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When the Eiffel Tower was first unveiled at the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, the locals absolutely hated it. Prominent artists and writers signed a petition calling it a "gigantic black smokestack" and a "monstrosity" that would ruin the elegance of the city.
Today, it is the most visited paid monument in the entire world.
This Tuesday, March 31, is Eiffel Tower Day, marking the exact anniversary of the day Gustave Eiffel scaled the tower's steps to unfurl the French flag at its peak, officially completing the project.
Whether you are reminiscing about a past trip to the City of Light, dreaming of a future vacation, or just desperately craving a good crepe, you don't need a passport to celebrate. Here is how to bring the romance, architecture, and culinary genius of Paris directly into your home.
Why We Celebrate: The Triumph of the "Ugly" Duckling
The Eiffel Tower was originally supposed to be torn down after 20 years. It was only saved because Gustave Eiffel brilliantly installed a radio antenna at the top, making it scientifically indispensable to the French military.
The Big Why: We celebrate because the tower is the ultimate reminder that innovation is often misunderstood at first. It stands as a 1,083-foot monument to perseverance, engineering, and romance.
🌟 Editor's Pick 🌟
If you want to appreciate the engineering marvel of the Eiffel Tower, the best way to do it is to build it yourself—preferably with a glass of wine in hand.
The Amazon Find:
LEGO Architecture Paris Skyline Building Kit
Why we love it: While LEGO does make a massive, 4-foot-tall Eiffel Tower that costs hundreds of dollars, this elegant Architecture Skyline kit is much more accessible and display-friendly. It features miniature, highly detailed models of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Champs-Elysées. It takes a couple of hours to build, looks incredibly chic sitting on a desk or bookshelf, and is the perfect screen-free evening activity.
Perfect for: The architecture nerd, the puzzle lover, and the Parisian dreamer.
Get the LEGO Architecture Paris Skyline on Amazon
2 More Ways to Make Today Memorable (and Delicious)
1. The "Cafe Culture" (The Brew)
You cannot celebrate France without acknowledging their deep, abiding love for lingering at a sidewalk cafe with a strong, rich cup of coffee.
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The Move: The Classic Press.
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The Amazon Find: Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
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Why we love it: Drip coffee is fine for a frantic Monday morning, but a French Press extracts the natural oils from the coffee beans, resulting in a much richer, thicker, and more flavorful cup. The Bodum Chambord is the iconic, original design from the 1950s. The stainless steel frame and glass carafe bring an instant touch of European elegance to your breakfast table.
2. The "Culinary Masterclass" (The Book)
If you want your kitchen to smell like a Parisian bistro, you need to learn from the woman who brought French cooking to the American masses.
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The Move: The Kitchen Bible.
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The Amazon Find: "Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1" by Julia Child
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Why we love it: This isn't just a cookbook; it is a piece of culinary history. Julia Child breaks down incredibly intimidating French techniques (like making a perfect hollandaise or the legendary Boeuf Bourguignon) into step-by-step instructions that a home cook can actually follow. It is an absolute must-own for anyone who wants to elevate their dinner parties.
The "Zero Dollar" Hack: The Midnight Stroll
You don't need to spend a single denier to experience the magic of the Eiffel Tower today.
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The Trick: The Virtual Night Tour.
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The Method: The official Eiffel Tower website and Google Arts & Culture offer free, high-definition, 360-degree virtual walking tours of the tower.
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The Vibe: Turn off the lights in your living room, cast the tour to your smart TV, and put on a playlist of French cafe music (search for Édith Piaf or Django Reinhardt on Spotify). You can virtually stand on the observation deck and look out over the glowing Parisian skyline without dealing with the crowds or the jet lag.
Join the Conversation
We are planning our dream itineraries!
If you had 24 hours in Paris, what is the first thing you would eat?
(Are you sprinting to a bakery for a pain au chocolat, or sitting down for a bowl of French onion soup?)
Share your culinary daydreams in the comments on Instagram or TikTok and tag us @OnManyOccasions!
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