Lovecation ... the Eiffel Tower after dark. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
EIGHTY-FIVE years ago it lost its claim as the tallest building but the Eiffel Tower remains one of the world’s most recognisable structures, attracting almost seven million paid visitors annually.
Panoramic views of Paris await those willing to brave the crushing crowds at the top, but there are other ways to experience the world’s most popular monument.
Stunning ... the Eiffel Tower at night. Picture: AFP Source: AFP
All you need is a little imagination and some comfortable shoes.
Here are five alternatives:
LUNCH ON IT
A three-course meal at 58 Tour Eiffel on the tower’s first floor offers tasty French cuisine and brilliant views of Paris.
The restaurant’s Picnic Chic meal includes a drink, lift access to the first floor and views over the busy River Seine (costs from about A$65 per adult).
Laid-back lunch ... take a picnic in Paris. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
After lunch take the stairs to the second level, then pay extra if you want to join the lift queues to the summit. You may need to book dinner online several months in advance.
restaurants-toureiffel.com.
If you’re happy to splash a lot more cash, the high-end, Michelin star LeJulesVerne restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower will set you back at least A$300 for a couple.
See lejulesverne-paris.com/en.
FROM THE RIVER
Several river cruise companies operating on the Seine River offer great views of the Eiffel Tower, and other Parisian landmarks such as Notre Dame cathedral.
On the waterfront just north of the tower’s base is the landing for river cruise company Bateaux Parisiens, which has one-hour cruises from about A$30, lunch cruises from A$120 and dinner cruises from about A$140.
Parisian skyline ... the Eiffel Tower. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited
Choose between undercover seating with commentary in English, or be bathed in sunshine on the open top deck if the weather is kind.
Tickets available from vending machines at the wharf.
bateauxparisiens.com.
PICNIC IN THE PARK
The gardens of the 24.5ha Champ de Mars (Field of Mars) are an ideal spot for a picnic, complete with views of the Eiffel Tower at its northern end.
There are plenty of shops in the streets surrounding the park to stock up on baguettes, meats, cheeses and other supplies.
The Champ de Mars is a welcome strip of green in the picturesque 7th arrondissement, home to many of Paris’s popular tourist attractions and most expensive homes.
Try to visit the park at night when the illuminated tower looks particularly pretty.
TAKE THE STAIRS
There are 702 stairs from the ground to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.
The queues at the base are shorter for the stairs than for the lifts, it costs less, and most people — even those not particularly fit — should be able to handle it.
What a view ... workers climbs along the structures of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Picture: AP Source: AP
If climbing that many stairs seems a little taxing, you can take the lift up and then descend on foot for a close-up view of the structure and its giant rivets.
The only way to get to the top floor, 276m high, is via the lift with the mass of humanity that crams this part of the tower experience all day.
If you can handle the crowds, it’s worth exploring the summit, where you can peek through a window and see a wax Gustave Eiffel entertaining a wax Thomas Edison in Eiffel’s restored office.
Read more at www.toureiffel.paris
SKETCH IT
Paris is a city renowned for famous artworks, many gracing the Louvre a few kilometres from the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d’Orsay just up the river.
Take some inspiration from the artistic masterpieces found throughout the city and buy a sketchbook, some pencils or pastels and park yourself on the lawns, the waterfront or one of the many seats around the tower’s base.
Artistics ... a drawing of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
You don’t need artistic ability — it’s more about the vibe.
The Eiffel Tower is a tricky monument to draw, so imagine yourself an Impressionist and go heavy on the impression and light on detail.
You’ll finish with a souvenir unlike anything on sale in the tourist shops.
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