Eiffel Tower shuts to visitors on November 5 amid nationwide protests in France

The Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors on Thursday, November 5, amid nationwide strikes and demonstrations across France over demands for better wages, purchasing power and improved education conditions.

In a notice on its official website, the monument said, "Due to the national strike movement, the Eiffel Tower is closed today." Visitors who booked tickets online were advised to check their email for updates from the ticket office.

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Between 500,000 and 700,000 people are expected to join demonstrations outside Paris, while 40,000 to 80,000 were expected to protest in the capital, according to media reports.

French authorities deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes to maintain public order during the mobilisation, the Interior Ministry said.

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The November 5 strike follows a protest movement that began with student demonstrations in mid-September and later expanded to include trade unions and other groups. Disruptions are also expected across rail and air services, schools and the public sector.