Eiffel Tower

An Amazing Tower
Built between the years of 1887 – 1889, the Eiffel tower was originally designed for 1889 Universal Exhibition and Centennial of the French Revolution. The tower is nine hundred eighty-six feet high and weighs seven hundred tons. That sounds like a very heavy piece of metal but actually for its size and material it is very light weight.

A magnificent piece of architecture, the base spans over two and a half acres. If it is spectacular today to look at think back to the time it was built and it becomes even more of an architectural wonder.

Designed for Service
Gustave Eiffel, who designed and built the tower, wanted it to be useful. In 1889 he had an observation tower fitted to record wind speed. Other major experiments took place on top the tower including the receiving of radio signals in 1898. The tower also played a role in experiments by Mr. Eiffel in which various aspects of aerodynamics were tested.

Climbing the Tower
If you are looking for a bit of exercise you can climb up part of the tower. The first and second platforms can be reached by climbing the stairs but to go any further you will want to take the elevators. If you are afraid of heights going up the airy and open stairways might not be the best choice, take the elevators for an enjoyable tour. There is an admission price to the tower.

Fine Dining
On a tour of the Eiffel tower you cannot only climb or ride to the higher level but you can enjoy a meal. The second platform holds the Jules Verne, a very small and expensive restaurant that you need to book reservations for months in advance if you wish to dine there. On the first platform is a larger and less costly restaurant.

Mail a Letter
If you want to send proof that you actually visited and went up you can even mail letters from the small post office located inside the tower. A magnificent piece of sculpture that is representative of France itself, you can not leave Paris without a visit to the Eiffel Tower.