-
EU looks to increase Etias travel authorisation fee from €7 to €20
Second-home owners and other visitors from the UK and US will need this from autumn 2026
-
What dangerous snakes are in France and what to do if you spot one
Anyone killing a snake risks a fine and potentially a prison sentence
-
Ryanair says flights over France must be protected from air traffic controller strikes
Strikes at start of the month cost airlines over €100 million as budget airline claims workers ‘wanted time off’
Eiffel Tower reopens after security staff strike
The Eiffel Tower has reopened its doors to the public this weekend after it was closed by two days of strikes by security guards.

The famous Parisian monument was closed until Saturday (April 14) afternoon, due to a strike that began on Friday (April 13).
According to workers’ union CGT, security staff were protesting after three of their former colleagues had been fired, allegedly for distributing a petition asking for better working conditions.
Saturday 14th, April, the opening of the Eiffel Tower is delayed for the moment. More information in early afternoon. pic.twitter.com/S4xTGRsWYP
— La tour Eiffel (@LaTourEiffel) April 14, 2018
The Tower’s restaurants, 58 Tour Eiffel and Jules Verne, were also closed during the strike, as were the gardens for a time. All have since reopened.
On its official Twitter account, @LaTourEiffel, Tower staff explained that guests who had paid for pre-booked tickets, but were not able to access the Tower at their allotted time due to the strike, would be automatically reimbursed via credit card in the next few weeks.
In 2017, the monument attracted 6.2 million visitors, marking 300 million visitors in total since it first opened in 1889.
Now almost 130 years old, the Tower is set to undergo significant renovations between now and 2023, including the installation of a €20 million “bulletproof terrorism-proof glass wall” around the base.
Modernising improvements to the visitor reception and facilities are also planned.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France