In my last visit to Paris last year, my husband and I visited la tourEiffel at night, having previously visited it in the middle of a hot summer day. I thought, a night visit would be quite different, the night scene would be a nice change and the crowds will not be so bad. Upon reaching the Eiffel Tower, I wasn't wrong in my assumptions because it was quite deserted and we had a fabulous time!
Getting there ============= The Eiffel Tower can be reached by several means, of which we chose to walk. Our hotel was within walking distance and we felt rather comfortable and safe to walk in those areas. We don't know whether its either our ignorance or the general safety of the local area, but we didn't meet any trouble and we had a wonderful long walk to and fro the Eiffel in the quiet of the suburbs of Paris. By all means, take the metro, and alight at Bir-Hakeim or at Trocadero. For a shorter walk, stop at Bir-Hakeim but for a more spectacular view of the Eiffel, alight at Trocadero, go through the Jardin du Trocadero, down the flight of stairs, and cross
the bridge towards the Eiffel.
Cost ==== There are three viewing decks to the Eiffel and two ways to arrive to the level 2. One can walk you those metallic stairs for 3.30 Euro. For that price, one can walk all the way up to level 2. Personally, I prefer to ride up the elevator. First, because I prefer to enjoy the view as I ascend up the tower in comfort instead of panting up those stairs. Second, I enjoy watching the mechanism of the elevator and marvel at the structure surrounding me. So, cost to reachlevel 1 is 3.70 Euro, level 2 will cost 7 Euro and all the way to the top floor will set you back 10.20 Euro. We decided to pay to go all the way and spend as much time there as we can, just so we will get our monies worth!
History ======= A short history of the Eiffel, but you can read more about it from the official Eiffel Tower website given below. Suffice to say, the original idea of a Tower came from two engineers in Gustave Eiffel's engineering company, Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin. I guess they wanted a tall tower to showcase their company's technical capabilities, as part of the World's Fair in 1889. Knowing that Parisians would not accept a metallic structure or our version of an eye sore, they attempted to make the tower more acceptable by asking architect Stephen Sauvestre to improve the Eiffel's appearance. I guess he succeeded because the Eiffel is still standing, not only as a monument of the French's technical capabilities but also; as a symbol today of Paris.General Structure ================= The Eiffel Tower stands on a foundation of stonework, on its four pillars. The structure tapers towards the top, the total height comes to about 324 metres. It may not be much, but I believe its the fifth tallest tower in the world.
I believe the elevators are original and from it, one can enjoy the view of Paris as one ascends the Eiffel.
And believe it or not, it took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days to construct the tower. Try doing that these days! Its next to impossible!
The View ======== There are 3 viewing areas, excluding the ground view, bottom up. Its actually quite an interesting view, bottom up. I took a bottom up photo with the entire structure aiming for the centre, I think it would make a good puzzle.
The first viewing deck is only about 57 metres above ground. For those interested in structural engineering, there is an original hydraulic pump on display, a spiral staircase plus various historical information regarding the Eiffel. But the view ... I know, its night time and there isn't much one can work out in the dark. Having seen them all in the day anyway, I enjoyed the nightlight of Paris, it was as I would have imagined ...the vehicles speeding down the roads, an occasional siren, lights escaping from apartments, I actually felt peaceful standing there, with the wind in my face enjoying the fresh air.
What else is there on this level? Well, there is the usual souvenir shop and snack bar. My favourite post office is also located here. During the day time, its possible to buy postcards, stamps etc I enjoy posting a postcard here because it will have the special 'Paris Tour Eiffel' postmark!
Well, onto the next level.
The second level is about 115 metres above ground. We are definitely getting higher! Here, the nightview is definitely more spectacular. In the distance I could see Notre Dame and further afield, I spot Sacre Coeur, the cathedral sitting on its hill in its full glory of white, reflecting the full moon. I could also see Champs Elysees, with the cars bustling around it, always in a hurry. The wind is definitely much stronger and I needed my jacket to keep warm. On this level, there is more souvenir shop as well as the "Le Jules Verne" Restaurant. Didn't attempt to try, I just simply assume its going to be too expensive.
Access to the top level is available from this level, the elevator being smaller now and one can hear the wind howling and beating against the elevator. I was beginning to feel a bit scared and held on tightly to my husband. Looking down, the cars were getting really tiny and I started wondering what it will be like to free fall down the Eiffel ... hmmmm
Anyway, level three is about 275 metres above ground, and the wind has definitely picked up significantly from level 2. I could barely stand up straight when we went out onto the viewing deck. Its a good thing there are wire fencing surrounding the deck or I would have been blown away.
The view is definitely worth coming up for. Paris at night in all its glory can be seen just by taking a walk on the deck. The river Seine looks romantic, under the dim lights, boats floating gently in its waves. Then various monuments are more visible or less now, more because I can see a larger piece of Paris and less because they are a bit smaller now than I am higher. We spent quite a far bit of time at this level, mostly because it was quieter, the view spectacular and a nice way to relax.
Conclusion ========== What do I think of the Eiffel Tower at night? I dare say Paris from the Eiffel Tower is enchanting at night. The Eiffel itself is gorgeous, still standing tall after a century. From a distance, the Eiffel is spectacular at night, with lights twinkling up and down its entire structure and the views from its decks are just breathtaking.
Just to add, it was really foggy when I went too :o) Wouldn't let us up to the top because the fog was so dense you couldn't see a foot in front of you at the summit, and they were worried people would miss the railings and fall off :oP
lxngtnav 11.06.2003 19:48
Couldn't be better, perfect :o)
sweetleaf11 08.06.2003 00:24
When I went it was snowing and we weren't allowed up for safety reasons...what a let down. Will have to go in the summer!
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Advantages: Fair pricing, Amazing views and scenery, What a nostalgic and historic monument! Disadvantages: Avoid if you don't like heights, Can be cold and windy and slightly peturbing at the summit!
WormThatTurned 14.11.2002 ·
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Review of Tour Eiffel, Paris
Apr 15th, 2003
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