The Eiffel Tower reopened on Friday after an eight-month shutdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic, its longest closure since World War II.
As a countdown clock at the foot of the tower turned to zero, there were cheers and applause from visitors queuing to get in, a brass band started playing and people starting filing through the entrance.
"We feel pretty lucky to be here," said Patrick Perutka, an 18-year-old from Croatia who had been waiting for three hours for the gates to open.
He was on his first visit to the Eiffel Tower. "It's a big deal," he said of the tower.
Because of lingering concerns about the virus, masks remain compulsory for anyone over 11 years of age, and each elevator car will only carry half the normal number of visitors.
From July 21, visitors will need to show a French government "health pass" to demonstrate they are either vaccinated or have had a recent negative test for COVID-19.
Hong Kong court finds tycoon Jimmy Lai guilty in landmark security trial
School bus accident in Colombia kills 17, injures 20
Australia plans tougher gun laws after father and son kill 15 at Bondi Beach
Shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach kills 12
Police hold person of interest after Brown University shooting leaves two dead
