Discover the History of the Eiffel Tower and how to access it

Fascinating History of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is an iron tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel.

An Architectural Feat by Gustave Eiffel

Erected in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, it has become a cultural icon of France and one of the most recognized structures in the world. With over 7 million visitors each year, it is the most visited paid monument in the world. The Eiffel Tower has been listed as a historical monument since June 24, 1964, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991.

Originally standing at 312 meters, the Eiffel Tower remained the tallest monument in the world for 41 years. It consists of 4 floors, with the top one at 279 meters being the highest observation platform accessible to the public in the European Union. Over the years, its height has been increased several times by the installation of numerous antennas for radio and television programs. It now measures 324 meters.

The design of the Eiffel Tower was conceived by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, whose rights Gustave Eiffel would later purchase. This project aimed to be the "highlight of the 1889 Exhibition held in Paris," which also celebrated the centenary of the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel worked hard to promote his project to the public, even funding some experiments with his own money. Built by 250 workers in two years, two months, and five days, the Eiffel Tower was finally inaugurated on March 31, 1889. However, the expected attendance did not materialize until the 1960s, with the rise of international tourism.

Today, the Eiffel Tower is regularly animated by light shows: fireworks for July 14, illuminations every evening, and colorful decorations for various events.

For food lovers, it is also possible to reserve a table at the famous 58 Eiffel Tower restaurant.

Are you planning to visit this monument soon? Check out our review of the Eiffel Tower!

From Protest to Global Icon

In its early days, the Eiffel Tower faced fierce opposition. Some Parisian intellectuals and artists considered this metal structure to be an "architectural shame" that distorted the beauty of Paris. However, over time, it has become a central element of the Parisian landscape, establishing itself as a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Today, it shines brightly every evening thanks to its sparkling illumination, a magical spectacle that attracts thousands of spectators at the foot of the building. Its radiance is not limited to its architecture: the Eiffel Tower is also a favored venue for cultural events and temporary exhibitions.

""

Access and transportation to visit the Eiffel Tower in 2026

The Eiffel Tower is ideally located in the heart of Paris, in the 7th arrondissement, and is accessible by several means of transport.

Different means of transport

🚇 Metro:

• Line 6 – Station Bir-Hakeim
• Line 9 – Station Trocadéro (offering a spectacular view of the Tower before your visit)

🚆 RER: RER C – Station Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel

🚌 Bus: Lines 42, 69, 82, 87 stop nearby

🚲 Bicycle and scooters: Several Vélib’ stations and electric scooter rental points are located nearby.

🚗 Car and parking:

• It is strongly advised not to come by car due to heavy traffic and lack of parking.
• The nearest parking lots are Quai Branly parking and Joffre École Militaire.

Best times and tips to avoid the crowd

To enjoy an optimal experience, here are some tips:

Best times to visit the Eiffel Tower:

• In the morning (before 10 AM) or in the evening (after 8 PM) to avoid large crowds.
• On weekdays rather than on weekends.

Best times of the year:

• Spring and autumn: pleasant temperatures and moderate crowds.
• Winter (excluding Christmas holidays): lower crowds, but beware of cold temperatures.

Some additional practical tips for your visit to the Eiffel Tower:

• Buy your tickets in advance to avoid queues.
• Use the East or West pillar entrance, often less crowded than the North and South ones.
• Prefer the stairs (up to the 2nd floor) to avoid waiting for the elevators.

Where to buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower?

It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your time slot and avoid queues. Several options are available:

• Standard ticket: access to the 1st and 2nd floors by elevator or stairs.
• Summit ticket: full access to the top of the Tower.
• Special experiences: gourmet dinner, exclusive guided tour, privatization of certain spaces.

You can book this activity or any other now on our dedicated page for cultural activities in Paris to enjoy a unique experience.

News and updates about the Eiffel Tower in 2026

Renovations and modernization of the monument

The Eiffel Tower undergoes regular renovations to ensure its longevity and the comfort of its visitors. Among the latest notable improvements:

• Complete renovation of the North pillar elevator in 2024, facilitating smoother and safer access.
• Annual maintenance of the summit, temporarily closed from January 6 to February 7, 2025.
• Implementation of new ecological measures, such as the installation of photovoltaic panels and better energy management.

These works allow the Iron Lady to adapt to modern requirements while preserving its historical prestige.

Redevelopment of the area: an ambitious project

The City of Paris has launched a project for the beautification and modernization of the surroundings of the Eiffel Tower. By 2026, several major transformations will be completed:

• Pedestrianization of the Jena Bridge to create a more pleasant space for visitors.
• Development of a green promenade along the Quai Branly.
• Transformation of the Trocadéro square into a green amphitheater, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the Tower.

These initiatives are part of a desire to improve the tourist experience while making the site more ecological and accessible.

Upcoming unique events and experiences

Every year, the Eiffel Tower offers immersive experiences for its visitors. Among the events not to be missed in 2026:

• 💘 Valentine's Day at the Eiffel Tower: a romantic evening with special illuminations and gourmet menus.
• 🎢 "The Vertigo of the Tower": a new temporary attraction offering a dizzying experience walking on a transparent platform.
• 🌟 Exclusive dinners with menus created by starred chefs, including a unique experience for Christmas. For an unforgettable evening, discover our special offer for a Christmas dinner at the Eiffel Tower.

With these new features and improvements, the Eiffel Tower promises to remain one of the most magical sites in Paris for years to come.

Practical information and tips for a successful visit

To fully enjoy your visit to the Eiffel Tower, here are some essential tips.

What is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?

The monument is open year-round, but some periods are more pleasant than others:

• Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November): mild weather and moderate crowds.
• Winter (January - February, excluding Christmas holidays): few tourists, but cool temperatures.
• Summer (July - August): high crowds, prefer visits early in the morning or late in the evening.

How much time should you plan for a visit?

The average visit time varies depending on your choice:

• 1 to 1.5 hours to go up to the 1st and 2nd floors.
• 2 to 2.5 hours if you go to the summit.
• 3 hours or more if you want to enjoy the restaurant, exhibitions, and activities on site.

Good practices and safety tips

• Book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
• Prefer the stairs if you want to avoid waiting for the elevators and enjoy the climb.
• Check the weather conditions before your visit, as the summit may be closed in case of strong winds or storms.
• Avoid pickpockets by staying vigilant in lines and around the monument.

What to do around the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is not just an iconic monument: its surroundings are full of activities to discover before or after your visit. Whether you are a fan of walks, culture, or gastronomy, here are the best experiences to enjoy nearby.

Discover the Champ de Mars and its surroundings

The Champ de Mars, a vast green esplanade located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, is the perfect place to:

• Have a picnic with a view of the Tower
• Attend street performances and musical events
• Enjoy a peaceful walk away from the urban hustle

Just a few steps away, the Trocadéro offers an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower, especially at sunrise or sunset. The gardens and fountains of the Trocadéro are perfect for unforgettable photo sessions.

Restaurants and cafés with a view of the Eiffel Tower

Want a meal facing one of the most beautiful panoramas in Paris? Here are some must-visit addresses:

• Lunch at Madame Brasserie(1st floor of the Eiffel Tower) – Perfect for a gourmet lunch with an unobstructed view.
• Le Jules Verne (2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower) – A Michelin-starred restaurant for an exceptional culinary experience.
• The rooftops of Shangri-La and Peninsula – To enjoy a cocktail with a panoramic view of the Tower.

Must-see visits nearby

The surroundings of the Eiffel Tower offer a multitude of places to visit:

• The Quai Branly Museum - Jacques Chirac (5 minutes on foot): dedicated to the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
• The Palais de Tokyo (10 minutes on foot): a temple of contemporary art in Paris.
• Seine River cruises: explore Paris by boat, with options ranging from simple walks to dinner cruises.

For a complete stay in Paris, don’t miss the best exhibitions and cultural events of the moment by checking our selection of exhibitions to see this weekend in Paris.