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.
Grammy-winning singer Mary J. Blige, and Linda Goler Blount, CEO of the Black Women's Health Imperative, joined Cheddar to discuss a new Breast Cancer Month initiative encouraging Black women to get mammogram screenings.
Recent victims of ransomware attacks span the public and private sectors and include Universal Health Services, one of the largest hospital systems in the U.S., and the Clark County School District in Las Vegas.
Jill and Carlo update on the president's health as he torpedoes stimulus negotiations; West Wing outbreak turning into biggest American superspreader event; VP debate preview and remembering Eddie Van Halen.
Tim Kendall, CEO of Moment and former Pinterest president, joined Cheddar to discuss the harrowing effects of social media use and how "big social's" methods are harming users.
The president returns to the White House to recover from Covid as the West Wing sees more cases than New Zealand, Vietnam and Taiwan combined. Plus, why is it to hard to find anything on Netflix?
Actress Laverne Cox joined Cheddar to discuss a partnership with Gold Bond for the #ChampionYourSkin campaign in effort to support the trans community.
Shares in the company that owns the Regal, Cineworld and Picturehouse cinemas in the U.S. and Britain have fallen as much as 58% after it will temporarily close its venues after release of the latest James Bond film was postponed due to the pandemic.
