From the ground looking up, or from its lofty heights looking down, the Eiffel Tower is the best view in town.
It may seem hard to believe now, but the 10,000 tonnes of the Eiffel Tower's ironwork, Paris' most recognisable landmark, were earmarked for a dismantling in 1909. Built in 1889 to mark the World Fair, which was held in Paris on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Tower only had a 20-year licence. Now it is hard to imagine Paris without it. Not that many were keen to imagine Paris with it, back at the time of its construction. Three hundred prominent Parisian artists and writers signed a petition against it, saying it was “a giddy, ridiculous tower dominating Paris like a gigantic black smokestack.”
Now of course, it is one of the top attractions of the city, providing millions of visitors with the chance to lift themselves far above Paris, to get the best view of all it has to offer. In fact a staggering 250 million of them have already climbed the steps (or more likely taken the elevator) up to one of its three viewing platforms. That popularity does mean you will have to queue for an hour or more, to make yourself the 250 million-and-first visitor.
Once you're through the gate, stairs are on option for the fit to reach the first level. But to get to the 305-metre summit, you will have to take the lift. As well providing as an unequalled view – and a glowing sense of achievement from crossing the Eiffel off your to-do list – the Iron Lady has some gastronomic attractions for its gallant ascenders. There is Le 58 tour Eiffel restaurant on the first level, and the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne on the second.
Tall tales are also on the menu with your Eiffel visit. It is said that one of the most prominent objectors to the tower, novelist Guy de Maupassant, decided there was only one place in Paris where this 'disgusting structure' could not be seen, right at the top. So he regularly had lunch in its upper-most restaurant. It's also claimed that in the Second World War, patriotic workers at the Eiffel sabotaged the lift, so Hitler couldn't ascend to gloat over Paris. Sadly he decided to take the stairs.
Of course you don't have to climb it to admire it. The Eiffel tower is a spectacle at any time of day, whatever the weather. But it's perhaps at its best when night has crept over Paris, and the Iron Lady puts on her night-time display of brilliance – a pulsing extravaganza fit for the City of Light.
