It always surprises me when I read blogs from travelers who are vehemently against visiting the Eiffel Tower. They claim (loosely) that visiting the Eiffel Tower is so common, it’s like wearing a fanny pack: you just don’t do it.
This up close photo of the Eiffel Tower was taken while waiting a brief time in line.
I would—to an extent—agree with this. After all, we live in Southern California. I spent most of my adolescence in Orange County (the home of the Happiest Place on Earth). But, I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve visited Disneyland. We have also suggested to our out-of-town friends to steer clear of the “tourist trap” brought to you by Sir Disney himself.
But, do you think they listen?
Two words: Hell. No.
And I know why: because the culture and history of such landmarks are too important not to experience at least once in your life.
Disneyland is such a landmark that has shaped the Southern California landscape. It is uniquely different from Disneyworld. It’s also different from Euro Disney. It’s the original Happiest Place. And our friends can go back home saying that they braved the heat, they braved the line, they braved the damn cost for that delicious turkey leg and they gave Mickey a big ol’ kiss right on the nose.
The Eiffel Tower is no different. When people think of Paris, they think of that fruitful tower; a tower created to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution at the World’s Fair in 1889. Now, most people consider it as an icon of love. The Eiffel Tower is probably the most photographed tower on earth, and half of those are photos with duck lips…
In this respect, we are just like our out-of-towner friends. In my mind, Disneyland may have been hot and expensive, but nothing compares to the memories my friends can have for a lifetime. When we visited the Eiffel Tower, we knew what we were in for: a pickpocket’s paradise and an overcrowded tourist haven. We did our best to curb the waiting by buying tickets ahead of time.
When I look back on our visit to the Eiffel Tower, I hardly remember the line, the crowds and the tourists.
Instead, I remember a full French breakfast provided by our hotel. I remember the Louvre and how we viewed the Mona Lisa with fondness and surprise at its petite size; that that entire museum was a moniker–and ode–to a profound past that shapes our present.
I remember the mister and I found a quaint, serene corner in the Jardin des Tuileries that seemed removed from the beautiful chaos of Paris. I remember how he stooped on bended knee and asked me to be his wife; how we walked to the Eiffel Tower hand-in-hand while I secretly tried to sneak peaks and that pink rock on my finger (it sparkled, yo).
And I remember how, from that moment on, we were creating a new life for ourselves together. The Eiffel Tower is no longer a place we just “toured;” it’s a place we “toured” as future husband and wife, two little lovebirds in the most romantic city in the world; and no amount of advice to skip the Tower could ever take that memory away.
I now know why our friends so desperately wanted to slap a high-five with Goofy and I don’t blame them.
So, if you’re going to France, specifically Paris, then, yes, be expedient by buying the tickets ahead of time and go up the tower. Who cares if every one does it. Who cares if it’s a “tourist trap.” The Tower is as much a part of the history of France as Monet and the baguette. You can make your own memories of Paris and appreciate its history all at the same time. And, maybe you can cross it off your bucket list.
Bird’s Eye View of Paris from the Eiffel Tower.
The Rive Seine from the Eiffel Tower.
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