This topic tackles about the non-aristocratic and non-extravagant way of travelling to Paris, France. This contains, how to find a parking area, how to find the metro nearby going to the ultimate destination, which is the timeless “Eiffel Tower” of Paris.
Below is the teaser of my travel to Paris entitled, ” My 20.5 hour Personal Journey to Paris, France”.
Teaser: My 20.5 hour Journey to the Eiffel Tower of Paris, France!
The video above is consciously knitted to fit in to the actual journey to Paris, France. In my own perspective as a tourist, when we say Paris, this is synonymous with Eiffel Tower. For the local Parisians, this statement is not true! But to me as an outsider, I am ver much convinced that Eiffel Tower is coined with Paris, and we can not do anything to change that perspective.
Episode 1: My 20.5 hour Journey to the Eiffel Tower of Paris, France!
This starting point of this video is the starting up of the engine of my car. The goal in my mind that the end destination would be in the Eiffel Tower. Journey by a car is a bit more challenging than the normal way of travelling such as by airplane, by train or by bus. This is because of the fact that while traveling, you also have to listen to your body if you could cope with the stress of driving a vehicle.
I do enjoy driving in the realm and vicinity of the European Union but it was a bit challenging when I found out that there was a toll gate and toll payment in France, which I did not expect it to be that way because France and The Netherlands are both members of the EU.
The episode 1 ended up with a high note with me being able to successfully park my car in Pyrenees Parking Du Closed nearby the Porte De Montreuil metro station but at this time, the right side door knob of my car was accidentally scratched by the arduous narrow wall of the parking place.
Episode 2: My 20.5 hour Journey to the Eiffel Tower of Paris, France!
The episode 2 started up with me being able to find the Porte de Montreuil metro station thereby looking for the metro station that is situated nearby the Eiffel Tower. That metro station was named Ecole Militaire, which is at metro station Line number 8.
The Eiffel Tower: A Timeless Symbol of France
The Eiffel Tower, or La Tour Eiffel in French, stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Located in Paris, it is not only an architectural marvel but also a cultural symbol of France. Its story is one of innovation, controversy, and enduring beauty, making it a subject of fascination for engineers, artists, and travelers alike.
The Birth of a Monument
The Eiffel Tower was designed by the French engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, a world’s fair celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet) tall today, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time of its completion. The tower’s design, composed of 18,038 iron parts held together by 2.5 million rivets, demonstrated the potential of wrought iron as a building material.
Despite its now-iconic status, the tower was met with significant resistance during its construction. Critics called it a “monstrous creation,” fearing it would ruin the beauty of Paris. Writers, artists, and architects, including figures like Guy de Maupassant, penned a petition to stop its construction. Yet, Eiffel defended his work, emphasizing the structure’s engineering brilliance and its alignment with the spirit of modernity.
An Engineering Marvel
The Eiffel Tower was a groundbreaking achievement in structural engineering. It was designed to withstand extreme wind forces, and its lattice framework made it lightweight yet incredibly strong. At its base, it rests on massive concrete foundations, while its curved iron beams distribute weight evenly, ensuring stability.
Gustave Eiffel also integrated scientific purposes into the tower’s design. He installed a weather station and a laboratory at the top, which was later used for radio transmission. Today, it remains a hub for broadcasting, housing numerous antennas for television and radio signals.
A Cultural Icon
What was once a controversial structure has become a universal symbol of beauty, innovation, and Parisian elegance. The Eiffel Tower attracts nearly 7 million visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited paid monuments in the world. Its three levels offer spectacular views of Paris, with restaurants, shops, and an observation deck at the summit.
Beyond tourism, the Eiffel Tower serves as a cultural symbol, appearing in countless films, artworks, and literature. It lights up every evening, with golden illuminations and a sparkling display that has become a global emblem of romance and celebration.
Preserving the Legacy
Maintaining the Eiffel Tower is a monumental task. Its iron structure undergoes regular inspections, cleaning, and painting to prevent rust and deterioration. This ongoing effort ensures that the tower remains a source of inspiration for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Eiffel Tower is more than just an architectural feat; it is a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of vision. From its humble beginnings as a controversial project to its current status as a beloved global icon, it continues to captivate the world with its elegance and history. Whether admired from afar or explored up close, the Eiffel Tower embodies the timeless spirit of Paris and serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through innovation and creativity.