Hello,
Do you also hit the like button on social media when gorgeous photos of the Eiffel Tower pop up? Then this post is meant just for you. I’ve chosen some of the most beautiful photographs of this stunning monument in Paris. This architectural masterpiece boasts unbeatable beauty and is a popular subject for photographers and photography enthusiasts.
Today, I’m going to take you through the history and interesting facts of the Eiffel Tower. I’ll introduce the best spots for photographing this Parisian symbol. I’ll share practical tips for capturing stunning photos. We’ll explore some additional attractions nearby and conclude with useful tips for your visit.
Let’s embark on this photographic adventure!
The Eiffel Tower: history and interesting facts
A brief history of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair in Paris. It’s the work of engineer Gustave Eiffel and his team. Its original purpose was to serve as an attraction for the exhibition and demonstrate the abilities of man and science at that time. The tower, with its height of 330 meters, was then considered the tallest building in the world. It has become a symbol of Paris and French culture over the century of its existence.
Architectural features
The Eiffel Tower is a true masterpiece of architecture and engineering. It consists of 18,038 metallic parts, assembled together with more than 2.5 million rivets. Its construction allows the tower to resist wind and temperature changes. Most fascinating is that, despite its size and weight (around 10,000 tons), it rests on four points, arranged in a square with sides of 125 meters.
Interesting facts and secrets of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower harbors numerous interesting facts. Did you know that the tower can expand and rise up to 18 centimeters in hot weather? Or that there was significant opposition to its construction at the beginning, as many criticized its “crude” industrial appearance? Another secret is that Gustave Eiffel used a small apartment at the top of the tower for his personal use, which is now open to the public.
Where to photograph the Eiffel Tower: the best locations for the best photos of the Eiffel Tower
This paragraph will appeal to all photographers or tourists planning a trip to Paris who intend to photograph this magnificent landmark. I’ve prepared some great tips for photography. I’m confident they will help you capture some of the best photos in the world.
Trocadéro Gardens: view and composition
The Trocadéro Gardens are located across the Seine River, opposite the Eiffel Tower. From this location, you can get one of the most classic views of the tower, with the distinctive fountains in the foreground offering wonderful possibilities for picture composition. The best times to visit this location are early in the morning or late in the evening, when the tower’s lights are turned on.
Champ de Mars Gardens: nature and history
The Champ de Mars Gardens are located right next to the tower and offer a somewhat different view of it. These gardens are a great choice if you want to include some green nature in your image or want to focus on the nearby details of the tower. Walking paths, full of trees and flowers, provide various nooks for creating unique shots.
Seine Riverside: a unique view and serenity
The Seine River offers numerous opportunities for photographing the Eiffel Tower. From here, you can catch the reflection of the tower in the water or use the river boats to add dynamics to your photos. This location is especially magical at sunset, when the sky over Paris is painted in warm tones. The most beautiful view of the tower from the river can be obtained from the Pont de Bir-Hakeim bridge, which is also an impressive backdrop in itself.
Tips for photographing the Eiffel Tower
What about equipment, camera settings, and the best time for photography?
Choosing the right equipment
When photographing such iconic landmarks as the Eiffel Tower, the right equipment is key. While you can capture stunning photos with a smartphone, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with high resolution offers more flexibility and quality. It’s recommended to carry various lenses to capture different types of photos. A wide-angle lens for capturing the whole scene; a telephoto lens for details or portraits with the tower in the background. Also, bring a tripod, which is essential for night photography and long exposures. I always have mine with me.
Ideal camera settings
Photographing the Eiffel Tower can present some challenges, depending on the light conditions. If you’re shooting during the day, you might need to adjust your aperture and shutter speed to avoid overexposed photos. For night photography, you’ll need a sufficiently open aperture and a longer exposure to capture all the magic of the illuminated tower. Don’t forget about the ISO: keep it low in bright conditions to prevent noise, while you can increase it in low light, but be aware of the noise that can occur at high values. If you have a tripod, you can always keep the ISO low and increase the aperture time. This will result in the best photo.
Experiment. Try different techniques. Learn how to create beautiful bokeh. I’m sure this article will come in very handy for your photography.
The best time to photograph: day or night?
The question of when to photograph the Eiffel Tower is more complicated than it might seem. It depends on the effect you want to achieve. During the day, especially in clear weather, you can capture sharp images with beautiful blue skies in the background. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, during the golden or blue hour, you can take advantage of warm, soft colors and beautiful light.
Night photography, however, requires different skills and equipment. The Eiffel Tower is simply enchanting at night when it’s lit up with thousands of lights that flash every hour for five minutes, creating a wonderful effect. Long exposure allows you to capture this flashing effect or the starry trail of boats on the Seine River. Remember that you’ll need a tripod for night photography and need to adjust your camera settings to avoid shaking and blurred photos. Try to keep the ISO low.
Tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower
Best time to visit
The Eiffel Tower is great to visit at any time of the year, but there are certain times when it’s less crowded and the atmosphere is especially magical. Early in the morning or late in the evening are typically the least packed times. These times also have beautiful light for photography. If possible, visit the tower during the week, when there are fewer visitors.
How to get to the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is very accessible, as it’s on the RER C line (Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station) or on lines 6 and 9 of the metro (Trocadéro station). Alternatively, you can opt for a walk along the beautiful Seine if you are near the river.
Useful information: entrance fee, accessibility, official website
The entrance fee for the Eiffel Tower varies depending on whether you want to go to the top by elevator or by stairs and depending on your age group.
For the most recent information on prices and opening hours, it’s best to visit the official Eiffel Tower website: https://www.toureiffel.paris./en
The Eiffel Tower is also accessible to visitors with limited mobility, as there are elevators available. For better planning of your visit and possible reservations, visit the official website. Remember that the top of the tower is occasionally closed due to maintenance work or bad weather. Therefore, it’s good to check this before your visit.
Location
Popular Instagram hashtags for the Eiffel Tower
Have you visited the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Then don’t forget to share your amazing photos and moments on Instagram. Here are some hashtag ideas you can use:
- #EiffelTower
- #Paris
- #TripToParis
- #France
- #CityOfLove
- #ParisIsAlwaysAGoodIdea
- #RomanticDestination
- #EiffelMagic
- #TowerEiffel
- #ParisHereICome
Encourage your followers to fall in love with Paris along with you. Your posts can come alive with the creative use of these hashtags. Don’t forget to add unique, personal hashtags that will really make your post stand out! Also, read how to describe an Instagram photo in one word. Or, when is the best time to post on Instagram? The article on cute Instagram captions is also very popular.
Exploring Paris: additional attractions nearby
Nearby attractions: Louvre, Notre Dame, Champs-Élysées
The Louvre
The Eiffel Tower is just one of many gems that Paris has to offer. The Louvre, one of the largest and most famous art galleries in the world, is just a short metro ride away. Here you can admire many art masterpieces, including the famous Mona Lisa.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame, the famous cathedral, is also not far away. Although it was damaged in a fire in 2019, restoration continues, and the exterior of the cathedral is still impressive.
The Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous streets in the world, is a great destination for a stroll, shopping, or just soaking in the Parisian atmosphere.
Walking paths in Paris
I love to walk. Paris is a wonderful city for walking. The Seine Riverside Walk is one of the most beautiful paths, allowing you to see some of Paris’s most famous attractions like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Montmartre, with its narrow streets and beautiful city views, is also a perfect place for exploration.
Culinary Delights: where to get the best croissant in Paris
Paris is known for its excellent cuisine, including delicious croissants. If you want to try some of the best, visit Boulangerie Poilâne or Du Pain et des Idées. Both are rightly celebrated for their bakery products. Enjoy a freshly baked croissant while strolling through the beautiful Parisian streets; it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Frequently asked questions and answers
I have read a lot of frequently asked questions that people ask online and on social networks. I have selected the most common and searched for answers. This paragraph will surely come in handy when planning and visiting Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
Where can I take a photo of me holding the Eiffel Tower?
You can find a great location for such photos in the Champ de Mars park, which is located right in front of the Eiffel Tower. From there, you can take a photo where you “hold” the Eiffel Tower, creating a fun and unique visual effect. You will need someone to shoot from the right angle to achieve the desired effect.
Can I walk the entire Eiffel Tower on foot?
Yes, visitors can climb up to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower on foot, where there are about 700 stairs. However, only an elevator is available to access the top of the tower.
What’s on the third floor of the Eiffel Tower?
The third floor of the Eiffel Tower is the highest accessible floor for visitors. It offers an incredible panoramic view of Paris, including landmarks such as Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. Also, there is the “Le Jules Verne” restaurant that offers gourmet dishes and a souvenir shop.
How do I photograph the Eiffel Tower?
Photographing the Eiffel Tower requires some planning to find the right location and time. If you want to photograph the entire tower, it is best to do so from a distance, such as from Champ de Mars Park or the Trocadéro Gardens. For dramatic shots, try photographing at dawn or sunset, when the light is most favorable. Don’t forget to try different angles and perspectives for unique shots.
Can I see the Eiffel Tower for free?
Yes, the Eiffel Tower can be seen for free from various points around Paris. An entrance fee is only charged for climbing the tower.
Can I enter under the Eiffel Tower for free?
Yes, the area under the Eiffel Tower is accessible for free. However, there are entrance fees for access to the tower and for climbing it.
What are five interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower?
- The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 as an entrance to the World’s Fair.
- The tower is 330 meters tall and was the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1930.
- The tower can move a few centimeters due to thermal expansion.
- The tower was initially criticized for its design but is now a recognized symbol of France.
- At the top of the Eiffel Tower, there was originally Gustave Eiffel’s hidden apartment, which is now open to the public.
How long will the Eiffel Tower exist?
The Eiffel Tower is very well maintained and designed to withstand various weather conditions and natural disasters. Although there is no exact answer, it is likely that the tower will continue to exist for centuries if it is well maintained.
What is the secret room at the top of the Eiffel Tower?
At the top of the Eiffel Tower, there was a hidden apartment that Gustave Eiffel used for personal needs and to receive important guests. The apartment is now open to the public and is part of the tower visit.
At what time does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?
The Eiffel Tower “sparkles” or flashes every hour after sunset for five minutes, creating a wonderful light spectacle. This ends at 1 o’clock in the morning.
When is the best time to see the Eiffel Tower?
The best time to see the Eiffel Tower is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds are smaller. For photographing, the ideal time is at dawn or sunset, when the light is the best.
What to wear to see the Eiffel Tower
Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended for visiting the Eiffel Tower, as there is likely to be a lot of walking. Parisian weather can be changeable, so prepare for different weather conditions.
How much does the Eiffel Tower cost?
The entrance fee for the Eiffel Tower can vary, but in 2023, the price for adults for the elevator to the top was about 26 euros, and for the elevator to the second floor, it was 16 euros.
Can you eat in the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, there are two restaurants in the Eiffel Tower: 58 Tour Eiffel on the first floor and Le Jules Verne on the second floor.
How hard is it to climb the Eiffel Tower?
Climbing on foot to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower involves about 700 stairs. This can be strenuous for some, so make sure you are prepared for it before you decide to climb on foot.
Additional photograph, created with DALL·E 3
Here is another photograph. Actually, it is a graphic created using the DALL·E 3 application by OpenAI. Check out my post about DALL·E 3 compositions and the aspect ratios the program creates. I’m very excited about artificial intelligence and this application.
The prompt for the graphic was: make a horizontal picture, Eiffel Tower, sunset, almost night, moon, stars, winter, snowy landscape.
Try inputting this prompt as well, and you’ll see what the program does. However, you should know that it never replicates a graphic. You can copy the same prompt, but each time the picture will be different.
Conclusion
Together, we have reached the end of today’s article about The Best Photos of the Eiffel Tower, where we have learned about the tower’s attractions and found out how to best capture this masterpiece through our lens.
In the article, we explored a wide range of topics related to the Eiffel Tower. We learned about its rich history and architectural peculiarities, as well as tips for photographing, visiting, and exploring Paris. I hope that these details helped you better understand this iconic structure and will be useful for your next visit to or photograph of the Eiffel Tower.
Now that you are equipped with all this information, I invite you to try to make your own photos of the Eiffel Tower.
I hope you enjoyed reading and that you will find the content useful. If you have any questions or comments, please share them in the comments. I appreciate your feedback and look forward to sharing more photos and tips with you in the future.
Take a peek at my social networks as well.
Thank you, and happy photographing!