The Eiffel Tower in Paris
Locally nicknamed “La Dame de Fer” (French for “Iron Lady”), the Eiffel Tower was constructed from 1887 to 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris and was initially criticized by some of France’s leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable and iconic structures in the world. Not only a symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower in Paris contains over 100 antennas to broadcast radio and television around the world.
After sunset the Eiffel Tower is illuminated by 335 projectors for a spectacular light show. Designer Gustave Eiffel included a small apartment for himself at the top of the tower. The Eiffel Tower is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of France’s rich history and cultural significance. It remains one of the most visited and recognized landmarks in the world. From the Eiffel Tower, you will marvel at the ancient façade of the Louvre, the financial district of La Defense, the colorful Pompidou Museum, and the vast white expanse of Sacré-Coeur Basilica.