Mayor of Paris, Ann Hidalgo, has suggested smaller and less heavy rings could be added to the Eiffel Tower permanently. GETTY IMAGES

Plans by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower have sparked criticism from Gustave Eiffel's descendants and faced backlash from some Parisians.

The giant rings, which were a popular attraction for visitors during the 28 July until 11 August Olympic Games in Paris, are set to be removed due to their weight. Hidalgo announced on Saturday that she intends to replace them with lighter rings.

The Association of Gustave Eiffel's Descendants issued a statement expressing their disapproval, saying, "It does not seem appropriate to us that the Eiffel Tower, which has become the symbol of Paris and the whole of France since its construction 135 years ago, has the symbol of an outside organisation added to it in a permanent way, whatever its prestige."

Olivier Berthelot-Eiffel, a great-great-grandson of Eiffel and the association's chairman, told AFP that while the family had no objection to the rings staying up until the Paralympic Games end on 8 September, "the Eiffel Tower should not become an advertising outpost." He added that Hidalgo should have consulted the Paris council and relevant stakeholders before making such a decision.

Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has suggested smaller and less heavy rings could be added to the Eiffel Tower permanently. GETTY IMAGES
Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has suggested smaller and less heavy rings could be added to the Eiffel Tower permanently. GETTY IMAGES

Culture Minister Rachida Dati, a known critic of Hidalgo, also raised concerns, stating that the Socialist mayor must adhere to procedures protecting historic buildings. "The Eiffel Tower is a protected monument, the work of an immense engineer and designer," Dati remarked, emphasising that any significant alterations would require authorisations and an impact study under the law on protected buildings.

Public reaction, especially on social media, was mixed, with many Parisians expressing scepticism about altering the city's iconic landmark, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The SOS Paris group, which advocates for the preservation of Paris's historic sites, commented, "The Eiffel Tower has a history of 135 years and surpasses a sports and media event of 17 days." 

Paris MP Sylvain Maillard echoed this sentiment, calling it "a mistake" and noting that while the Games were significant, the Eiffel Tower represents something timeless. Hidalgo, however, told Ouest-France newspaper on Saturday that she wants to keep the rings, asserting, "The decision is up to me and I have the agreement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)."

Originally unveiled in 1889 for the World Fair in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was initially a temporary structure showcasing French engineering but has since become a permanent symbol of the city and one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing 6.3 million visitors in 2023.