The Iron Lady of Paris (The Eiffel Tower)

It’s probably the world’s most over-exposed landmark. La dame de fer, as Parisians would have it, or “The Iron Lady,” has become an iconic symbol of Paris, even more recognizable than much older landmarks like Notre Dame de Paris.

It has also become a global symbol of travel. It is an oddly industrial tribute to a city that prides itself more on culture, history, and tradition.

By day, the Eiffel Tower is a focal point of the Paris skyline. Set amidst parkland in downtown Paris right next to the Seine, it becomes a spring outdoor meeting place. By night, it’s a brilliantly illuminated beacon that shimmers in the hourly light show. Paris is, after all, known as the City of Light.

More Photos of the Eiffel Tower

You can find more of my photos of the Eiffel Tower here.

More About the Eiffel Tower

• Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889
• Originally constructed as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair)
• Stands 1,083 feet (330 meters) tall, including its antennas
• Weighs approximately 10,100 tons
• Consists of 18,038 individual iron pieces held together by 2.5 million rivets
• Repainted every seven years, requiring 60 tons of paint
• Features three levels accessible to visitors, with restaurants on the first and second levels

The Eiffel Tower, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, is located in Paris, France, on the Champ de Mars near the Seine River. Completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, it was initially intended as a temporary exhibit to showcase French engineering prowess. However, the tower’s immense popularity ensured its preservation and continued existence.

The Eiffel Tower stands at an impressive 1,083 feet (330 meters) in height, making it the tallest structure in Paris. Constructed from 18,038 individual iron pieces and held together by 2.5 million rivets, it weighs around 10,100 tons. The tower’s unique lattice design, created by Gustave Eiffel and his team of engineers, provides both structural support and aesthetic appeal.

Visitors can access the tower’s three levels via stairs or elevators. The first and second levels feature restaurants and viewing platforms, while the third level offers a panoramic view of the city from the highest accessible point. The Eiffel Tower is also home to various antennas used for radio and television broadcasting, adding to its overall height.

Aside from being a popular tourist attraction, the Eiffel Tower has also been the site of numerous scientific experiments and has played a crucial role in the development of modern telecommunications. Furthermore, the tower is repainted every seven years using around 60 tons of paint to maintain its iconic appearance and protect it from the elements.

What’s Nearby to the Eiffel Tower

• The Louvre Museum
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Champs-Élysées
• Musée d’Orsay
• Arc de Triomphe

How to Get to the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France. The nearest major airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). To reach the tower using public transportation, take Line 6 or Line 9 of the Paris Metro to the “Bir-Hakeim” or “Trocadéro” stations, respectively. Alternatively, the RER C train stops at the “Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel” station, a short walk from the tower.

Eiffel Tower FAQs