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Snow and freezing rain pummeled parts of France on Friday, shutting down the Eiffel Tower but covering Paris in a gorgeous coat of white. The Eiffel Tower, France's most-visited monument, was closed all day Friday and was staying closed Saturday "to ensure the security of visitors," the company that manages the 19th-century landmark said. Workers with hand shovels were carefully clearing snow from the monument's intricate ironwork and de-icing stairs and platforms. (Image: Reuters)
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The company said they can't use salt because it could corrode the Eiffel Tower's metal and damage its heavily used elevators. (AP Photo)
The level of snow that has fallen since Tuesday is "unprecedented since 1987", with 12cm falling in one 24-hour period. (AP Photo) -
Heavy snowfall earlier this week trapped hundreds of drivers in cars and caused the worst-ever traffic jams in the Paris region. (Image: Reuters)
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On Friday city authorities asked drivers to stay away. (Image: Reuters)
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Snowboarders glided down the hills of the city's Montmartre neighborhood as tourists gaped. (Image: Reuters)
More snow was forecast and authorities warned of dangerous conditions in about one-fourth of the country. (Image: Reuters) -
But French police, citing improved conditions, on Friday evening lifted the dayslong ban on big rig trucks in the Paris region. (Image: Reuters)
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At the Eiffel Tower, snow has turned into ice on platforms and stairs, making it difficult for tourists to move about. (Image: Reuters)
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People stroll on the snow-covered Champ de Mars during a snowfall in Paris, France. The Eiffel Tower is closed and authorities are telling drivers in the Paris region to stay home as snow and freezing rain have hit a swath of France ill-prepared for the wintry weather. (AP Photo)
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