Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
signed simply to show off what people could build in 1889. Bridge-builder Gustave Eif-
fel (1832-1923) won the contest to construct the fair's centerpiece by beating out rival
proposals such as a giant guillotine. To a generation hooked on technology, the tower
was the marvel of the age, a symbol of progress and human ingenuity. Not all were
so impressed, however; many found it a monstrosity. The writer Guy de Maupassant
(1850-1893) routinely ate lunch in the tower just so he wouldn't have to look at it.
Visiting the Tower: Delicate and graceful when seen from afar, the Eiffel Tower is
massive—even a bit scary—close up. You don't appreciate its size until you walk toward
it; like a mountain, it seems so close but takes forever to reach. Despite the tower's 7,300
tons of metal and 60 tons of paint, it is so well-engineered that it weighs no more per
square inch at its base than a linebacker on tiptoes.
There are three observation platforms, at roughly 200, 400, and 900 feet. To get to
the top, you need to change elevators at the second level. A separate elevator—with an-
other line—shuttles between the second level and the top. (Note: Some elevators stop on
the first level going up. If yours does, don't get off. It's more efficient to see the first floor
on the way down.) The stairs—yes, you can walk up to the first and second levels—are
next to the entrance to the pricey Jules Verne restaurant. As you ascend through the metal
beams, imagine being a worker, perched high above nothing, riveting this thing together.
If you want to see the entire tower, from top to bottom, then see it...from top to bot-
tom. Ride the elevator to the second level, then immediately line up for the elevator to the
top. Enjoy the views on top, then ride back down to the second level. Frolic there for a
while and take in some more views. When you're ready, head to the first level by taking
the stairs (no line and can take as little as 5 minutes) or lining up for the elevator (before
boarding, ask if the elevator will stop on the first level—some don't). Explore the shops
and exhibits on the first level and have a snack. Once you're ready to leave, you can line
up for the elevator, but it's quickest and most memorable to take the stairs back down to
earth.
The top level, called le sommet, is tiny. (It can close temporarily without warning
when it reaches capacity or in windy conditions.) All you'll find here are wind and grand,
sweeping views. The city lies before you (pick out sights with the help of the panoramic
maps). On a good day, you can see for 40 miles.
The second level has the best views because you're closer to the sights, and the
monuments are more recognizable. (While the best views are up the short stairway, on the
platform without the wire-cage barriers, at busy times much of that zone is taken up by
peoplewaitingfortheelevatortothetop.)Thislevelhassouvenirshops,publictelephones
to call home, and a small stand-up café. While you'll save no money, consider taking the
elevator up and the stairs down (5 minutes from second level to first, 5 minutes more to
ground) for good exercise and views.
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