The Eiffel Tower has reopened today, 8 September 2026, after a one-day strike by staff. The industrial action was called in response to management's decision to instruct female employees to remain out of sight during a visit by a religious group.
Workers at the Paris landmark walked out on Monday, closing the tower to visitors. Staff stated they objected to "professional instructions that led to female employees being sidelined, replaced and made invisible because of their sex" during a visit organised by a Hindu religious group at the weekend.
Some female staff were reportedly asked to leave their posts, wait in separate rooms, or were replaced by men. All female employees were instructed not to enter certain areas while the delegation was present.
Paris City Hall, which operates the landmark, has apologised for breaching France's republican principle of equality and has ordered a full inquiry. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) spiritual movement, which made the request, has also apologised.