Apartments Close to the Eiffel Tower: High-Flying Accommodation
The Eiffel Tower is one of the best-known monuments in the world. For 41 years it held the title of the highest structure in the world -- no other structure or building could compete with its height. It was designed by Maurice Koechlin and Èmile Nougier and was built by the engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel for the Universal Exposition in 1889. It is located at the end of the Champ de Mars, on the banks of the Seine, in the 8th arrondissement.
The construction of the tower was not free of controversy. At the time people thought it would spoil the appearance of the city and that it would be: "useless and monstrous", "a belfry skeleton". There was a movement involving three hundred artists who sent an open letter protesting against the construction of the Eiffel Tower. Guy de Maupassant, son of Alexandre Dumas and Charles Garnier, among others, were involved.
On the January 8th, 1887 Éduoard Lockroy, Minister of Commerce, Eugene Poubelle, the Préfet of the Seine and Gustave Eiffel signed the official contract to build the tower at an approximate cost of 6.5 million francs plus 1.5 million francs for unforeseen expenses. On May 15th, 1889 the tower opened its doors to visitors and became the Universal Exposition's main attraction. For years, however, it became a target of criticism from people that thought it was too unrefined a sight for the Parisian landscape. It was not until the 1930s, following the installation of new lighting plus a re-design of its first floor, that the tower started to be seen as a powerful avant-garde symbol that enhanced the city.
The tower reaches a height of 324 meters, including the antenna, and has three floors. The first floor is 57 meters above ground level. The tower has maps and viewpoints to observe Paris and a two-story restaurant. The second floor is at a height of 155 meters. It boasts a viewpoint with exceptional views and a restaurant. The safety regulations of the viewpoint are strict. The third floor is at a height of 275 meters and can only be accessed by elevator.
The Eiffel Tower has been through some complicated periods in its history. In 1944 it survived a fire caused by the Nazi authorities and was used as a military compound during their occupation. In 1999 it came through a storm unscathed, despite winds at the top of the tower that were travelling at a speed of 240 km/h.
It has been featured extensively in film -- a romantic film is incomplete without a scene featuring the Eiffel Tower. It even features in some scenes from Superman 2, Armageddon, Alien Resurrection and many others.
Accommodation Close to the Eiffel Tower
The River Seine, the Champ de Mars and the stunning Eiffel Tower lighting up the city are just some of the landscapes that are not to be missed in this charming, refined area of Paris. There is a variety of attractive accommodation available, however the area is normally very expensive. There are many types of hotels in the area: sophisticated hotels, quirky hotels, restored hotels and avant-garde hotels. Many allow pets and some of them have rooms for smokers. If you have sophisticated tastes, there are luxurious, remodeled apartments available. They come fully equipped and have natural light, air conditioning, heating and Wi-Fi. They are close to the metro and are ready to be rented out. You can ask whether pets are allowed. If you have a smaller budget, studios and B&Bs are a good alternative. Some of them are just as good as many of the hotels. The studios have almost everything and are more reasonably priced. If you are a backpacker looking for a guesthouse or hostel, you will need to move a short distance away from this area in order to find a more suitable price. Consult our catalogues that feature apartments close to the Eiffel Tower and reserve accommodation that suits your lifestyle.
Things to Do Close to the Eiffel Tower
- The name Champ de Mars alludes to Mars, the Roman God of war, and the area's former use as a military drilling ground. Parisians typically go to the park to relax and take in the scenery, which includes the Eiffel Tower.
- The Quai Branley Museum is very close to the Eiffel Tower. It has an ethnic art collection that originates from Africa, America and Oceania. There are three hundred thousand items in the collection dating back to the 19th century, which includes unique objects that have now disappeared due to the transculturation of colonized villages.
- The Rodin Museum is located in the Hôtel Biron. Much of the artwork on display can be found in its 3-hectare garden. Inside, there are 1,700 paintings, 7,000 photographs, 6,400 sculptures and other objects.
- The Hôtel des Invalides is a 17th-century building complex that was formerly used as a residence for soldiers who had retired from the French army. The Saint-Louis-des-Invalides Church is part of the complex. It is easy to spot from different points in the city because of its golden dome. It is home to the sarcophagus of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- The Paris Sewer Museum is a unique experience. The museum is actually located in the sewers and should you visit, you will learn about their history and be reminded of Jean Valjean, the character created by Victor Hugo in his novel "Les Misérables". On the way out, buy a cuddly stuffed rat at the museum gift shop.
- The Palais Bourbon is situated on the banks of the Seine and has been the seat of the French National Assembly since 1832. This neoclassical style palace was built in the 18th century upon the orders of Louise Françoise de Bourbon.
As you can see, there are lots of things to see and do in this area of Paris. Be sure to consult our catalogue of apartments close to the Eiffel Tower so that you can get accommodation in the best location possible with unbeatable views of the tower.
How to Get to the Area Close to the Eiffel Tower
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is 23 kilometers away from the city center. The No.351 public bus will drop you off at the Nation metro station. You can continue from there by taxi or take Line 6 of the metro to the Bir Hakeim-Tour Eiffel station. You can get a taxi at the exit of the airport terminal. The prices vary and go up between 5.00pm and 10.00pm. You will also be charged for each item of luggage. If you rent a car, it is recommended to do so at the arrivals counter. Many companies have unlimited mileage offers. Bon voyage!
