Last time I visited Paris, I chose not to visit Eiffel Tower, because it was in the middle of winter and was so gloomy. The sky wasn't visible and seeing down below from the tower wouldn't make sense too. I chose to visit Versailles (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) instead and I'm glad that I did and I very recently came to know its under UNESCO!!!
It was built in 1889, so yeah it isn't very old and perhaps because of it, it isn't under UNESCO! This was built to celebrate the 100 yrs of French Revolutions. It was the brain child of Gustave Eiffel and that's why the name. Infact, it was this very guy who constructed the inner structure of the Statue of Liberty (yes, it was a gift from France to USA). It took 2 yrs, 2 months and 5 days to complete. Over time it has been renovated and improvised over time and again to keep it intact and safe for visitors.
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I went there first thing in the morning just to avoid wasting time in the queue. Booking for any slot on any time of the day gets over about 15 days earlier. So make sure to book much early and arrive on time. Ofcourse, the security check takes some time. There are 3 types of tickets that can be booked.
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One is the staircase to go till 2nd floor which isn't available online. Then there's lift to go to 2nd floor and lift to go to the summit! It was pretty interesting because this was the first time I even went on a lift that moved diagonally!!! Yes, it moves diagonally till 2nd floor after which it goes another lift has to be taken to the summit that goes vertically.
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I visited the place in the day time so that I can see the whole city. Sadly I went there on a day trip so I couldn't see the tower in its spectacular night lights. It lights up on different timings depending on season from 5 pm in winters to 10 pm in summers. The tower can be climbed from 7 am to almost midnight. There are 4 entrances to climb - north, south, east and west of which 2 are dedicated for lifts and 2 for stairs.
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The 1st floor has several installations and fitted with glass windows. The 2nd floor has some spectacular views and has a restaurant too. The summit is where the magic is. To make it all the more magical there is a bar where champagne is available! This floor has no glass windows but just mesh cover. Yes, there is a note that says do not drop anything through the mesh. I couldn't help but think what would happen to my phone if I try to take it out of the mesh to click panoramic shot and by mistake drop it!!!!!
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Here atop are 2 points where lovers are meant to kiss! There is also a point with a scale measure which tells what height you're in!!
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The view from atop is just spectacular. Just like Thames, here is River Sienne which than runs across the city. The city has been impeccably planned with several triangular shaped buildings. I had felt it the last time I visited itself! The streets and buildings themselves have a triangular placement that looks so different from the cityscape of London.
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Here are some tips, book the ticket much early; arrive much early; if there's a kid its better to have it in baby wearing, as stroller has to be folded and taken and in this crowd, its not comfortable for yourself as well as others; pick pockets may happen so careful.
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Getting down, just in front of it, is the Champ de Mars which is a huge garden in front of Eiffel. The place has quite a few people in it. Its definitely romantic and peaceful, to just lie down in the grass with your beloved in front of the Eiffel Tower..... I wanted to do it, I did it and I'm ecstatic about it!!!!!!
To Get There:
Nearest railway station: Tour Eiffel Champ de Mars
Entry Ticket: €7.00 for stairs to 2nd floor to €17 for lift to summit
Available to buy online on their website.
Entry Ticket: €7.00 for stairs to 2nd floor to €17 for lift to summit
Available to buy online on their website.
P.S: I was invited by La Tour Eiffel to experience it for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.
Dedicated to Venkat