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The strict health rules for visiting Paris' Eiffel Tower and Louvre this summer

The Local France
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The strict health rules for visiting Paris' Eiffel Tower and Louvre this summer
The Eiffel Tower is reopen, but things won't be quite the same. Photo: AFP

After a long closure, two of Paris' most-visited attractions - the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre - are preparing to reopen. Here's what you need to know if you're planning a visit.

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Eiffel Tower

Online booking is now open for the Eiffel Tower, which reopens on June 25th, following its longest closure since World War II.

But strict hygiene measures mean that visits are going to be a little different this summer.

Limited visitor numbers: The Eiffel Tower will have a strict limit on visitor numbers when it reopens to try ensure some kind of social distancing is possible.

No lifts - For the first week of reopening visits will be by stairs only. The Tower has a total of 1,665 steps if you go all the way to the top, so this is maybe not an option for the elderly or infirm. From July 1st the lifts will be in use again.

Book online - Visitors are strongly advised to book tickets online here in advance of their visit. Physical distancing rules mean there will be limited visitor numbers. You can book online now for visits before August 31st.

Daytime only - for the first week the Tower will only be open during the day, then from July 1st will reopen in the evenings too.

Masks - wearing a mask will be compulsory for all visitors over the age of 11.

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Top floor - at first visitors will only be able to go up as far as second floor, Tower operators say they hope to reopen the top section later in the summer.

The top level will remain closed for now, "since the lifts taking visitors from second to top floor are small. It might reopen during the summer," the operator said.

One way - visitor flow will be strictly regulated with entrances and exits differentiated. 

 "To ensure that ascending and descending visitors do not meet in the stairs, ascent will take place from the East pillar and descent by the West pillar," said the operator, with a limited number of visitors per floor at a time.

Markers on the floor - The statement said ground markings will be put in place to ensure people keep their distance from one another.

Cleaning - the Tower will be fully cleaned and disinfected every day.

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The Louvre reopens on July 6th and the online booking system is open now.

Book online - entry will only be possible with pre-booked tickets and even people entitled to free admission must book a time slot online in advance here.

Masks - wearing a mask will be compulsory for all visitors over the age of 11.

Opening - From July to September, the museum will open daily from 9am to 6pm, apart from Tuesdays when it will be closed.
 
No cloakroom - cloakrooms will remain closed and large bags and motorbike helmets are not allowed in the building.
 
Exhibition access - some changes have been made to the layout of the museum to ensure a steady flow of visitors. 
 
The rooms French sculptures of the Middle Ages and Renaissance; decorative arts during the Renaissance, and the 18th and 19th century;  arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas; lower level of the Islamic Art department; and level 2 of the French and Northern European painting collections remain closed initially.
 
The Mona Lisa room will be open, with a separate entrance and exit and guides in place to prevent overcrowding.
 
Groups - tour guides can bring groups of up to 25 people.
 
Gardens - the Tuileries gardens are now fully reopened, but keep in mind that social gatherings of more than 10 people in public places are still banned.
 
 

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