The tower does an electric dance for five minutes every hour on the hour until 1 AM, with 20,000 lights making a breathtaking display - if you’re nearby at night, make sure you have a look.
You might be surprised to hear that a lot of Parisians — including arbiters of taste Guy de Maupassant and Alexandre Dumas — didn’t like it when it was built.
French engineer Gustave Eiffel, famous for his viaducts and bridges, spent two years designing and building the iconic tower for the World Exhibition in 1889, a huge fair to celebrate industry and trade from around the world. Looking at the structure, it’s quite clear the architect usually did bridges.
Despite its industrial design, there’s no denying the tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks the world over. Gradually it has became part of the city's topography, entering the hearts and souls of residents and visitors alike.
Like the London Eye, it has exceeded its initial charter of ten years which expired in 1909. Thankfully, the city realised it could be used as a radio antenna.
In 2012, a transparent floor 57 metres above the esplanade was added alongside an interactive educational area. As part of French efforts to send an ecological message, a mini turbine plant, four vertical turbine windmills, and eco-friendly solar panels minimize the tower's carbon footprint.
The energetic visitor can stride up 1,700 steps as far as the third floor, but going to the top requires the elevator. At 180 metres up, the view is incredibly romantic. Come in the late evening after the crowds have dispersed, and beat the queues by reserving your ticket online.
Experience the highlights of Paris, the City of Lights and romance on this fabulous half-day private driving tour in a vintage 2CV with your expert driver guide.
On your private tour, you will:
Paris – the city of lights! What better way to tour this most romantic of cities than on a driving tour in a vintage 2CV!
On this half tour of Parisian highlights, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at locations of your choice, then begin with a drive up the Champs Elysees. Paris’s famous shopping avenue, named for the Elysian Fields, culminates with the iconic Arc de Triomphe, a monument to those who fought and died during the Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, and World Wars.
Drive to Opera Garnier (site of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ for more snaps, and then the stunning Place Vendôme, home of the Paris Ritz, featuring a monument to commemorate the victory at Austerlitz in 1805. You’ll drive around Place de la Concorde (the largest square in the city), with its obelisk marking the location of the guillotine, under which King Louis XVI was executed.
Drive along the river Seine and see the beautiful Musée d’Orsay, a former train station turned art gallery, and of course, stop by the Louvre. The former royal palace of the French royals, with its modern glass pyramid and largest, is the grandest museum in Paris.
Explore the wonders of the Latin Quarter, where Hemingway lived, and be famed for its university and the Paris Pantheon. Stand in awe at the gothic masterpiece that is Notre Dame Cathedral – still standing despite the raging fire of 2019. See also the Conciergerie – a former palace, turned jail of the Revolution and today it is still the Paris judiciary.
Take in the outside beauty of Sainte Chappelle (featuring the most impressive stained glass windows in the world). Then, visit the quintessentially French Trocadero where you will have the opportunity to snap some beautiful photos and catch some great views of the world-famous Eiffel Tower.
To conclude this epic tour of the great city of Paris you will head up the hill to Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur Basilica that looks over the city. Here, you’ll be able to stroll along the cobbled streets of this most colourful and bohemian of neighbourhoods, where you will learn more about the fascinating life and works of Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, all of whom lived and worked here. The perfect way to experience the city if you have limited time, and also a great way to find out what to focus on for the rest of your trip.
Tours can be adapted to suit your needs and interests – just get in contact with us!
Please note that the "Liberty Leading the People" will be under restoration until further notice.
Important: This tour includes a 2-hour private guided walking tour followed by a 1-hour river cruise with onboard commentary on your own. Your tour guide will walk you to the cruise docking point where they will part ways with you. You can choose to take the cruise at the end of the tour or later during your stay.
Important: This tour includes a 2-hour private guided walking tour followed by a 1-hour river cruise with onboard commentary on your own. Your tour guide will walk you to the cruise docking point where they will part ways with you. You can choose to take the cruise at the end of the tour or later during your stay.
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