Eiffel Tower and surrounding attractions
(7th arrondissement) (L) -
Constructed between 1887-1889 by Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is a
world landmark known for its graceful structure and wonderful views of
Paris.
The monument, which is over one thousand feet tall, was built as a
temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair. It proved such a
popular attraction that it was given an extended lease on life, but only
after a bitter national debate on whether the monument was attractive or
an eyesore.
Access to the viewing floors is possible by elevators, for a fee that
escalates as you aspire to see Paris from greater heights. The
first elevator takes you to a viewing stand, while a second
elevator will take you to the top viewing floor).
The Eiffel Tower is a popular attraction. On an average day, slightly
over 18,000 visitors are admitted. Individual tickets cannot be
reserved, but large groups must reserve their tickets in advance. Guided
tours are available from several local companies.
The line to ascend the
Tower can be long in summer, but the view is worth the wait. If
you have good weather and have a little extra time, return to the Eiffel
Tower at sunset for a spectacular scene. In addition, when
illuminated, the Eiffel Tower is equally stunning, so try
to catch a view of it after dark.
If you are looking for
the best view and photograph of the Eiffel Tower, approach it from the
Palais de Chaillot across the Seine, as the view is
spectacular. Take the Metro either to the Trocadero or Passy to
access the Palais.
The Eiffel Tower is open year around. From June 18 though
August 28 its hours are 9:00 a.m. to midnight. During the rest of
the year, it is open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more details
and information about fees, please visit the official website for the
Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower has two restaurants. On the first floor is the more
casual 58 Tour Eiffel that converts to a brasserie in the evening from a
family and group restaurant during the day. The famous Le Jules Verne
restaurant on the second floor has earned a Michelin Star (Chef Alain
Ducasse) and has the prices to prove it. The Jules Verne is accessible
by its private elevator. Reservations are required for the Jules Verne
and suggested for 58 Tour Eiffel. Information on contact numbers for
reservations can be found at the official
website for the restaurants.
A fun fact about the Eiffel Tower is that it has been painted eighteen times
since it was completed in 1889. The color has changed several times and
the current hue is called "Tour Eiffel Brown". The monument is painted
in three shades of brown, from dark to light, from bottom to top - to
make the color appear uniform from the ground.
Painting the monument
is considered the most important of the efforts to preserve the Eiffel
Tower and requires fifteen-months to complete. Painting is scheduled every
seven years and the most recent effort started in 2009.
(7th
arrondissement) (L) -
This large rectangular park stretches east from the Eiffel Tower on the
pathway to the Invalides. The Parc, which is centered on the Place
Jacques Rueff, is a good location for viewing the Eiffel Tower.
(16th
arrondissement) (L) -
Located on the top of the Trocadero Hill facing the Seine and the Eiffel
Tower, the Palais offers great views of the Eiffel Tower.
Constructed in the 1930s for the
World Exhibition, it is known for its excellent Musée de l'Homme,
as well as the Musée de la Marine, and the new and impressive Cité de
l'Architecture et du Patrimone, which is focused on the art and
architecture of Paris.
The website of the Cité can be found
here.
The museums are closed on Tuesdays.
Regardless of its impressive museums ( and there are several others in
addition to those described above), the Palais De Chaillot is not on the
list of major attractions in Paris because of its museums, but for its
view of the Eiffel Tower. The gardens and fountains of the Jardins du
Trocadero, which lie down the hill from the Palais, provide a wonderful background
for a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.
(16th
arrondissement) (R) 2, rue Louis-Boilly -
The Marmottan Monet museum will likely be of interest only to die-hard Monet
fans. It is a lovely place, but, as one would expect, focused almost
exclusively on the works of Monet.
The Marmottan is located in an upscale
neighborhood near the La Muette Metro station. The Museum
possesses the world's largest collection of works by Claude Monet but,
arguably, only a small portion of his best works, although it does include his
keynote painting “Sunrise”. The Marmottan has arranged Monet’s works in
stages that follow the development of his techniques.
The Marmottan is a
must see if you are a fan of Monet. See the museum's
website for
details on visiting.
The Museé Marmottan Monet is open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and
Tuesday evenings until 9 p.m.
(7th
arrondissement) (L) between Rue de l'Université and
Quai Branly
-
Opened to the public on June 23rd, 2006, the Musée du quai Branly, near
the Eiffel Tower, celebrates the tribal-indigenous cultures of Africa,
Oceania, Asia and the Americas. The museum's architecture is splashy but
symbolic. The museum's collections are interesting and worth a visit.
In case you were wondering, the Museum is named for its location along
the Quai Branly embankment.
For more information on the
Musée du quai Branly visit the
official website.
Alternatively, it you want to find out about a specific attraction
and know its name, look for it in our
Index of the Best Places To Visit In Paris.
