Eiffel Tower reopens in Paris

The Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors Thursday morning after having been shut down for more than three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the Paris landmark’s longest closure since World War II.

The reopening is a dramatic sign of people reclaiming public spaces in France following more than 100 days of restrictions. But the tower’s highest point is still not open – and for now, visitors will need to take the stairs.

The stairs-only rule is one of several restrictions at the site, which draws millions of tourists during a normal year. Face masks are compulsory for all visitors over the age of 11, and physical distancing markers are in place.

To keep people from crossing paths on the stairs, visitors will ascend on the Eiffel Tower’s east pillar and descend on the west pillar.

The reopening took place on a sunny and clear morning, promising wide views of the city. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo hailed the return of visitors — and as the first guests prepared to make their way up, a band of drummers performed in the plaza at the tower’s base.

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.