18 Pictures of the Eiffel Tower That Will Have You Daydreaming About Paris

The Eiffel Tower turns 126 years old today, and it's impossible to imagine Paris ever without it. Gustave Eiffel created the industrial structure for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which marked another anniversary: 100 years since the French Revolution. At first, design and architecture leaders turned their noses at the proposed tower, but Eiffel himself defended it, saying it was a symbol of durability not elegance. Today, the Parisian icon is both. These photos will transport you to the Champ de Mars and convince you to add la tour Eiffel to your bucket list if you haven't seen its majesty in person.

01
It looks good from any angle.
Instagram | budgettravel

It looks good from any angle.

02
It peaks out when you least expect it.
Instagram | anniegabillet

It peaks out when you least expect it.

04
It's surrounded by a park.
Instagram | premieretraveldc

It's surrounded by a park.

05
Where you can sip Champagne.
Instagram | shammy_k1

Where you can sip Champagne.

06
It sparkles every hour.
Instagram | eraumavezparis

It sparkles every hour.

08
It's perfect for silly poses.
Instagram | mamato4kids

It's perfect for silly poses.

09
Or serious ones.
Instagram | mellisotouky

Or serious ones.

10
It’s pretty in the Spring.
Instagram | lcervantes

It’s pretty in the Spring.

11
12
It stuns at sunset.
Instagram | kadilokk

It stuns at sunset.

15
It's endlessly intricate.
Instagram | bazman23

It's endlessly intricate.

16
It stands out among monuments.
Instagram | 585mmhg

It stands out among monuments.

17
Its search light will always find you.
Instagram | glamourpoland

Its search light will always find you.

18
It's simply one of a kind.
Instagram | iguatemipoa

It's simply one of a kind.