We sped across the ice, 187 feet above Paris. We took in breathtaking views of the city skyline while sipping warm hot chocolate on the ice. We braved the bitter chill to carve out figure eights high above the rooftops of the French capital, illuminated by the twinkling lights of the tower above us.
It was almost as if we were skating on air; but no. We were skating between two immense latticed steel legs. We were skating inside the Eiffel tower!
Every winter, ice-skating rinks are set up around Paris for locals and tourists alike, however you would never expect that one of these rinks would be located within one of the world’s most famous landmarks! Refreshment stands; yes. Souvenir shops and fancy restaurants; also expected. But an ice skating rink in the sky?!
It was on this day that we realized how little we actually knew about the iconic French landmark we were skating inside. The Eiffel Tower is instantly recognizable across the globe, though do you know anything about it?
Here are 25 fun facts about the Eiffel Tower you probably didn’t know.
25 Facts About the Eiffel Tower You Probably Didn’t Know
Infographic by PARISCityVISION.com
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32 Comments
Cool! I really like the infographic, been wanting to make a few.
Glad you enjoyed the post! I’m finding infographics really fun at the moment! Let me know when you make one so I can check it out!
How fun! I love random facts. I’d be interested to learn more about the life expectancy only being 20 years and what they’ve had to do to adjust for it’s much longer life span. Thanks for sharing.
I know, isn’t that crazy! It sure surpassed that original 20 year life expectancy!
Awesome! I didn’t know some of the facts stated in the infographic. I have seen the Eiffel tower twice but each time it gets even more magical and alluring.
Totally agree that it’s more alluring every time you see it! Each time I go back I learn something new, and I feel like the experience is different when you know more of the history and facts behind a landmark/place :)
What a great infographic of the Eiffel Tower, fun to read:-). Imagine what a workout climbing those 1665 stairs would be…
I don’t have such great memories about Paris because my first visit happened to be in the weekend of the terrorist attacks last November. Needless to say that was a different weekend away than I had imagined. I would want to go back in the future though and see the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Yes, I’ve taken the elevator each time I’ve gone lol. That’s a few too many stairs for me :D
So sorry to hear you were in Paris during the recent terror attacks. It sounds like you came out unhurt though which I’m glad to hear. Hopefully you’ll have the chance to revisit Paris at a more peaceful time XX
Fat #26, it is slightly over-rated. JK….kinda. It is one of those “have to do” bucket list items while in Europe and I’m glad we went, I just hate huge touristy crowds (I know, I know…I’M a tourist!) I much prefer the quiet cafes in side streets with a view of the tower! :)
I’m with you, I agree! We’re not big ones for huge crowds either, though we have been back to the Eiffel Tower quite a few times – definitely something you have to do while in Paris regardless of the tourist crowds :)
I only knew a few of these facts! Great info graphic, thanks for sharing. Happy travels :)
Glad you enjoyed the post Lauren!
I love that it was only meant to last 20 years and yet is still standing. They don’t make things like that anymore.
Isn’t it amazing how far it has surpassed it’s original life expectancy! They did a truly amazing job.
I didn’t climb the eiffel tower when I was there because of the height, and now that I know how tall it is, I’m glad I didn’t haha. Cool infographic!
Glad you enjoyed the infographic Carly :) … the elevator is a godsend if you don’t want to climb all 1600 odd stairs lol :D
Cool infographic and I love random facts! I’m gonna save a few of these to pull out at my next quiz night! Love me some travel info related nuggets of gold!
These would be great for quiz night!
I think a visit to the Eiffel Tower is a classic Paris experience that everyone should do just once and, while it might be a bit cheesy, eating in the restaurant or doing something special will really help make some memories. Just one word of caution: the ratio of pickpockets to visitors is extremely high, one of the worst anywhere. But I don’t think this should discourage visitors – just be aware and have a day where you travel ultra light, leaving all valuables and everything but essentials at home. It felt kinda fun to be able to walk through the crowd and feel invincible knowing I had no purse or wallet to worry about.
Good tip Vanessa – thanks for sharing your experience. I agree – it’s definitely a touristy spot, but spending time at the Eiffel Tower was one of the most memorable experiences we had in France. Even more enjoyable knowing that you have nothing for pickpockets to steal :D!
As someone who has annoyingly stood in that queue for ages, I’m not surprised to see that the elevators only make 100 trips per day. Doesn’t that seem kinda low? That queue…serious business, not for the faint of heart :)
I think the queue for the elevator is probably twice as long as that for the stairs! Best to take some entertainment for the wait :)
Wow 7 million is quite a lot! It’s one of the big sights in the world of course and you just can’t go to Paris without seeing it. I can’t believe I was only 19 when I saw it for the first time, while we live relatively close to Paris, about a 6 hour drive :-)
It is isn’t it! One of those spots which retains it’s magic appeal no matter how many times you visit :)
7 million visitors are huge… incredible stats man
Pretty crazy isn’t it!!
My one (and only) trip to Paris was in 05- seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time hit me hard.
Glad you had a fabulous time J – yes, it’s one of those icons which can really inspire an emotional response once .you’re actually standing in front of it.
Wow thats super interesting! Also great infographic!
Glad you enjoyed the post Meghan, thanks for reading :)
Incredible stats you’ve got here.
Thanks Apoorv … So glad you enjoyed the post :)