The Eiffel Tower1

The Eiffel Tower is 121 years old. It was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which was to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. Its construction in 2 years, 2 months and 5 days was a veritable technical and architectural achievement. "Utopia achieved", a symbol of technological prowess, at the end of the 19th Century it was a demonstration of French engineering personified by Gustave Eiffel, and a defining moment of the industrial era. It was met immediately with tremendous success.

Only intended to last 20 years, it was saved by the scientific experiments that Eiffel encouraged, and in particular by the first radio transmissions, followed by telecommunications. For example, the radio signals from the Pantheon Tower in 1898; it served as a military radio post in 1903; it transmitted the first public radio programme in 1925, and then broadcast television up to TNT more recently.

Since the 1980s, the monument has regularly been renovated, restored and adapted for an ever-growing public.

Over the decades, the Eiffel Tower has seen remarkable achievements, extraordinary light shows, and prestigious visitors. A mythical and audacious site, it has always inspired artists and challenges.

It is the stage for numerous events of international significance (light shows, the Tower’s centenary, the Year 2000 pyrotechnic show, repainting campaigns, sparkling lights, the blue Tower to mark France’s Presidency of the European Union or the multicoloured Tower for its 120th birthday, unusual fixtures, such as an ice rink, a garden etc.).

A universal Tower of Babel, almost 250 million visitors regardless of age or origin have come from all over the planet to see it since its opening in 1889.

Like all towers, it allows us to see and to be seen, with a spectacular ascent, a unique panoramic view of Paris, and a glittering beacon in the skies of the Capital.

The Tower also represents the magic of light. Its lighting, its sparkling lights, and its beacon shine and inspire dreams every evening.

As France’s symbol in the world, and the showcase of Paris, today it welcomes almost 7 million visitors a year (around 75% of whom are foreigners), making it the most visited monument that you have to pay for in the world.

General

Services

Opening Times

Morning or evening, summer or winter… any time is a great time to come back to and have an other look at the Eiffel Tower and its view over Paris. Savour an experience which is different every time depending on the time of day or the time of year! The opening times vary according to the time of year. Don’t forget to check before you embark on your trip to the top of the Tower !

The opening times

The Eiffel Tower is open every single day of the year !

from 9 a.m. to midnight from 17 June to 28 August,
from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the rest of the year,
At Easter weekend and during the Spring holidays : extended opening hours to midnight.




DAILY LIFT STAIRS


From 17 June to 28 August 9 a.m. to 12:45 a.m
Last lift midnight
(11p.m. for the top) 9 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.
Last admission : midnight

The rest of the year
9:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Last lift 11 p.m.
(10:30 p.m. for the top) 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Last admission : 6 p.m.





Admission times for groups :

Tickets for the top on sale until 9:30 p.m. at the latest
Tickets for the 1st and 2nd floors on sale until 10 p.m. at the latest

Menu

Not to be missed
There’s so much to see and do at the Eiffel Tower! Hidden within there are many a secret, and quite out of the ordinary, fun or even romantic places. Take a look of some of our suggestions and let your experience at the Tower be a moment quite unlike any other !


Exploring Paris from the 2nd floor

With a panoramic view over Paris, you couldn’t really find a better spot than the 2nd floor for taking some photos for the album.

It's also at this floor of the Tower that you take the lifts to get to the top.


The Eiffel Tower, in the evening

Right up until 11 in the evening you can scale the heights and admire Paris by night !

After sunset, the Eiffel tower sparkles and bathes in golden light to welcome its night time visitors and offers a breathtaking view of the Paris lights.


Champagne at the top

Feel like doing something a little bit chic and original ? Well in that case stop off for a moment at the champagne bar on the top floor to enjoy a unique festive experience.

Nestling into the very structure of the Tower, the bar offers you a choice of a glass of either rosé or white champagne, served as chilled as you like. What an elegant way to toast a sensational experience at the top of the Tower !

The bar is open daily from midday to 10 at night (a glass of champagne will cost between €10 and €15).


Why not on foot ?

Try another way of visiting the Eiffel Tower by choosing to take the stairs from the bottom to the 2nd floor. Wander around the centre of the Tower’s metallic structure at your own pace knowing that on reaching the top you can proudly say you’ve climbed 704 steps.

And for the less sporty among you, you can choose to come down the tower on foot! The walk is more relaxing but every bit as magnificent.


To find out everything about the Tower

Pace up and down the 1st floor as you explore the 120 years of history of the Tower while you follow the “Eiffel epic tour” circuit: the fabulous history of the Eiffel Tower seen through fifty or so illustrations which show photographs, engravings, drawings, films and interactive systems.

Finish your visit at the Cineiffel: where you’ll find magical boxes made out of virtual images, holograms and a cinema.

THE TOWER’S FLOORS

Follow Gus

If you want a bit of fun thrown in with your education on the Eiffel Tower, then meet Gus, a nice little character who children can meet up with on the 1st floor on the free tour which has been designed for the 6 to 10 year olds.

Right the way through this 12 stage visit, the children have to find out about and ask questions about the history and the mysteries of the Eiffel Tower. A good fun and entertaining way of finding out more about the Tower and its creator.

You can pick up a games book containing a quiz and some other games from the Cineiffel or download it from this site.

CHILDREN’S TOUR

A chic picnic on the 1st floor

Why not treat yourself to a quick chic but no frills pick nick at the 58 TOUR EIFFEL restaurant where you can enjoy a spot of lunch high in the sky with Paris at your feet. (Set meal costs €17,50 - Children’s Menu: €8)