Eiffel Tower reopens after nine-month COVID closure

The ‘Iron Lady’ of Paris was ordered shut in October; now visitors are allowed to enter after showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.

The Eiffel Tower has reopened to visitors after nine months of shutdown caused by the COVID pandemic, the landmark’s longest closure since World War II. The lifts of the “Iron Lady” again whisked tourists to its 300-metre (1,000-foot) summit and its majestic views of the French capital as a marching band played. “It’s a gift to be here. We really love Paris,” said Ila, who came from Hamburg, Germany, and waited more than two hours with her daughter Helena to be among the first to the top.