Major Paris landmarks to reopen today after Friday’s terror attacks

Major Paris tourist landmarks, including museums, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are due to reopen later today. A decision was made to close them after Friday night’s terror attacks that left 129 people dead and hundreds injured.

he Effiel Tower in Paris, which remained closed today following the attacks in the French capital which are feared to have killed around 127 people. Image by Steve Parsons/PA Wire

Just a handful of single yellow lights adorned France’s most famous landmark, with the usual swelling crowds noticeably absent over the weekend.

Belgian tourist Reda Jouibli said the decision to shut the visitor attraction reflected the sombre mood in the city.

The 18-year-old said: “It is almost funereal. It’s dark, like it is in mourning. This feels really strange being here and hardly being able to see the Eiffel Tower.

“I arrived here on Friday and within five minutes there was the terror attack. It’s been a really unlucky week for a holiday here because so much is closed.

“But it is for a good reason so I understand. It’s really terrible what happened.”

People stroll on the almost empty Champs Elysees avenue, Saturday, Nov.14, 2015 in Paris. The indiscriminate taking of lives, so many lives, squeezed life out of Paris itself. Image by (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu)

Paris resident Othmane Youssfi, 23, said it was strange to see “the city of love” looking so sad.

He said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so few people here. This place is normally so busy.

“I understand why the tower is closed, I think it gives perspective on the terrible things that have happened.”

People gather outside for a national service for the victims of the terror attack at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015. Image by (AP Photo/Christoph Ena)

Another Belgian visitor, who gave her name as Erine, said: “It’s a very sad situation. We can’t see anything. Everything is closed. It’s not nice to walk around.

“Before everything was OK,. there were a lot of people around and everything was open – you could visit museums. But now you can’t do anything.

“They also told us it’s better to stay in the hotel, but it’s not nice to stay in the hotel all day.”

She said the Eiffel Tower seemed like it was “dead”.

“Nobody is here. It’s grey and I have a very strange feeling, I’m a little bit scared.

“I also think there are not enough police officers around. It’s really not enough. If something happened again, they couldn’t help us or they couldn’t do anything. It’s not really safe.”

Another returning visitor, Thomas, visiting with his partner Lisa, said: “Paris before, at this time, was very amazing. Right now, people are terrified. You can’t see anybody outside.

“It’s very strange. Everywhere is closed.”

For up to date information please follow the Thorn Tree forum

Read more:

Families across the world mourn victims of Paris terror attacks

Solidarity: world’s most famous buildings light up in French colours

In pictures: people all over the world stand with Paris

How the night of terror in Paris unfolded

Disneyland Paris closed today after Paris massacre

A look at the targets of the Paris terror attacks

Emergency contact numbers for Paris attacks

The world shows support for France on social media

U2 cancel Paris concert, Eagles of Death Metal safe