Eiffel Tower reopens after 104 days' shutdown

People queue up prior to visit the Eiffel Tower, in Paris on Thursday. The Eiffel Tower reopens after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmarks longest closure since  World War II
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People queue up prior to visit the Eiffel Tower, in Paris on Thursday. The Eiffel Tower reopens after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War II
Highlights

Marking another milestone in France's recovery from coronavirus lockdown, the Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors on Thursday after its longest-ever closure in peace time: 104 days

Paris: Marking another milestone in France's recovery from coronavirus lockdown, the Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors on Thursday after its longest-ever closure in peace time: 104 days.

Tourists who are trickling back to Paris were delighted to find the landmark open when some other attractions in the French capital remain closed. The Louvre Museum isn't reopening until July 6.

"It's very special, very special because it's only the Paris people," said Annelies Bouwhuis, a 43-year-old visitor from the Netherlands.

"We've seen a lot Paris people enjoying their city, enjoying their parks without all the tourists." Lifts that usually whisk visitors up the 324-metre (1,063-feet) tall wrought-iron Eiffel Tower remain closed, so for now people have to take the stairs.

Of the tower's three decks, only the first two reopened. Those who made the climb on Thursday were rewarded with far-away views and a light breeze in scorching summer weather.

"I booked the first slot because afterward it will be very hot," said Sabine Peaufils, a 57-year-old Parisian. "This is a real pleasure."

The tower lost 27 million euros ($30 million) from the lockdown that started in March, according to its director general, Patrick Branco Ruivo.

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