The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.
Constructed from 1887–89 as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, it was initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world.The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world; 6.91 million people ascended it in 2015.
The tower is 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building, and the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 125 metres (410 ft) on each side. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York City was finished in 1930. Due to the addition of a broadcasting aerial at the top of the tower in 1957, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building by 5.2 metres (17 ft). Excluding transmitters, the Eiffel Tower is the second-tallest structure in France after the Millau Viaduct.
Famous Restaurants near the Eiffel Tower
- Le Violon d’Ingres: You’ll need to book a reservation about a week in advance for Le Violon d’Ingres, but that’s to be expected considering its location and cuisine. Serving buttery, rich French dishes like almond-crusted sea bass with remoulade sauce, soft boiled eggs, and pan seared fois gras with an extensive accompanying wine list, it’s a much sought after restaurant in the Eiffel Tower area. For dessert, you’ll find pots de crème and a warm vanilla soufflé with a caramelized salted butter sauce; don’t miss a chance to have a meal here after a day of sightseeing.
- Semilla: Semilla’s modern, open kitchen and excellent wine continue to bring patrons in by the masses. Though expensive, their beet carpaccio, lentil croquettes with curry, and venison with quince and celery root are worth the price. The appearance may seem deceiving at first, with exposed piping and a very metallic feel, Semilla delivers with excellent food, wine, and desserts. It’s open for lunch and on Sundays, so if you’re out on the town and need a place to relax, make a reservation at Semilla.
- Le Jules Verne: Fitting for a dinner with a significant other, Le Jules Verne serves some of the finest Parisian eats. Reservations, and a suit and tie, are required, but it’s all worth it especially since it’s located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Menu staples include chicken with crayfish fricassee and jus and lobster with celery root and truffle, and for dessert, pink grapefruit soufflé, and strawberry and coconut shortbread with mascarpone sorbet. They have a weekday a la carte, smaller-portion lunch menu, so get a truly unforgettable French dining experience at Le Jules Verne.
- Brasserie de L’Isle Saint-Louis: Overlooking the Siene and Notre Dame at the top of the Ile Saint-Louis, Brasserie de l’Isle Saint-Louis is one of the best brasseries in the area, having been managed since the 50’s. Full of character and a timeless atmosphere, it’s serving casual dishes like sauerkraut with sausages and bacon, tripe terrine with white wine, and haddock with boiled potatoes or sauerkraut. With an outdoor terrace with views of the left bank and the Pantheon, this restaurant is hard to beat for an informal, affordable Parisian meal.
- Au Bon Accueil: Au Bon Accueil, a chic, small bistro with a comfortable dining area and sidewalk tables with an Eiffel Tower view. Although it’s closed weekends, during the week you can find items like lobster with mushroom risotto, salmon, and lamb chops, and smaller dishes like their mashed potatoes and foie gras poelle.
