Talks between the CGT trade union and the tower’s management over a new access system – which according to workers was responsible for “monstrous” lines of visitors – reached deadlock on Wednesday afternoon and the site closed at 4 pm (1400 GMT). The Eiffel Tower closed to tourists on Wednesday afternoon after workers went on strike against management's decision to change the ticketing process, which resulted in long lines. The Eiffel Tower has two elevators, one for people who arrive without reservations and another for those who purchased their tickets in advance. The tower's operator insists that lines haven't gotten any worse than before, even as visitor numbers have risen to more than 6.2 million tickets sold last year.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris shuts down after workers go on a strike over ticketing changes.