by Gustave Eiffel, who died 100 years ago today, is known for the most famous landmark in Paris, the tower that bears his name. But over a long and fruitful life, the Dijon-born civil engineer built dams, bridges and lighthouses as far afield as Russia, Senegal, Vietnam and Brazil. He worked on an early attempt to build the Panama canal, and while there he was accused of misappropriating funds and was imprisoned (although he was later acquitted).
Around Paris itself, Eiffel’s legacy extends to many structures and works of art that still exist. And while none are as magnificent as the tower, they show the gypsy expanse of Eiffel’s genius and influence. Here are some to look out for in the capital.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont footbridge
Eiffel gained fame by designing bridges, including the handsome footbridge in the tree-lined Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement. Crossing a lake to the Île du Belvedere with its Roman temple folly, its narrow iron suspension footbridge is 65 meters long and painted dark burgundy. Unfortunately the bridge itself, as well as the folly, is likely to be closed until 2025 as work is carried out to stabilize the island. It can be seen below, though, and the smaller Eiffel overpass, which is just as nice, is close to it – a former dark green road bridge just inside the park’s western entrance.
Subway: Buttes Chaumont or Botzaris. Free
Passerelle de l’Avre
The 24 metre, 24 metre, lamp-lined Passerelle de l’Avre cycle path and pedestrian bridge runs over an aqueduct originally built to carry water to central Paris. It was designed by Eiffel and Fulgence Bienvenüe, known as the father of the Paris Metro, and opened in 1893. Marking the westernmost point in Paris, it crosses the Seine from Bois de Boulogne park and offers fine views of the skyscrapers of La Defense to the north, and, fittingly, the Eiffel Tower. The riverside path that leads there from the Pont de Saint-Cloud metro station is pleasantly tree-lined and passes a number of houseboats.
Metro: Boulogne-Pont de Saint-Cloud. Free
Church of Notre-Dame-des-Champs
Eiffel’s company provided the metal framework for many impressive buildings, including those supporting the Palais Galliera fashion museum, La Samaritaine department store and the former Calmann-Lévy printing works, which is Le Shack Paris, a restaurant, club and space co-workers. He also helped build Notre-Dame-des-Champs between 1867 and 1876. This elegant church on Boulevard du Montparnasse in the sixth arrondissement, south of the Seine, is framed by classical Haussman buildings and replaced a Benedictine priory that was destroyed during The French Revolution. . Eiffel’s iron frame meant that the building could be taller than most churches of the era, with more space and larger windows.
Metro: Vavin. Free
Statue of Liberty replica
Eiffel played a central role in the construction of the Statue of Liberty in New York. Its sculptor, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, needed help with the internal structure; Eiffel designed a special flexible four-legged pylon that could withstand the stress of the wind, and this was the centerpiece of the sculpture. The components were built at Eiffel’s workshops in Paris before being shipped to New York. The sprawling Musée des Arts et Métiers on rue Saint-Martin houses a wood, plaster and iron replica, one-sixteenth the size of the original, as well as photographs and related objects donated by Bartholdi’s widow.
Metro: Arts et Métiers. Entry €12
Paradis Latin
Another Eiffel frame anchors the oldest cabaret theater in Paris. An easy walk to the north of the Jardin des Plantes, the Paradis Latin was originally built on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte, in 1802. When the Franco-Prussian war left it in ruins, Eiffel helped rebuild the theater before the 1889 Exhibition. in Paris. He embedded metal columns in the remains of the ancient city wall in Paris, allowing for a cathedral-height ceiling. This high roof space allows for shows such as L’Oiseau Paradis, which combines aerial acrobatics, burlesque and comedy elements. Their restaurant is overseen by triple Michelin star chef Guy Savoy.
Metro: Cardinal Lemoine or Jussieu. Evening show and drinks from €90pp
Eiffel bust and exhibition
The Eiffel Tower was, of course, the crowning glory of the Exhibition of 1889. Despite the author, it was scheduled to be demolished after 20 years, but it earned a stay of execution thanks to the uses of a scientific apparatus installed by Eiffel. Today, nearly 7 million people visit each year, and long queues form early every morning. There is a bronze bust of Eiffel by Antoine Bourdelle near the north column and, until January 7, a special centenary exhibition about the creation of the monument, Eiffel – Tall and Tall, on the esplanade. There are also great views of the tower from the Metro Line 6 train as they cross the Seine over the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, and almost all 38 bedrooms at the Hotel Beauregard, a short walk south with great views.
Metro: Bir-Hakeim. Entry from €11.30
Aérodynamique Eiffel wind tunnel
Eiffel added a wind tunnel to the base of the tower in 1909, to allow engineers to simulate the way vapors affected airplanes and cars. However, it was very noisy and was later banished to Eiffel’s research base, the Aérodynamique Eiffel laboratory, in the 16th arrondissement across the river, where it is still used today. After retiring from engineering, Eiffel focused on meteorology and aerodynamics, building weather stations and producing prototype airplanes. The laboratory is normally only open to the public during the annual European Heritage Days (21-22 September 2024).
Metro: Exelmans
Eiffel’s tomb
Gustav Eiffel was buried in the family tomb at Levallois-Perret cemetery, in a suburb of the same name northwest of the city. His grave has a different direction from the rest of the row, to look towards the Eiffel Tower. A 15-minute walk south, the site of the Eiffel et Cie workshops is now Parc Gustave-Eiffel, a beautiful zigzag of greenery whose dense flower beds, playground and water features are framed by giant murals of the statue of Liberty, a Garabit. a viaduct in the Massif Central and, bien sûr, the Eiffel Tower.
Metro: Pont de Levallois-Bécon. Free
The Office provided the trip dand Tourisme de Paris. Hotel Beauregard, with views of the Eiffel Tower, There are doubles from €107 one room. Eurostar costs £78 returning from London St Pancras to Paris
