Eiffel Tower Quiz
How much do you know about La Grand Dame?
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If you’re coming to Paris, feel free to print this quiz and hand out to your group before visiting La Grande Dame de Paris.
- How often must the entire Eiffel Tower be repainted?
Every 7 years.
- How many steps to the top?
1,665 stairs, but you can only walk up to level 2 on them.
- How many tons of paint must be used and how long to paint it?
60 tons of paint and it takes 15 months. It is repainted every 5 years from first floor to top. Every 10 years for the entire tower.
- What is the color of the paint?
‘Tour Eiffel Brown’ of course! There are 3 shades with lightest at the bottom.
- What building surpassed it as the tallest building in the World and when?
The Chrysler Building in 1930.
- How many light bulbs are necessary to make the Eiffel Tower glitter?
20,000.
- How many visitors in 1906?
182,399.
- How many visitors in 2005?
6,428,441.
- Can you take the stairs to the top?
No, only to the second floor and then you must take the elevator.
- How many elevators?
Two elevators that depart approx. every 8 minutes.
- What is the total height of the Eiffel Tower?
324 meters or approx. 1,062 feet.
- What is the height at the First, Second and Third floors?
- First Level: 57.6m or approx. 190 feet above ground.
- Second level: 1115.75m or approximately 376 feet high.
- Third Level: 276 m or almost 900 feet high.
- Who Owns the Eiffel Tower?
The City of Paris and it is self supporting.
- Is there a Post office on the Eiffel tower?
Yes on the first floor.
- What are the 72 names that you see cast on the pillars on the First Level?
They are the names of 72 scientific ‘savants’, with mastery in subjects from Medicine, to Mechanics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Chemistry and Engineering. We recognized some at our house: Coulomb, Ampère, Daguerre and Fourier. Philippe recognized Bichat, a famous anatomist and the name given to one of the hospitals he did worked in during his residency.
- Coulomb: measure of electrical charge.
- Ampere: measure of electric charge/second.
- Fourier: A way to map a mathematical function.
- Daguerre: Inventor of the daguerreotype process for photography.
- What is the Eiffel Tower made of?
Cast Iron.
- Popping the Question: How many times a day?
Estimated at 175 proposals every day! The first floor has a post office so you can send your announcements and wedding invitations at the same time.
- In which year did the international swindler Victor Lustig sell the Eiffel Tower?
1925.
- In what year was the first long distance radio message sent from the Eiffel Tower?
1908.
- In what year was the first radio program broadcast from the Tower’s transmitter?
Hint: it was the same year that Elizabeth was crowned Queen of England.
1953.
- In what year did a tight rope artist cross the 700 meter cable running between the Palais de Chaillot and the Eiffel Tower?
1989.
- What did the French do when Hitler visited Paris?
Disabled the elevators and claimed there were no spare parts so he would have to climb the stairs. In the end, he stayed on the ground.
- Opening hours?
Daily: Elevators: 9:30 am to 11:45 pm (final ascent to top floor 10:30 pm). Steps: 9:30 to 6:30 all year except June 15 to September 2: 9am to 12:30 am.
- When did the first person descend the Tower on a bike from the first floor?
1923.
- In 1889 which part of the lighting system was operated by electricity?
The beacon at the top.
- In what year did Yuri Gagarin visit the Tower Eiffel?
1963 (and do you remember who Yuri Gagarin is!)
We hope you enjoyed our quiz! For more information, visit the official Eiffel Tower website.
Owning Your Own Apartment in Paris
Two Spacious Levels with a View
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You may remember that last summer we offered one of our apartments as a fractional sale to 12 investors, where each investor would own a 1/12 share of a two bedroom apartment. We were excited to have received considerable interest in this idea and were ready to proceed with the offering. However, based on questions and subsequent conversations we had with a number of potential investors, we realized that the rotation of stays could pose a future problem for some, due to work schedules and children’s school vacations.
As we explored possible solutions, we realized that given the current interest rate environment in France, investors may be better off to own an apartment outright for a comparable or slightly higher initial investment, and have 100% ownership and flexibility in their stays. They could rent the apartment out when they are not in residence as we have high demand and are set up to take care of everything.
The advantages to the Owner are substantial as they have complete control over the timing and length of their stays -- and 100% of the upside of the potential appreciation in the apartment’s value. Due to the lower costs to administer to a single owner, the profitability is potentially higher to the Owner from the rental income.
Since our business is to find, remodel, advertise and rent great apartments in Paris, we would be delighted to oversee the search and remodeling process and to manage the rentals when the owners are not in town. We have substantial rental demand for fine apartments. Based on our historical experience, we have had increasing demand and we turn away enquiries for many weeks months in advance.
Interest rates in France are relatively low (about 4.50% at the moment) and it is possible to obtain 80% financing for a mortgage (in some cases a 90% mortgage) on a 50 to 70 square meter apartment – committing only slightly more for financing it as for one fractional share. It depends on the apartment size and the amount of remodeling required, but even if the initial investment is slightly larger, we estimate that the difference will be more than covered by the rental income.
Many people would love to own their own apartment in Paris, to diversify their investment base and to savor the pleasure of spending time every year in The City of Light. The most daunting tasks are the ones we are set up to handle and offer for a modest fee: the search, negotiation, remodeling, furnishing and rental. As a result of the process we began last summer, we have helped two families find apartments that are comparable in terms of view and ‘wow’ factor to our other Paris Perfect apartments and have started renting them for next year. We have just helped to complete a stunning apartment for a family who had engaged us a year ago and they are delighted.
The family is delighted and we have already taken more bookings than they expected.
Based on our experience, we were asked to write a series of articles on how to find the perfect apartment by Bonjour Paris and the first two are on our site.
We introduce the first article below.
We think we are uniquely qualified to locate spectacular apartments in Paris, using our extensive knowledge and experience. We know what to look for, how to negotiate the lowest price and most importantly, we have access to superb architects and builders who can do the works to the highest standards. Our growing service organization is excellent and able to fully manage the apartment when you are away and even when you are in residence. For us, this represents an ideal way to expand our offerings and to share the benefits.
Would owning a fantastic apartment in Paris idea be of interest to you? If so, please let me know and I can send more information.
Richebourg is Perfect for Family and Friends Travel
Two Bedrooms, Large Balcony and Views
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This two-level apartment is located on the beautiful Avenue de la Bourdonnais and features three large bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. As glorious as it is now, it was a different story when we first visited it.
We first noticed the living room walls streaked with water damage from an upstairs flood. Bright blue carpet in the downstairs bedrooms made them look like a polyester dream of an Ikea chldren's playroom.
The owner had built in the kitchen himself and a cupboard door fell on my head when I opened it! It only contained a dozen empty champagne bottles although he didn’t seem the party type. An engineer, he thought it would be best to put the frig below the counter and freezer above. As a result it was impossible to open the ceiling high top drawers of the freezer. He kept saying ‘But it’s so efficient.’
The single cobbled-together bathroom had two sinks, side by side with faucets that didn’t match. When we renovated, we found the water heater (that we replaced) in such terrible shape that we could see the marks from where the ignition had caught on fire.
But we stepped out on the balcony on a beautiful fall day with blue skies and saw La Grande Dame reigning over the neighborhood in all her glory, and we knew it had real potential; it just needed some solid work.
Visit Richebourg after the renovation…
Advice on Buying an Apartment in Paris
Buy Defensively
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My husband Philippe and I have been investing in Paris real estate for almost 25 years. We love Paris and are lucky enough to have realized our dream of owning apartments in Paris and being able to share our passion with others. We have bought and sold a number of apartments over the past 25 years. And we have made money and also lost money.
Our best advice for purchasing an apartment is to buy defensively in terms of location, thinking about demand in good markets and bad. Go for the best you can afford because the costs to remodel are the same no matter which neighborhood. You will find that special apartment at the right price in the best neighborhoods. Our solid strategy has worked for us and we think is the best advice for other investors in Paris.
Read the Full Article About Buying in Paris
The Big Paris Wine Sell Off!
The Municpal Wine Cellar is Sold
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In October, the City of Paris auctioned off much of its astounding wine cellar, almost 5,000 of its 7,000 bottles. Most of the collection was built up while Jacques Chirac was mayor. Ostensibly, the current socialist mayor, Bertrand Delanoë has decided to sell because of the risk of flooding in the Hotel de Ville, just along the river banks. However, most believe it’s a thinly disguised signal from the Socialists to the Right wing of their new- found austerity. The organizer of the auction commented that it’s no longer reasonable to serve ten bottles of of Chateau Pétrus—worth €25,000—during a meal; the new trend is ‘cocktails standing up’. Prices achieved were double the expectations, bringing in over $1.25 million. Record breakers included two bottles of Romanée-Conti 1986 which sold for €5,000 each and a wine broker from London bought 36 bottles of Laffite Rothschild for €700 each. The English love those French Burgundies!
Winter Events in Paris
How Can You Stay Away?
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Ice skating in Paris
From 2 December to 4 March 2007.
This year the City of Paris celebrates winter by setting up a 9,000 square foot skating rink outside the Hotel de Ville. The Mayor’s building is beautiful and there is nothing more fun to try than to skate in front o this beautiful building. You can rent skates and there are professional instructors to supervise. There is a small rink for beginners and even a sled run for children! Wrap up tight, take the 69 bus from our apartments direct to the Hotel de Ville!
The New Quai Branly: D’un regard l’autre
Until Jan 21, 2007
The much trumpeted opening of the Quai Branly museum this year is putting on its first show. It’s a large and ambitious showing of how Europeans regarding the emerging worlds of Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania -- from the Renaissance to modern day. It is hugely impressive, showing over 1,100 pieces from five centuries. >From Europe’s initial definition of “noble savages” to scientific classifications of exotic collections in the 18th and 19th centuries. The exhibition closes with Picasso and his contemporaries, paving the way for abstract art.
The museum was opened after five long years of work and the result is, naturally French. Cutting edge and controversial. But the displays and exhibits are vast and beautifully done. You are a block or two from our apartments at www.parisperfect.com so getting there couldn’t be easier.
Musée du Quai-Branly, 222 rue de l'Université or 51 quai Branly, 7th arrondissement. Métro: Alma-Marceau. Open: Tues-Sun 10am-6.30pm (till 9.30pm Thurs). For more information visit the Branly Museum website.
Homage to Rembrandt
Until Jan 14, 2007
Museums around the world are celebrating Rembrandt, in memory of 400 years since his birth and Paris is at the forefront. Four museums are participating; don’t miss them if you are in Paris:
The Louvre is showing many drawings of his favorite subjects from self-portraits, to Biblical Scenes and animals.
The Bibliotheque Nationale is displaying 150 etchings – and some of them were acquired by the Monarchy when he was alive. “Ecce homo” and “The Three Trees” are among his most famous and are shown here.
The Petit Palais has re-opened in the past year and is showing almost 200 etchings.
The little-known Institut Néerlandais has organised three related shows of Rembrandt and the period.
“Rembrandt the draftsman” Musée du Louvre Métro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre. Open: October 20th-January 8th, Wed-Mon 9am-5.30pm (until 10pm Wed and Fri). Louvre: website.
“Rembrandt, the light and shadow”, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Richelieu site. 58, rue de Richelieu, 2nd arrondissement. Métro: Bourse or Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre.. See the Bibliotheque national de France website.
“Rembrandt etchings from the Dutuit collection”, Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, avenue Winston Churchill, 8th arrondissement. Métro: Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau. Open: October 19th-January 14th.
The Paris Photo Festival
Until February 17, 2007
Expositions throughout Paris. A special tribute to the photographer Robert Doisneau:
Hôtel de Ville, Salle St Jean, 5 rue Lobeau, 4th arrondissement. Métro: Hôtel de Ville. Open: Mon-Sat
No City has been more loved by photographers than Paris. This fall marks a celebration of Paris photography throughout the city. Don’t miss the work of Robert Doisneau taken from over 40,000 negatives, showing scenes of Paris, including the destruction of Les Halles, to portraits of actresses, to wonderful and alive scenes of Paris.
William Hogarth at the Louvre (late 1600’s)
Until Jan 8, 2007
This is the first exhibition of Hogarth in Paris, showing 45 paintings and a like number of etchings. Hogarth, adored by the English, was not recognized by the French – possibly because of his anti-Papist leanings. He was a classic British moralist whose themes may have shown too much morality and satire for the liberal French. But his talent and mastery are unmistakable.
Musée du Louvre, 1st arrondissement. Métro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre. Open: Wed-Mon 9am-6pm (until 10pm on Wed and Fri). For more information visit the Musée du Louvre website.
December 2006
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Pierre Taittinger Culinary Prize
December 2, the La Concorde Lafayette Hotel in Paris hosts an international competition among gourmet chefs from all over Europe to determine the premier chef of French gastronomy.
Le Bal Crillon des Débutantes
On the first Saturday in December, the Hotel Crillon hosts the annual debutante ball, at which the glitterati young from around the world ‘come out’ . The grand designers compete to dress the girls and I love to buy Hello Magazine for the Bal de Crillon issue to study what they wore!
Mystery of Christmas
The Nativity story is recreated on the steps of the ancient Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris every half-hour during December and January.
Children’s World
The place de la Bastille becomes a playground for children with lots of activities, a giant trampoline, holiday make-up artists and many other holiday surprises during December and January.
Christmas Mass
Celebrate Christmas Mass at Churches and Cathedrals throughout Paris.
Celebrate France
Paris and its suburbs celebrate their national heritage with a variety of events, including a New Year’s Day Parade at Euro Disney.
January 2007
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Salon du Mariage: The Wedding Exhibition
If you’re making wedding plans, don’t miss this exposition, with fashion shows and consultants. Hosted by The Carrousel de Louvre in early January. Call (33) 4316 4747 for more information.
Winter Sales
All shops and department stores in Paris hold their big sales starting in mid-January!
Salon du Meuble
If you’re in the market for furniture, attend this Exchibition at The Porte de Versailles Convention Vendors from 30 countries, but mostly French.
Fête des Rois
The Feast of the Epiphany. Early January, all families buy a Gallette des Rois, and one person becomes the Queen or King if the porcelain figurine is hidden in their piece.
Who’s Next
The Porte de Versailles Convention Center hosts an exposition of cutting edge European men’s and women’s clothing in one of largest fashion trade conventions in the world.
Maison et Objet
Late January; if you are interested in decoration and home design this is the fair that you shouldn’t miss. It is enormous and vendors from all over Europe come to show their wares: from furniture to linens and fabrics, to kitchenware, to gifts and more! You will be exhausted and plan to go for several days in a row.
Chinese New Year
The Chinese community celebrates the new year with parades, food, live entertainment and other festivities throughout the Quartier Chinois, from Place d’Italie to the Porte de Choisy in the 13th arrondissement. Usually held towards the end of January.
February 2007
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Bibliophile Fair
One of the largest conventions for rare book dealers and collectors in Europe is held at the Carrousel du Louvre at the same time as the Great Wines Fair.
Great Wines Fair
A special chance to try the finest grand vins of France, representing over 100 chateaux, all in one place. Carousel du Louvre
Rétromobile
The annual show of classic, vintage and contemporary racing cars, boats, motorbikes, accessories and even toys in the middle of February
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
The Forum des Images in Paris hosts an annual screening of new films produced by and about the gay community. Call (33) 892 683 000 for more information.
St. Valentine’s Day
This is your chance to tell someone you love them by posting your messages of love across Paris on the City’s illuminated, digitized message boards.
International Agriculture Show
Le Salon d’Agriculture is held each year at the Porte de Versalles Convention Center, from late February to early March, where you can see exhibits on hunting and fishing, and sample some of the finest examples of regional French cooking. Call (33) 43 95 10 10 for more information.
Coffee Exposition
End of February: The Carrousel du Louvre hosts an exposition of the world’s finest coffee producers, towards the end of February, which includes free tastings of over 300 blends, and other informative programs
March 2007
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Paris Fashion Week
The Carrousel de Louvre hosts the the world-wide tour of fashion designers and models, as they exhibit their latest creations
Springtime for Poets
Readings, competitions, performances and many other events occur in the streets, museums and a variety of other venues all over Paris.
Paris Film Festival
The Cinema Gaumont Marignan serves as the center for screenings of recent locally produced works, as well as the works of promising young directors from all over Europe. usually held in late March and into early April. Call (33) 45 72 96 40 for more information.
Elegante Apartment in Rome
Designer Digs by the Spanish Steps
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The two bedroom/bath Elegante apartment is on Via Condotti, the most prestigious shopping street in Rome. You can see the Spanish Steps right in front of you when you look out the bedroom windows. The furnishings are elegant but relaxed, so you are ever drawn to the beautiful contemporary art collection of the Bulgari family owner. The apartment is perfectly equipped for four people and includes weekday housekeeping service.
Tour Elegante on Via Condotti in Rome…
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