Attractions
Eiffel Tower
Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower was originally built as a temporary structure by Gustave Eiffel to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. When the Prince of Wales, who later became England’s King Edward VII, opened the tower, many Parisians considered it an eyesore and petitioned to have it torn down. Luckily for contemporary visitors, the tower was valued as an important telegraph antenna, and the structure remained. It was the world’s tallest building until 1930 and still offers spectacular views of the city.
Address: Champ de Mars 7.
Telephone: (08) 9270 1239 for recorded information.
Website:www.eiffel-tower.com.
Getting there: Take the RER to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station or the Métro to Bir-Hakeim or Trocadero stations. Buses 42, 69, 82 or 87.
Hours of operation: Daily. 9:30am–11:45pm. From 17 June to 28 August, 9am–12:45am.
Admission: By elevator: 2nd floor - €8.20, top level - €13.40. By stairs - €4.70 (only up to 2nd floor). Discounts available.
Notre Dame
The Notre Dame Cathedral on Paris’ Île de la Cité is considered one of the world’s greatest Gothic masterpieces and one of Paris’ iconic buildings. The cathedral was built between 1163 and 1345, and can seat 6,000 people. It boasts three enormous rose windows and a beautiful panoramic view of the city from the top of its towers. You will need to climb 387 steps to reach the top, but Notre Dame’s famous gargoyles and hunchback Quasimodo’s bell will greet you at the top. Also on the site are a museum about the cathedral’s history and a crypt housing an archeological museum.
Address: 6 Place du Parvis de Notre-Dame.
Telephone: (01) 4234 5610.
Hours of operation: Daily, 8am–6:45pm. Closes at 7:15pm on weekends.
