Standing on the Champ-de-Mars by the river Seine, the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) is one of the most recognised monuments in the world and the global icon of France. The Tower, which was completed in 1889, formed the centrepiece for the Exposition Universelle (World Fair), an event held to mark the first centenary of the French Revolution. Its designer, engineer Gustav Eiffel, won the right to construct a 300 metre high tower on the Champ-de-Mars as part of a major architectural competition launched by the French Journal Officiel. Once approved, a team of 230 iron workers took two years to complete it. Despite all this work, the Tower was never intended to be a permanent fixture on the Parisien landscape - its initial 20 year life span was only extended once the structure's potential as an observatory, scientific laboratory and giant radio antenna was recognised.
Now celebrating its 120th year, the Eiffel Tower receives 7 million visitors annually. Three levels are open to tourists: floor 1 contains an exhibition relating to the history of the tower, sovenir shops, a buffet and the 58 restaurant. Floor 2 houses the chic Jules Verne restaurant. Floor 3 (the top) is accessible by lift only.
Transport to the Eiffel Tower
