Summer is coming to an end and Parisians are returning to school, work and every day life – known in France as “La rentrée.” As the weather begins its transition to Fall, Dewey Rodefer, a French-American living in Paris, photographed these stunning views of the city from the Eiffel Tower.
Following are five interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower that you may not know.
1. This famous landmark that attracts tourists from all around the world was not so popular when it initially opened to the public. The Eiffel Tower was built as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair and was criticized by some of France’s leading artists and intellectuals who did not approve of the design.
2. The tower is 1,063 feet tall, about the same height as an 81-story building. It is the tallest structure in Paris.
3. The climb from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the climb from the first level to the second. It is possible to take stairs all the way to the top, but most people prefer to take an elevator.
4. When the Germans occupied Paris in 1940, the elevator cables were cut by the French. The tower remained closed during the occupation and was not repaired until 1946.
5. In 1982, the original lifts between the second and third levels were replaced after 97 years in service.
