Visiting the Eiffel Tower: highlights, tips and tours. Eiffel Tower Top Travel Tips Night Eiffel Tower

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Going to any country, it is always important for photographers to be aware of the specifics of the current copyright law. For example, most people are aware that you need to get the consent of the featured person if you plan to publish their images for commercial or editorial purposes. And what about the use of famous monuments that are on the streets in public space?

Everything is complicated here. Video channel half as interesting posted a video summarizing information about the public domain, copyright, and what you can safely take pictures of, using the Eiffel Tower as an example. Does this mean that we will not be able to photograph the famous landmark in the center of Paris? Not really. It all depends on the time of day chosen for filming.

In the European Union, a work of art - a song, painting, photo, video or building - is under copyright law for the life of its creator and for 70 years after his death. But what if the copyrighted object is in the middle of a beautiful landscape? In most countries, "freedom of panorama" is enshrined in law. This means that shooting is allowed as long as the copyrighted object is not the center of the image.

Panoramic freedom around the world for images used for commercial purposes. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

However, in some EU states, freedom of panorama is significantly limited by law. Unfortunately, France is one of those countries. And in Italy, shooting panoramas is completely prohibited, that is, Renzo Piano's Auditorium and other modern buildings cannot be included in the frames.

In the case of the Eiffel Tower, whose creator died in 1923, copyright law ceased to apply to the object as early as 1993. Therefore, in front of the Paris Las Vegas hotel, which opened in 1999, they were able to build a copy of the tower. But things are quite different with photographs of Gustave Eiffel's tower illuminated at night.

legal copy eiffel tower in Las Vegas, USA. Photo: Jürgen Matern.

Twinkling lights on the romantic symbol of Paris were installed in 1985. Illuminations are considered a separate work of art with their own rights. This means that you will have to wait a long time before you can freely photograph the Eiffel Tower at night, in accordance with copyright law. Shooting for personal use is acceptable, but it is forbidden even to share pictures in in social networks. Although the copyright owner does not claim for non-commercial use, formally any night image of the Eiffel Tower must be obtained permission from the copyright holder, La Société d "exploitation de la tour Eiffel (SETE).

Shooting what other world attractions threatens trouble? Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, Radio City Theater and Concert Hall in New York, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome - just to name a few. famous places, which are subject to copyright law and are subject to restrictions on commercial and/or editorial use of images.

Getty Images" Intellectual Property Wiki - useful resource to keep up to date on the state of intellectual property in the world. And it's time to remember the ban on the use of drones. In 2016, several tourists were heavily fined for flying drones over the Colosseum in Rome. Similar restrictions apply in other cities. Be sure to ask about them before visiting new countries.

Taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night is actually illegal. And that's why…
Ah, evening Paris. Your stomach is full of good bread, good cheese and good wine. Now you are looking at the Eiffel Tower: its lights twinkle and dance in the night sky. But if you're thinking about snapping the camera, then think about it again. Snopes, an online fact-checking site, has just confirmed that using photos of the Eiffel Tower taken at night is illegal. (There are other mind-blowing facts too)

Under current French law, it is perfectly possible to photograph the evening light display of the Eiffel Tower. However, sharing this photo via Facebook or Instagram could land you in legal battles.

But happy tourists, as a rule, do not know anything about this. But breathe easier. You can legally take pictures during the day because the Eiffel Tower is a public space. But the evening light display, installed on the tower in 1985 by Pierre Bidault, belongs to the artist and is protected by copyright.

The company de la Tour Eiffel, which owns and operates the tower, confirms: "The rights to publish photographs of the illuminated Eiffel Tower must be obtained from the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel." Using a photograph of the illuminated Eiffel Tower without French permission could be a potential target for lawyers. Betting that you didn't know it doesn't work. (Those amazing international laws that travelers don't know about).

TOM EVERSLEY / SHUTTERSTOCK

Your Facebook photos are probably safe as long as you only use them for personal use. But it's a waste of time to light up the Eiffel Tower every time if the tourists can't click on the photo, right?

Did you know that taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower in the evening is prohibited? To do this, you need to get a special permit!

Yes, yes, you heard right! "Copyright law" prohibits photographing the Eiffel Tower at night. The thing is that you can not photograph not the tower itself, but its night illumination, as it is subject to copyright. You must first obtain written permission from the company "SETE", which is engaged in the maintenance of the tower. A French court ruled back in 1990 that all the lights on the Eiffel Tower should be protected by copyright, but it was only very recently that full control was exercised.

Do not rush to publish your photos of Paris at night - you will break the law of France. According to SETE, all night photos of the Eiffel Tower published on the Internet have been officially authorized by the administration. Those who really want to have the rights to use the night shot of the Eiffel Tower will have to pay a few "royalty" dollars.

When in 1887 Gustave Eiffel decided to build a tower, all the intelligentsia of Paris and all the famous cultural figures of those times criticized his idea. Signatures were even collected in protest. The biggest hater of Eiffel's work was the French writer Guy de Maupassant, who later often liked to dine in the tower's restaurant. At one time, he wrote that this is the only place in Paris where this disgusting building could not be seen!

During World War II, before Nazi troops entered Paris, French engineers disabled an elevator drive that could not be repaired during the war years. German soldiers were unable to reach the top of the tower and hang Nazi flags on it. Hitler conquered France, but not her heart - the Eiffel Tower!

Quite common is suicide from the Eiffel Tower. For all the time, about 400 suicides were committed here. However, not all attempts were realized. The most curious case occurred with a French woman who jumped from a tower and landed on the roof of a car, and then married the owner of the car.

In the world in different cities more than 10 copies of the Eiffel Tower, the most famous of them are in Las Vegas, Slobozia, Copenhagen and Varna.

Over 120 years of existence, the Eiffel Tower has been visited by more than 250 million people. About 6 million tourists visit the tower every year.

Throughout history, the Eiffel Tower has been sold by scammers about 20 times, the most famous of them was Victor Lusting, who twice managed to sell it for scrap!

Eiffel Tower

One of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower (la Tour Eiffel) symbolizes Paris. Before arriving here, visitors have a vivid image of this monument seen in a postcard, film, or strap, but the Eiffel Tower is still amazing. This masterpiece of architectural achievement soars to a height of 320 meters. A feat of ingenuity, the structure of 8,000 metal parts is held together by 2.5 million rivets. Despite its massive weight, the Eiffel Tower has an airy lattice structure with the seeming lightness of a ballerina. The graceful tower is also known as the "Iron Lady".

Gustave Eiffel created the tower as a temporary exhibit for the Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) in 1889. At the time, it was considered a thorn in the side. Notable writers and artists, including Charles Garnier and Alexandre Dumas, protested his presence. Although the tower was designed to last 20 years, its usefulness as a radio antenna ensured its survival. The Eiffel Tower has become the most recognized feature of the Paris skyline, and for tourists, visiting is one of the city's most popular attractions.

See also: Where to stay near the Eiffel Tower

pillars

Pillars Romn Emin / photo modified

Four massive pillars at the base support the entire weight of the tower, 320 meters high, 10,100 tons. The engineer Gustave Eiffel decided to build his monument out of metal rather than the heavy stone that was used in his time to build churches, the most high monuments day. Because the weight of the tower is so well distributed throughout the frame, the base succeeds in securing the monument even in high winds. At ground level, the pressure is only four kilograms per square centimeter, about the same pressure that a normal-sized adult exerts on a chair seat.

The giant pillars give a striking first impression, they are much larger than you might expect and spacious enough to house a post office (South Pillar) and four elevators. Ticket office located on the Esplanade between West and South Pillars. Also at the foot of the columns there are souvenir shops and a cafeteria. In the presence of entrance ticket take one of three elevators from North Pillar (Peeler Nord), East Pillar (Peeler Est) or West Pillar (Peeler Owest) to reach the first level. (The south table is a private elevator in Jules Verne restaurants). Enjoy an exciting ride in the elevator or walk up to the first level.

First level

First Level Christina / photo modified

Take the elevator or go up the 360 steps to the first level, which opens up beautiful view to Parisian monuments (although the panoramas are not as wide as at higher levels). This level gives visitors a good idea of the metal structure underneath. open sky towers. At a height of 57 meters, the observation deck features transparent floors and glass pavilions to showcase sensational panoramas. Over 2,000 square meters of outdoor viewing space allows you to relax and enjoy the stage.

This level has public toilets, a souvenir shop, a museum, an exhibition celebrating the 120th anniversary of the tower, and Theater Cineiffel with an educational film filled with fascinating facts about the history of the Eiffel Tower. There is even a post office that will print your mail with a special postmark. The circular gallery offers stunning views and includes panoramic tables, viewpoints that allow visitors to find specific monuments in Paris.

Enjoy lunch or dinner in this incredible setting on 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant. Lunch is laid-back, served in a picnic style; dinner - a more formal brasserie with traditional French cuisine. Another option is cafeteria which is open for lunch and offers a wide selection of starters, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and pastries.

Second level

Second Level Jean-Pierre Dalbra / photo modified

At an altitude of 115 meters on the second level, there is a beautiful view of the cityscape of Paris. The buildings along the River Seine can be easily distinguished (whereas on the upper level the sights seem so small from a distance). To get to the second floor, take the elevator or go up 704 steps from ground level. On the second level there are public toilets, souvenir shops and cafeteria like the first level. There is also History window which describes the construction of the Eiffel Tower and Vision which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the sights below, perfect for a photographer (but not for those afraid of heights). Looking for the ultimate Parisian experience? Treat yourself to a meal in an incomparable Restaurant Jules Vernes. This Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant serves the cuisine of renowned French chef Alain Ducasse. Blending classic French culinary heritage with a modern twist, the cuisine is as impressive as the views. Be sure to book in advance (a few months ahead of schedule). Take the private elevator from the South Pillar which leads directly to the restaurant.

Official website: www.lejulesverne-paris.com/ru

Upper level

Not for the faint of heart, the top level of the Eiffel Tower stands at a dizzying height of 276 meters. The top of the Eiffel Tower continues a few meters higher and the radio antenna reaches 320 meters. To get to the upper level, take the elevator from the second level. There are two viewing platforms, one is under the roof and the other is in the open air for a spectacular high altitude. The platforms are more compact than the first and second levels and definitely not suitable for those who are afraid of heights. From the observation platforms, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views that stretch up to 70 kilometers on a clear day. Notice how small other Parisian monuments look from this height. The 70-meter Notre-Dame tower is 200 meters below this observation deck.

The top level includes Office of Gustav Eiffel, which appears in the initial state. Models wax figures show Gustav Eiffel and his daughter Claire dating Thomas Edison. From various points on viewing platforms, panoramic maps denote the most emblematic monuments in Paris and the height of each building. There is even Altimeter where visitors can measure their exact height.

Eiffel tower at night

Eiffel Tower at night | Paul / photo modified

To appreciate the various aspects of Paris' most famous landmark, be sure to visit both in the evening and during the day. The Eiffel Tower is most charming after sunset when it is lit up. golden lighting which glows from lights located inside the frame of the tower. The effect is truly magical. Golden lighting was created by electrician and engineer Pierre Bidault in 1985. Since the millennium, the tower has shown a special light show that is superimposed on the Golden Lighting. Every night, in the hour from sunset to 1 a.m., Lighthouse light is cast by 360° rotation, and Spark plug shine for five minutes. The Sparkling Lights system consists of 20,000 bulbs and requires 25 climbers to install over a five-month period. The budget for this sparkling light installation exceeded 4.5 million euros. This Sparkling Light show continues daily. Energy-saving 6-watt light bulbs reduce energy consumption, making the show more sustainable.

Best Photo Spots

For those who want the perfect photo of themselves with the Eiffel Tower in the background, there are two great options: Across the river from the Eiffel Tower Place du Trocadero offers an excellent vantage point. Closer to the tower Champs Elysees also provides a good backdrop for photos. It is easy to take pictures from any of these places, which will become a crowded memory of the visit. The ideal time to take a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower is in the morning or late in the evening.

Where to stay near the Eiffel Tower

Peninsula Paris: 5-star luxury, old world luxury, Oscar de la Renta toiletries, six restaurants, luxury spa, indoor pool.
Hotel La Tamise - Esprit de France: 4-star boutique hotel, stylish decor, wonderful staff, comfortable beds, delicious breakfast with fresh pastries.
Hotel Joke - Astotel: mid-range pricing, great value, quirky decor, free minibar, great service.
Hotel Darcet: budget hotel, close to great shops and restaurants, helpful staff, free tea and coffee, spotless rooms.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower Tours: Skip the entrance lines, which can be up to four hours long, on a two-hour Eiffel Tower Priority Ticket with Host Tour, which allows you to leisurely look at the sights of Paris right on the elevators as you learn some of their history from your guide. Or you can combine some of the best tourist attractions on a 4-hour Paris city tour, the Seine River Cruise and the Eiffel Tower, a great introduction to the city as you see it, and learn about attractions like the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe from your air-conditioned bus and more by visitors from a relaxing cruise ship, ending with a panoramic view from the second level of the Eiffel Tower.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the type of visit. The elevator ticket allows access to the first and second floors. The price increases if it includes a visit to the top floor. To avoid waiting in line, you can buy tickets online at least a day before your visit.
Avoiding crowds: With seven million visitors a year, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world, so lines can be hours away. They are shortest until 9am, after 6pm (in summer, the Eiffel Tower is open later in the evening) and out of season.
Climbing the Eiffel Tower: You can skip the elevator lines by going up the stairs and save a few euros. Keep in mind that there are 360 steps to the first level and another 344 steps (total 704 steps) to the second level. The upper level is not accessible by stairs.
See your values: Pickpockets know that this is the main tourist attraction in Paris and unfortunately, thefts happen here, especially in crowded areas and elevators. Be sure to attach the camera strap to prevent it from being removed from the viewing platforms.
Availability: All three levels are accessible by lift.
How to get to the Eiffel Tower: Take the metro to Bir Hakim or Trocadero station or RER to Marche on Marset - Eiffel Tower. Take bus 82 or 42 to the Tour Eiffel stop or take 82, 87 or 69 to the Champs de Mars stop. The Batobe on the River Seine drops passengers at the Porte de la Bourdonna, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. The most convenient car park is at the Quai Branly car park, 300 meters from the Eiffel Tower.

Every year "Western values" are better protected by laws, turning them into sheer insanity*...

According to a post on the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel website, the Eiffel Tower's illumination has been recognized as a work of art. It is forbidden to take pictures at night and share the pictures taken, as it violates copyrights and contradicts the norms of European legislation in this area. Those wishing to shoot the main attraction of Paris at night must obtain permission from the management company.

The tower is operated by Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, which posted a stern warning on its website about the persecution of infringing photographers. Yes, filming is also prohibited. The rationale is as iron as the tower itself - the illumination of the Eiffel Tower is the author's work of the artist, and therefore is protected by copyright law. You can take pictures of the tower only in the daytime, when the backlight is off and the "author's work" is not visible.

The British newspaper The Sun specifically explains to tourists from Foggy Albion that pictures of the Eiffel Tower taken at night should never be published even on social networks - even after a long time you may be sued for copyright infringement.

It is impossible to evaluate such laws in one's right mind. After all, any person who has built his house and decorated it can demand the same. Moreover, any person who went out into the street has the right to claim compensation for damage from getting into the frame - after all, everyone is dressed, combed and painted in accordance with their own author's design. The same applies to photographing someone else's dog, for example. What can I say - graffiti on the walls of houses and even a photographed advertising poster are subject to copyright - look, look, but don't you dare take pictures.

If these are truly European values, then it would be nice if they remained there.

P.S. The photo of the Eiffel Tower used in the material was taken from the Ukrainian resource (http://globustour.com.ua/upload/file3007.jpg). All claims - to Kyiv.

* - insanity, a state of complete decline of psychophysical activity. The common name for the symptoms of senile dementia (senile dementia), Alzheimer's disease.