Eiffel Tower reportedly in urgent need of repair

Built by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century, the wrought iron 324-meter tower is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world, welcoming around six million visitors a year.

However, confidential expert reports quoted by Marianne suggest the monument is in a poor condition and full of rust.

“It’s simple, if Gustave Eiffel visited the place, he would have a heart attack,” an unnamed manager of the tower told Marianne.

The company that oversees the tower, Societe d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), was not immediately available for comment.

The tower is currently undergoing a €60 million repaint in preparation for the 2024 Olympics, the 20th time the tower has been repainted.

About 30% of the tower would have been gutted and then two new coats applied, but delays in work caused by the COVID pandemic and the presence of lead in the old paint means only 5% will be treated, Marianne said.

SETE is reluctant to close the tower for a long time because of the tourist revenue that would be lost, it added.