Built by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century, the 324-metre (1,063 ft) wrought-iron tower is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, welcoming around six million visitors each year. However, confidential expert reports cited by Marianne suggest that the monument is in poor condition and has rust. “It’s simple, if Gustave Eiffel visited the place he would have a heart attack,” an unnamed manager of the tower told Marianne. The company that oversees the tower, Societe d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), could not immediately be reached for comment. The tower is currently undergoing a €60 million repaint in preparation for the 2024 Olympics, the 20th time the Tower has been repainted. About 30% of the tower was supposed to be stripped and then two new coats applied, but work delays caused by the COVID pandemic and the presence of lead in the old paint mean only 5% will be treated, Marianne said . SETE is reluctant to close the tower for an extended period of time because of the lost tourism revenue, he added.
