Why Paris' Eiffel Tower has remained closed to tourists since October 2

Ask

anyone what first springs to mind when they think of France, and they'll most likely say the Eiffel Tower. This 330-metre wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris is among the most famous landmarks in the world.

Called the La Dame de fer (French for 'Iron Lady'), this technological masterpiece was designed and built (1887–89) by Gustave Eiffel. It was initially criticised by a section of French artists and intellectuals, but over the years became an iconic cultural landmark of the country.

The 13-year-old tower of love has been closed after demonstrators came to the streets to oppose spending cuts and demand increased taxes on the wealthy.

According to The Associated Press, the protest was called by France’s major unions. On Thursday afternoon in Paris, thousands of workers, retirees, and students marched from the Place d'Italie. In a statement, the Eiffel Tower informed visitors that it was closed due to the strikes.

Amid the nationwide day of strike, a sign was also posted at the monument that read, "Due to a strike, the Eiffel Tower is closed. We apologise.”

Meanwhile, there were numerous social media rumours that the iconic tower will be demolished in 2026. But there are no official statement from SETE, Paris city authorities, or national heritage bodies that supports any idea that the Eiffel Tower is slated for demolition.

The strikes were the latest in a string of rallies that began last month, sparked by political unrest and heated budget talks.

Unions are pressing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to scrap his predecessor's draft budget proposals, which include social benefit cuts and austerity measures that many believe will undermine the purchasing power of low- and middle-class workers. They also advocate for increased taxes on the wealthy.

“It’s true, it’s the first time that there are three days of strikes and protests in a month without a government or budget. It shows the level of social anger,” Sophie Binet, head of the CGT union, was quoted as saying by the outlet.

According to the official Eiffel Tower website, it is managed by SETE (Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel). The Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel operates, maintains, and manages events at the Eiffel Tower under a delegated public service contract with the City of Paris. "The SETE and its staff welcome more than 6 million visitors to the Eiffel Tower every year as part of a delegated public service contract with Paris City Hall," it said.

Before it became a revered monument, the iconic symbol of love and romance's fate was uncertain. When Gustave Eiffel first suggested the design, there was no certainty that it would last beyond the initial 20-year permission. Artists, architects, and philosophers condemned it, calling it "monstrous and useless." Critics described it as a "truly tragic street lamp" and a "carcass waiting to be fleshed out."

Defending his design, Gustave said that it "would have its own beauty." To assure the tower's existence, he set aside its top for scientific reasons such as atmospheric research and radio transmission. By providing the tower a functional role, Eiffel gave officials a compelling cause to keep it even after the 20-year authorisation expired.

Historically, the monument has been closed on many occasions in its 136-year history. The tower was closed for two days in August 2018 when staff went on strike. Later in May 2019, it was evacuated after a man was seen climbing the structure.

Based on the pattern from past strikes, the Eiffel Tower will likely reopen to the public once the current labour negotiations or disputes are resolved. Historically, the tower has reopened once an agreement is reached. The length of the closure depends entirely on how long it takes to settle the labour dispute. After the labour action subsides, SETE can resume its normal operations, including repairs and visitor access.