The Eiffel Tower was closed due to a nationwide strike in France, where millions protested against proposed austerity measures and tax policies, reflecting widespread social unrest and demands for higher taxes on the wealthy.
France experienced nationwide strikes and protests against austerity measures and for higher taxes on the wealthy, leading to the closure of the Eiffel Tower and disruptions in transportation, with significant participation across over 200 towns and cities.
The top observation deck of the Eiffel Tower has been closed due to extreme heat conditions, reflecting the impact of a heatwave in Europe, which has also caused other landmarks like Brussels' Atomium to close early.
Russia has denied involvement in a stunt where coffins appeared at the Eiffel Tower, which French authorities suspect may be linked to Russian efforts to influence public opinion amid Western support for Ukraine. The incident follows other alleged Russian destabilization activities in France, including anti-Semitic graffiti and disinformation campaigns. Moscow has dismissed these allegations and warned that Western military instructors in Ukraine could be targeted by Russian forces.
Three men from Bulgaria, Germany, and Ukraine were released pending further investigation after allegedly placing five coffins at the Eiffel Tower, an act considered psychological violence. The incident, which occurred ahead of the Paris Olympic Games, caused distress among employees and visitors. The men were questioned but not charged, and remain free as the investigation continues.
French authorities suspect Russian involvement in a stunt where five coffins covered with French flags and the words "French soldiers in Ukraine" were placed at the Eiffel Tower. Three men, including a Bulgarian, a German, and a Ukrainian, were arrested in connection with the incident. The suspects claimed they were paid to deliver the coffins, and the event follows similar acts of interference possibly linked to Russia's FSB security services.
French intelligence suspects Russian involvement in a stunt where five coffins labeled "French soldiers of Ukraine" were left near the Eiffel Tower. The perpetrators, apprehended by police, were paid to deposit the coffins, and investigations are ongoing to determine if the act was organized from abroad. This incident follows similar events believed to be Russian attempts to manipulate public opinion against French involvement in Ukraine.
French woman Anouk Garnier, 34, broke the world rope climbing record by ascending 110 meters to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in 18 minutes, raising funds for cancer support. Inspired by a Danish athlete, she prepared for a year and overcame challenges to achieve her dream, aiming to support the League Against Cancer after her mother's diagnosis. Garnier now holds the highest climb record and plans to continue her athletic pursuits.
The Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors after a six-day closure due to employee strikes demanding better maintenance and salary hikes. The operator reached an agreement with unions, promising a 380 million euro investment for renovation work by 2031 and launching salary negotiations. The 135-year-old landmark will play a significant role in the upcoming Paris Games and Paralympics, with Olympic and Paralympic medals containing pieces from the historic tower.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris reopened to visitors after a six-day closure due to a strike by employees demanding better maintenance and salary hikes. The operator reached an agreement with the unions, promising a significant investment for renovation work and launching salary negotiations. The iconic landmark will play a prominent role in the upcoming Paris Games and Paralympics, with Olympic and Paralympic medals containing pieces of iron from the tower.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is set to reopen after a six-day closure due to strikes over its management and maintenance. The operator, SETE, reached a deal with unions, apologizing to affected ticket holders and agreeing to regularly monitor the company's business model and investment in works. Concerns over the monument's state and maintenance led to the strike, with an agreement for significant investment toward works and maintenance until 2031. The French Culture Minister suggested classifying the Eiffel Tower as a "historical monument" to allow state funding for future works.
The Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors on Monday due to a strike over financial management issues, marking the second closure in two months. Tourists were advised of disruptions and electronic ticket holders were instructed to check their inboxes. The strike, led by the CGT union, seeks a salary increase in proportion to ticket sales revenue and improved maintenance of the monument. Visitors expressed disappointment, while the union criticized the operator's business model for prioritizing short-term benefits over long-term conservation.
Richard Plaud spent eight years building a 23.6-foot Eiffel Tower replica using 706,900 matchsticks, only to be initially disqualified by Guinness World Records for using the wrong type of matchsticks. However, after widespread coverage and public outcry, Guinness reversed its decision, acknowledging Plaud's achievement as the tallest matchstick structure in the world. The dispute arose from Plaud using custom matchsticks without sulfur heads, which were not commercially available, leading to a rule violation.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo faces resistance from residents and the police force over her plan to create a car-free zone around the Eiffel Tower, aiming to turn the area into a green pathway. The proposal, part of Hidalgo's efforts to reduce car usage in Paris, has divided opinions, with supporters praising the move for reducing pollution and increasing green spaces, while critics, including the Paris police chief and right-wing politicians, express concerns about traffic disruptions and impact on emergency services. Hidalgo hopes to implement the project after the 2024 Summer Olympics, but faces pushback from various quarters.
Richard Plaud's 7.19m matchstick model of the Eiffel Tower was initially disqualified by Guinness World Records for using the wrong type of matches, but was later approved, setting a new world record. It took him eight years to build the model using 706,900 matches and 23kg of glue. Plaud hopes to display his creation in Paris for the Olympics in July.