Paris Tests Entry Caps for Louvre and Eiffel Tower

In preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics, the city of Paris has begun testing daily visitor caps at two of its most famous landmarks: the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. This pilot project is part of a larger effort to streamline crowd management, improve safety, and enhance the visitor experience ahead of the expected surge in tourists.

The temporary limits set the Louvre at 20,000 visitors per day and the Eiffel Tower at 15,000, both below their peak capacities. These restrictions will remain in place until the end of September, after which officials will analyze data and decide whether to make the policy permanent.

City officials noted that tourism in Paris has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with more than 38 million visitors recorded in 2024. However, long lines, overcrowded facilities, and local frustration have triggered calls for more sustainable tourism management.

Tourism authorities have also launched an app that allows visitors to book timed entries, access real-time crowd alerts, and discover alternative sites such as Montparnasse Tower or Musée d'Orsay. The goal is to encourage tourists to explore more than just the city’s traditional icons.

While some tour operators initially expressed concern over lost ticket sales, most have welcomed the change, noting better customer satisfaction and more manageable itineraries. Paris is also increasing public transportation capacity and launching dedicated Olympic tourist routes to improve overall mobility.