Eiffel Tower Day
Standing tall and proud, this iron structure in the heart of Paris has become an iconic symbol of France and a must-visit attraction for tourists worldwide.
Ooh la la! Oui, oui, monsieur!
It’s time to celebrate the epic architectural wonder that lies on the skyline of the City of Love.
That’s right, this day offers the perfect opportunity to pay heed to the beauty and magnificence that is represented by this enormous iron structure, because it’s Eiffel Tower Day!
How to Celebrate Eiffel Tower Day
For people who are anywhere else in the world, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Eiffel Tower Day. Make some plans and implement some of these ideas to make the most out of the day:
Plan a Trip to the Eiffel Tower
Celebrate this delightful day by planning a trip to the historic landmark and have a bite at the Le 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant.
And although the majestic Eiffel Tower is perhaps one of the most recognizable structures in Paris, the city certainly has an abundance of other amazing sites and experiences to offer. Start by eating all of the croissants and soak up some sidewalk café culture.
Spend some time at the Louvre Museum to see some of the world’s most cherished pieces of art, including those featuring women like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Stop by the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral.
And be sure not to miss the amazing views that can be found from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched atop a marvelous hill.
History of Eiffel Tower Day
Eiffel Tower Day is a time that is all about celebrating the wonderful monument that stands proudly in Paris, France, which is also known as the city of light.
The day marks the completion of the Eiffel Tower on this day in 1889. The construction of the Eiffel Tower was a unique feat of engineering to build, spanning a period of two years, two months and five days in total.
This construction, which is one of the most unique in the world, was constructed for the International Exhibition of Paris during the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
The structure was built in connection with the World’s Fair in Paris and was named after the principal engineer, Gustave Eiffel. Since that time, the Eiffel tower on the skyline of the city has become an icon not only for the city of Paris but also a representation of French culture, along with the baguette and the beret.
Eiffel Tower Day offers a wide variety of opportunities to learn about and show appreciation for this interesting feat of engineering as well as for all things French. Francophiles and architectural admirers alike can find a reason to marvel at and show recognition on this day!
Learn Fun Facts About the Eiffel Tower
Share in the fun on Eiffel Tower Day by learning a bit more about it. Here are some bits of trivia on the topic to start with:
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Gustave Eiffel is notable for making the metalwork on the Statue of Liberty, gifted from France to the United States four years earlier.
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The Eiffel Tower contains 18,000 different metal parts.
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More than 250 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower and 7 million people head to the top each year.
Show Some Eiffel Tower Love
Those who are big fans of France and the Eiffel Tower will love this opportunity to show support on this day. Perhaps it would be fun to wear clothes or jewelry that feature the Eiffel Tower. Add a photo of the Eiffel Tower to social media as a profile pic for the day. Decorate that house or car or desk at work with French flags and bring up the Eiffel Tower as a conversation around the water cooler to raise awareness for the day!
Another idea to celebrate the day might be to bake a scrumptious Eiffel Tower cake and invite friends and family to admire and enjoy it. Or throw a picnic party with French flags and treats to get everyone into the spirit of the day.
Eiffel Tower Day FAQs
Why was the Eiffel Tower originally so controversial?
Initially, many Parisians, including prominent artists, disliked the Eiffel Tower. Some called it an eyesore, believing it didn’t fit with the city’s classic architecture.
However, after its construction in 1889, people gradually embraced the tower’s unique structure, and it became a global icon.
Today, its silhouette is among the most recognized worldwide.
What is one of the strangest things people have done to celebrate the Eiffel Tower?
In 2007, an American woman held a commitment ceremony to “marry” the Eiffel Tower.
She even changed her last name to Eiffel! This unusual celebration highlights the deep connections people sometimes form with famous landmarks.
Is it true that the Eiffel Tower “grows” during summer?
Yes, it expands slightly in warm weather! Due to thermal expansion, the Eiffel Tower can grow about 6 inches (15 cm) taller during summer.
The metal expands in the heat and contracts when it cools, showing the structure’s impressive flexibility.
How has the Eiffel Tower influenced modern architecture?
The Eiffel Tower inspired architects around the world to explore iron as a building material.
Its open-frame design paved the way for skyscrapers, which dominate modern skylines today. Structures like the Tokyo Tower and Blackpool Tower were directly inspired by Gustave Eiffel’s design.
What myths or urban legends surround the Eiffel Tower?
Some believe Hitler ordered the Eiffel Tower to be destroyed during WWII.
While there’s no record that he gave this specific order, the Nazis did disable the elevators, forcing anyone to use the stairs to reach the top.
This legend shows how the tower remained defiant during the occupation.
How do people outside of Paris celebrate Eiffel Tower Day?
In Tokyo, locals visit Tokyo Tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, to honor its French counterpart.
Some New Yorkers head to “Little Paris” cafes, enjoying French pastries to feel a bit closer to Paris. These celebrations make the day feel global.
Why are 20,000 lightbulbs used on the Eiffel Tower every evening?
The Eiffel Tower sparkles with thousands of lightbulbs every night to mark the top of each hour.
This dazzling display started as a millennium celebration in 2000 and became so popular it stayed! It uses specially designed bulbs to reduce energy use.
Why is the Eiffel Tower repainted every seven years?
To protect it from rust, the Eiffel Tower gets a new coat of paint every seven years.
Repainting takes about 60 tons of paint and costs millions. Each layer keeps it durable, especially against the Parisian weather. Every few cycles, they even reconsider its iconic color!
Can you climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, but it’s a serious workout! The tower has 1,665 steps to the top, though most people take the elevator beyond the second level.
Climbing is a tradition on Eiffel Tower Day for locals who want a unique view of their city, and it’s open to visitors, too.
Why does the Eiffel Tower have a secret military bunker?
Beneath the south pillar of the Eiffel Tower is a hidden bunker. Built in the early 1900s, it connected to Paris’s military network and served as a vital communication point.
This “secret” bunker is occasionally open to visitors, adding mystery to the world-famous landmark.
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