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& Cheryl Imboden'sEurope for Visitors europeforvisitors.com |
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News
ABOVE: A view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, looking straight down. Eiffel Tower plans US $267 million in improvementsWith almost 7 million annual visitors, the Eiffel Tower, beloved icon of the City of Paris, is one of the most visited sites in the world. However, the 19th-century structure is in need of some 21st-century improvements. The Paris Mayor's Office has announced plans to modernize the facilities and services of the Eiffel Tower in order to enhance the visitor's overall experience. The primary goal is for sightseers to spend less time standing in line and more time enjoying the city's top attraction. A complete renovation of the 119-year-old Eiffel Tower is planned to include new restaurants, bars and boutiques along with larger capacity elevators. Two of the three elevators used for the public were originally installed by Gustave Eiffel in 1889! (Of course, they have undergone several upgrades since then.) One of the first steps will be to redesign the ground level space under the tower. Better-located ticket booths, information desks, baggage storage and ATMs will be incorporated into a welcome center. Improved services for the disabled are also a key factor of the plan. A major improvement will be online ticket sales. Already available to group tour operators, in 2009 individuals will be able to reserve the time and date of their visit and purchase tickets online. The upscale Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor along with the private elevator reserved exclusively for dining guests has already completed its renovation. After a four-month closing, it was reopened by world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse. A second objective of the project is to reduce the tower's environmental footprint. Extensive efforts will be made to reduce water consumption, electricity usage (it takes 20,000 bulbs to make the tower sparkle), and the 700 tons of trash that is produced annually. Lastly, the most important purpose of the plan is to assure a long-term presence of the Eiffel Tower for generations to come. The projected cost is US $267 million with a completion date in 2015. For more about the Eiffel Tower, visit www.tour-eiffel.fr. For more information about travel in France, see www.franceguide.com.Photo copyright © Simon Moran. |
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