The iconic Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors Thursday after large-scale protests and national strikes forced its management to restrict entry. Demonstrators—workers, students, and retirees—marched from Place d’Italie toward the landmark, demanding higher taxes on the wealthy and the reversal of public spending cuts.
Protests spread across more than 200 French cities, with nearly 200,000 people estimated to have taken to the streets. The Interior Ministry reported around 24,000 protesters in Paris alone. In response, officials placed a sign at the tower entrance: “Due to a strike, the Eiffel Tower is closed. We apologize.”
The closure disrupted travel plans for both locals and international tourists, as the tower frequently attracts thousands of visitors each day. Organizers of the strike argue that the shutdown reflects growing public frustration over economic inequality and unpopular budget policies.
