Elevators in the Eiffel Tower

first      previous      next      last     

This is a photograph of the special, custom-built elevators (lifts) that carry visitors to and from the first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower. The elevators are constructed to move upwards and downwards at two different angles in order to match the angles of the Tower’s legs (the angle beneath the first level of the tower is slightly different from the angle above the first level).

There are elevators in all four legs of the tower. Three of the legs have elevators that carry ordinary visitors; the fourth leg (the southern pillar) has a tiny, private elevator that takes people directly to and from the fancy Jules Verne restaurant on the second level of the tower. The elevators are not exactly identical in each leg, but they are all large, double-decked elevators. On any given day, from one to three elevators will be in operation, depending on the number of visitors. The elevator you see here are in the eastern pillar of the tower.

If you look closely, you can see people standing in the elevator. Most of the walls of the elevator have large windows so that you can see out and downwards. The movement of the elevator and the angle of its travel, along with the thin structure of the tower, can induce vertigo in persons who are sensitive to heights or afraid of heights, so beware!

In this pillar, there is also a stairway. You can take the stairways to or from the first or second levels of the tower; the summit can only be reached by elevator. You need to be in good shape and not afraid of heights to take the stairs.

Photographed on October 14, 1999.