http://www.paris-travel-guide.info/eiffel-tower-paris-france-restaurant/
Visiting The Eiffel Tower
Whenever someone talks about going to France, the one thing that instantly comes to mind is visiting the Eiffel Tower. It’s a structure that is rooted so deep within French history that even if you’ve only ever visited the country once, you’ve more than likely visited it.
But what does it even stand for? Why is there in the first place? When was it built and what is it actually used as? Well of course I just had to go and find out.
The Eiffel Tower or ‘The Iron Lady’ as it’s sometimes nicknamed was built way back in 1889 (a staggering 121 years ago) and is one of, if not, the most recognizable structures in the world. It was named after its designer Gustave Eiffel. Sitting comfortably on the Champ de Mars in Paris, the 10,000 ton iron lattice tower stands at an astounding 1,063ft. Upon completion it was the tallest manmade structure in the world, usurping the Washington Monument and retaining the title for 41 years until the Chrysler building was complete in New York.
When visiting the Eiffel Tower, It has a total of three levels for visitors, the first two of which are accessible by stairs (over 600) whilst the third level can only be accessed by an elevator. The first two floors both have restaurants whilst the third is used solely as an observation deck. Over 200,000,000 tourists have visited the monument officially making it the most visited monument in world!
As is the way with most tall structures, the very peak is used mostly for communication, T.V and radio purposes with various antennas and transmitters attached to the tip. Aside from that, the tower is also used to celebrate certain events, for instance during the millennium new year celebrations, the tower was completely lit up with flood-lights and sent out thousands of pounds worth of fireworks to ring in the new year. As of 2004, it also now houses an ice-rink on the first floor to welcome in the winter.
Whilst its bare-bone aesthetics can often split people down the middle about its beauty, there is simply no denying the craftsmanship of the Eiffel Tower. It’s an amazing structure, drenched in a rich, cultural history and is a truly astounding manmade icon that stands as tall and as proud as it did 121 years ago. If for some reason or another you haven’t seen it yet then I would highly recommend you pay it a visit to the Eiffel Tower.., it won’t be an experience quickly forgotten.
About the Author
Brenda Fuller, Chatterbox & damn right nnice person
www.the-thing-is.co.uk
“Arrival, Seine, Latin Quarter & Eiffel Tower” Eileen.tan’s photos around Paris, France