New way to experience the Eiffel Tower!“Free” zip line ride as a “human tennis ball”

With recent terrorist attacks in Europe, Paris remains one of the favorite destinations for many travelers. Aside from admiring the cityscape from atop the tower, in celebration of the French Open, a French company has recently installed a zip line device on the Eiffel Tower. Visitors can glide 115 meters above the ground, soaring over Champ de Mars and experiencing the thrill and speed of being a “human tennis ball.”

Paris “Palace of Versailles.” (Photo by Lin Yijing)

Recently, booking website Booking.com released its “Global Top 10 Travel First-Timer Destinations Ranking,” where European cities dominated, taking nine out of the top ten spots. Paris, France, claimed the first place as the most beloved destination among respondents. When visiting Paris, aside from the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre Museum, don’t miss the iconic Eiffel Tower, which has stood for 130 years and can be seen throughout the city.

The Eiffel Tower under the bright sun. (Photo by Lin Yijing)

But now there’s an even more thrilling and fun way to enjoy the Eiffel Tower. According to the UK’s Mirror, to celebrate the French Open, a French bottled water company installed a zip line device on the Eiffel Tower’s “second floor,” over 115 meters above the ground. Players can use this “zip line” to experience the sensation of a “human tennis ball,” flying across Champ de Mars all the way to the finish line at the École Militaire.

The Eiffel Tower takes on a different charm when viewed at night. (Image provided by ZUMA Press / Shutterstock)

Organizers noted that this mimics the average ball speed on a tennis court. Though not as fast as the world’s fastest zip line in North Wales, which reaches speeds of 191 km/h, riders still take about one minute to complete the 800-meter course. Though the ride is short, it’s a great opportunity to take in the beautiful sights of Paris.

A boat cruise along the Seine River also offers a great view of the Eiffel Tower. (Photo by Lin Yijing)

This fun activity is advertised as “completely free,” but requires advance booking and is not permanent — it runs from June 5th to 11th, with only 100 slots available per day. However, if you can’t secure a spot, you can still take a Seine River cruise to admire the Eiffel Tower along with major art museums and unique bridges along the way.

The glass pyramid at the entrance of the Louvre Museum in Paris. (Image provided by ZUMA Press / Shutterstock)

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” – Ernest Hemingway, 1950. With wanderlust setting in, why not plan a trip to Paris?

A French company has installed a zip line device on the Eiffel Tower, allowing visitors to glide 115 meters above the ground, soar over Champ de Mars, and experience the thrill and speed of being a “human tennis ball.” (AP)