Friday, January 17, 2020

Monuments in Paris: Eiffel Tower

The Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tour in English) is the well-known symbol of Paris.  The tower is 130 years old.  It was built for the Universal Exposition of 1889 to symbolize a century of French industry and science following the Revolution in 1789.

The Eiffel Tower on beautiful Summer day (June 2019)
The tower is tall, more than 1,000 feet.  It dominates the skyline in a city where the height of nearly every other structure in the center of Paris is limited to 160 feet.

Looking toward the top of the Eiffel Tower from Level 2
Recently, we visited the Eiffel Tower at sunset.  We wanted to watch the City of Lights come alive.

Standing underneath the Eiffel Tower, we felt very small.  The tower is immense.


At night, the iron lattice-work of the tower is lit and looks somewhat eerie.


Paris has a lovely skyline aside from the Eiffel Tower.  So, the views from the tower are spectacular.  

Les Invalides (with a very small-looking Saint-Sulpice behind)
Below, we could see the Grand Roue (Ferris wheel).  Our apartment building is next to the Grand Roue.


We could also see the nearby Champ de Mars (the grassy mall) and the École Militaire.


A highlight (so to speak) of our visit occurred at the top of the hour when the flashing lights of the tower sparkled for several minutes.  You can see the flashing lights for yourself by clicking on the video after the photograph.



Thanks for visiting the Eiffel Tower with us.

P.S.  If you visit the Eiffel Tower, be sure to leave your inline skates and megaphone at home.


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