A short guide about River / Canal Cruising to Eiffel Tower
A global icon and known by the French as ‘Tour Eiffel’, the world famous Eiffel Tower is visited yearly by millions of tourists who come to enjoy the panoramic view of Paris ‘The city of Lights’. At night, the Eiffel Tower is at the peak of its beauty, with gold lights highlighting its steel framework. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel - the Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris and one of the most recognized structures in the world. Built on the Champ de Mars beside the Seine River the tower was completed in 1889, to honour the centenary of the French Revolution and has great historical significance.
Construction of the 325m Eiffel tower began in 1887 and when completed in 1889 - it was the world's tallest tower, a title it retained until 1930 when New York City's Chrysler Building (319m) was completed. The tower is now the fifth-tallest in France and the tallest in Paris. Some interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower is that its metal structure weighs 7,300 tonnes and depending on the temperature, the top of the tower may shift away from the sun by up to 18cm due to thermal expansion of the metal, the tower also sways 6 to 7 cm in the wind.
One of the most visited sites in the world and a magnificent piece of art - the Eiffel Tower’s topmost platform offers breathtaking views of Paris; however, the other platforms are also worth visiting for a spectacular sunset. Altitude 95 and Jules Verne - the two restaurants on the first and the second floor are famous for serving excellent cuisines and are most likely the destination for many romantics to ‘Pop the Question’. Also from here you can buy souvenirs or send a specially stamped postcard from the Eiffel Tower.
As you browse through Tourabout’s catalogue of holiday packages to France, you’ll find that most tours to the Eiffel Tower include a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Opera, and the famous Champs-Elysees. Maybe even enjoy a scenic cruise on the Seine to take pictures of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Also don’t forget to take time out to leisurely stroll through the many fashion houses, one of the 90 museums or sip on a coffee at one of the many side-walk cafes.