Paris Protests Close Eiffel Tower, Disrupt Travel
Paris is currently facing significant disruptions due to ongoing protests and strikes. The U.S. Embassy has advised travelers to avoid demonstration areas and keep track of transportation schedules. Notably, the iconic Eiffel Tower has closed its doors to visitors due to a nationwide strike, with no announced reopening date.
Thousands of workers, retirees, and students have taken to the streets across France to protest against spending cuts and call for higher taxes on the wealthy. This is the first time in a month that there have been three consecutive days of strikes and protests without a government or budget in place, indicating a high level of social anger.
The Eiffel Tower's closure is a significant blow to tourism in the city. It last shut down in 2024 due to an employee strike related to maintenance costs ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. In 2024, the tower welcomed 6.3 million visitors and an average of 16,500 tourists daily. This closure is reminiscent of the Louvre Museum's closure in June 2024, which was partly caused by overtourism around the 'Mona Lisa' painting.
The Eiffel Tower's reopening date remains uncertain, leaving tourists and locals alike in limbo. While Philippe Jost, head of 'Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris,' oversaw the reopening of Notre-Dame's towers, no specific individual has been attributed with responsibility for the Eiffel Tower's reopening at this time.
