The Eiffel Tower Was Closed Yesterday After a Staff Strike: Is It Open Today?

Quick Facts: Eiffel Tower Closure

• Closed Monday, September 7, staff walked out, shutting the tower for the full day.

• Reopened Tuesday, September 8, visitors were moving through security checkpoints by mid-morning.

• Walkout followed a Saturday visit, staff protested how female colleagues were treated during a private group tour two days earlier.

• SETE runs the tower, the operating company said the visit conditions "should not have been accepted."

• Around 6 million visitors a year makes the Eiffel Tower one of the most-visited paid monuments on Earth.

• The tower normally opens 365 days a year, so closures like this one are rare exceptions, not the norm.

• Check the day of your visit, since SETE's official site posts same-day status updates for ticket holders.

Why Was the Eiffel Tower Closed Monday?

The Eiffel Tower was closed all day Monday after staff walked off the job. The closure wasn't caused by maintenance or a security issue, but by a dispute over how employees were instructed to handle a private visit two days earlier.

According to staff, female employees were told to step aside during the visit, which quickly sparked anger among workers. Employees ultimately decided to strike, shutting the tower to visitors for the day. The Eiffel Tower's operator, SETE, did not dispute that account.

Is the Eiffel Tower Open Today?

For travelers, the most important update is that the strike appears to have been limited to Monday.

The BBC confirmed that the Eiffel Tower reopened on Tuesday morning, and photos taken at the site show visitors back around the landmark. The official Eiffel Tower website currently lists normal hours of 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on September 8, with regular opening hours also posted for the coming days.

That said, this is one attraction where it's worth checking the official website shortly before you leave your hotel. The Eiffel Tower notes that opening hours can change without notice and that exceptional closures are possible.

What Caused the Staff Walkout?

The Eiffel Tower remained closed throughout Monday after employees went on strike over an incident that took place during a private group visit over the weekend.

According to Reuters, around 100 members of the Hindu organization BAPS visited the tower on Saturday. Union representatives said female employees were instructed to leave certain workstations or avoid contact with the visiting group. The tower's operator, SETE, later acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements limiting interactions with women and said those conditions should not have been accepted.

BAPS said the visit had been scheduled early in the day to reduce disruption for other visitors and said that, to the organization's knowledge, nobody had been prevented from accessing the tower. The group also apologized for any hurt or inconvenience caused by the situation.

How Often Does the Eiffel Tower Close?

The Eiffel Tower is open essentially every day of the year, which is part of why a closure like Monday's makes headlines. When shutdowns do happen, they're usually tied to strikes, labor disputes, extreme weather, or other temporary disruptions.

For travelers, the practical takeaway here is simple: this was a one-day closure, and the tower is already back open. If you had tickets for Monday, you would need to contact SETE directly about a refund or rebooking, since tickets for a closed day aren't automatically transferred.

Same-day closures are frustrating when you're already in Paris, but they're also usually short-lived. The best thing you can do is check the Eiffel Tower's official website the morning of your visit and leave a little flexibility in your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions: Eiffel Tower Closure

Is the Eiffel Tower closed today, Tuesday September 8th?

No. The tower closed Monday, September 7, and reopened Tuesday, September 8. If you're visiting today, it should be operating normally.

Why did the Eiffel Tower close this week?

Staff walked out after female employees said they were sidelined during a private group's visit two days earlier. The operator confirmed the account and called the arrangement unacceptable.

Do I need to rebook if my ticket was for the day it was closed?

Yes. Tickets for a closed day aren't automatically transferred, so you'd need to contact SETE directly for a refund or rebooking.

Is the Eiffel Tower open every day normally?

Yes, it typically operates 365 days a year. Closures are the exception, usually tied to strikes or, occasionally, extreme weather.

How can I check if the Eiffel Tower is open before I go?

Check the official Eiffel Tower website the morning of your visit. SETE posts same-day status updates there for ticket holders.

Who runs the Eiffel Tower?

SETE, the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, operates the monument. It's a public-private company majority owned by the City of Paris.

Did the group involved apologize?

Yes. The delegation issued a statement apologizing for any pain or inconvenience caused, though it said it believed no one had actually been denied access.