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Eiffel
Tower- Paris 7th
History
The Eiffel Tower was built for the International
Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French
Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England,
opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition,
Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen. However
it was not accepted by all at first, and a petition of 300 names
- including those of Maupassant, Emile Zola, Charles Garnier (architect
of the Opéra Garnier), and Dumas the Younger - protested
its construction.
At 300 metres (320.75m
including antenna), and 7000 tons, it was the world's tallest building
until 1930. Other statistics include:
2.5 million rivets.
300 steel workers, and 2 years (1887-1889) to construct it.
Sway of at most 12 cm in high winds.
Height varies up to 15 cm depending on temperature.
15,000 iron pieces (excluding rivets).
40 tons of paint.
1652 steps to the top.
It was almost torn down in 1909, but was saved because of its antenna
- used for telegraphy at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became
part of the International Time Service. French radio (since 1918),
and French television (since 1957) have also made use of its stature.
During its lifetime, the
Eiffel Tower has also witnessed a few strange scenes, including
being scaled by a mountaineer in 1954, and parachuted off of in
1984 by two Englishmen. In 1923 a journalist rode a bicycle down
from the first level. Some accounts say he rode down the stairs,
other accounts suggest the exterior of one of the tower's four legs
which slope outward.
However, if its birth was
difficult, it is now completely accepted and must be listed as one
of the symbols of Paris itself.
Note
The tower has three platforms. A restaurant
(extremely expensive; reservations absolutely necessary), the Jules
Verne is on the second platform. The top platform has a bar, souvenir
shop, and the (recently restored) office of Gustave Eiffel.
From its platforms - especially the topmost - the view upon Paris
is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset, the
panorama is at its best.
Practical Info :
 BIR-HAKEIM,
CHAMP DE MARS
RER: Bir Hakeim
Address:
Champ de Mars
75007 Paris
Tél. : 01.44.11.23.23
 Open:
Winter: 9.30 a.m.-11 p.m. - Summer: 9 a.m.-midnight
Entrance fees
Standard: 1st floor 24 FF(3,66 E). Special rates: 14 FF(2,13 E)
Second floor: 45 FF(6,86 E). Special rates: 25 FF(3,81 E)
Third floor: 65 FF(9,91 E). Special rates: 35 FF(5,34 E)
For the stairs, 1st and 2nd floor: 20 FF(3,05 E) late night opening:
Every night - Group: Res. 48 hours - Guided Tours, Conferences:
Res. 1 month
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