People queue up prior to visit the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, Thursday, June 25, 2020. The Eiffel Tower reopens after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War II. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
By Masha Macpherson
Marking another milestone in France's recovery from coronavirus lockdown, the Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors Thursday after its longest-ever closure in peace time: 104 days.
Tourists who are trickling back to Paris were delighted to find the landmark open when some other attractions in the French capital remain closed. The Louvre Museum isn't reopening until July 6.
"It's very special, very special because it's only the Paris people," said Annelies Bouwhuis, a 43-year-old visitor from the Netherlands. "We've seen a lot Paris people enjoying their city, enjoying their parks without all the tourists."
A visitor looks at the view from the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, Thursday, June 25, 2020. The Eiffel Tower reopens after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War II. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Lifts that usually whisk visitors up the 324-meter (1,063-foot) tall wrought-iron Eiffel Tower remain closed, so for now people have to take the stairs.
Of the tower's three decks, only the first two reopened. Those who climbed the 674 steps Thursday were rewarded with far-away views and a light breeze in scorching summer weather. Masks are obligatory for all visitors ages 11 and up.
"I booked the first slot because afterward, it will be very hot," said Sabine Peaufils, a 57-year-old Parisian. "This is a real pleasure."
People climb stairs as they visit the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, Thursday, June 25, 2020. The Eiffel Tower reopens after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War II. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
The tower lost 27 million euros ($30 million) from the lockdown that started in March, according to its director general, Patrick Branco Ruivo.
France and other European countries with big tourism sectors are starting to coax back visitors, with mixed results.
The Louvre is bracing for a precipitous drop in visitor numbers when it reopens.
Visitor numbers are down at the Versailles Palace since the former royal residence west of Paris reopened June 6.
The palace has capped visits at a maximum of 4,500 people per day, spread out through the day. That is way down from the 20,000 people per day the palace previously got in the busy summer season.
Jill and Carlo set the stage for the final weekend of campaigning, which comes as the country is breaking new records on Covid cases. Plus, France is reeling from another terror attack, Zeta leaves a path of destruction in its wake, and Love, Hate, Ate for Halloween.
Taiwan has hit 200 days without any domestically transmitted cases of COVID-19, highlighting the island’s continued success at keeping the virus under control even as cases surge in other parts of the world.
Carlo and Baker talk new lockdowns in Europe, the state of the presidential race with five days to go, and why you should start thinking about your holiday shopping now.
The White House declares "Mission Accomplished" on the pandemic even as cases hit new records across America. A second night of clashes and looting in Philly after the police killing of a Black man. Plus, Apple snags Jon Stewart, Dodgers win and more.
More than a dozen people were arrested and more than 30 officers injured in protests stemming from the police shooting death of a Black man in Philadelphia.
Jill and Carlo discuss the lightning-fast confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett and how it could affect the election, which is now a week away. Plus, new COVID restrictions around the country and Europe and NASA's major announcement about the moon.
Jill and Carlo get you caught up on what happened over the weekend, as the presidential campaign enters the homestretch amid a surge in new virus cases. Plus, grading last week's predictions and making new ones for the week ahead.
After just six months from its launch date, the short-form streaming platform is shutting down. The platform was not able to gain traction amid the coronavirus pandemic. Cheddar's Michelle Castillo breaks it all down.
