The best way to enjoy this tower is at sunset. At the height of 324 meters you have a great view of the city. After all, the structure was built for the World Expo in 1889 for this purpose precisely: to impress… You can go up via the stairs or the elevator. The elevator will bring you all the way to the top where you can have a great view of Paris city. Be aware, it can be busy in the afternoon, especially in summer.

My Tips

Show all Bucket List Tips on France

Read My Tips

all 34 articles on France

Show all articles