Backstage at the Eiffel Tower

When you visit Paris, take time to see something that few tourists even know about, an attraction called "Backstage at the Eiffel Tower." A private guided tour, you'll learn the history of the Eiffel Tower, visit a secret Army bunker beneath the Champs de Mars, and hear about the technological and financial success of Gustave Eiffel's signature achievement. You'll also get the chance to go beneath the East leg of the tower and see the machinery that operates the elevators.

The tower still uses the original technology developed by Eiffel to raise and lower the elevator. This was no simple task. The elevator does not rise perpendicular to the ground; it has to follow the angle of the tower legs. And it would be impossible to dig a conventional elevator shaft, as the tower is build nearby the Seine. A deep shaft would be flooded with ground water.

Visitors get to see the solution Eiffel developed in 1889. Using 19th century technology--counterweights, water pressure, and a trolley--it has worked flawlessly for more than a century. It's hard to imagine a more ingenious arrangement. There are group tours of Backstage at the Eiffel Tower several days a week, but you should get reservations two months in advance. It is also possible to get a private tour of this "behind the scenes" marvel for your family or group. An added advantage: you get to skip the long lines of tourists waiting for their ride up the elevator. When you plan your next trip to Paris, talk with your travel consultant about getting tickets to see this fascinating side of the Eiffel Tower ... and get bragging rights to having seen something most people don't even know exist.

Backstage at the Eiffel Tower (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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