PARIS — The Eiffel Tower greeted tourists for the first time in over nine months on Friday, with “Welcome” signs in various languages, reopening to the public even as France implements new viral laws aimed at controlling the fast-spreading delta strain.
As the first disguised visitors boarded the lifts to the top of the Paris monument, their smiles were wide and their emotions were obvious.
As France faced its second pandemic viral spike in October, the “Iron Lady” of Paris was ordered closed, and it remained closed for restorations even after other French tourist attractions reopened last month.
The reopening of the tower comes four days after President Emmanuel Macron proposed additional measures aimed at preventing a fourth wave, including required vaccines for health professionals and COVID-19 permits for restaurants, tourist attractions, and other places.
The number of daily visitors to the tower will be limited to roughly half of the pre-pandemic norm of 25,000. Masks will be needed.
On Friday, the regulations didn’t appear to deter the throngs.
“We toiled, toiled, toiled” (for this day). And I was overjoyed when I spotted my first guest. “Emotion and happiness,” said Patrick Branco Ruivo, director of the Eiffel Tower.
This summer, France opened its doors to international tourists, but the laws differ depending on which country they are visiting. While visitors are returning to Paris in small numbers, considering the ongoing border restrictions and virus concerns, their numbers are much below usual.
Philippe Duval of Bordeaux and his family loved the vista as they gazed over the beautiful French city.