The Eiffel Tower is big, imposing, very well attended, and iconic. We visited it Sunday morning, along with several thousand others, and then again last night from the safer distance of Chaillot where we were accompanied by only several hundred others. Built as a temporary structure for the International Exhibition of 1889, it has survived very well.
We arrived at Chaillot just in time to see the twinkling lights that flash all over the tower for five minutes every hour. It's as if thousands of tourists arranged all over the tower took flash pictures continually for five minutes. After the flashes, the tower is lighted by the traditional uplights that I prefer. Somehow the Eiffel Tower appreciates the dignity of the traditional lights.
Whether you visit the Eiffel Tower itself or view it from across the Seine at Chaillot, you must fend off the hawkers attempting to sell you something. The hawkers carry strings of model towers in different colors and sizes. Some towers light up. You can also buy wind-up dogs and faux designer handbags. It must be a very difficult way to earn a living.
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