The Painters: Artists in Industrial Clothing

Every seven years, the tower receives a complete paint job—a tradition unbroken since 1889. The current campaign employs 25 painters working year-round, a far cry from the original 500 who could complete the job in months with less attention to safety and environmental concerns.

Robert Francois leads the painting team, a position he inherited from his father. "People think we just slap on paint, but we're surgeons. First, we inspect every square meter. Rust is cancer—catch it early or it spreads. We remove old paint carefully—no lead contamination allowed now. Prime, paint, paint again. Three coats, 60 tons total."

The color isn't uniform. Three shades graduate from darkest at base to lightest at summit, creating visual harmony. "The exact formula is secret," Francois smiles. "Officially it's 'Eiffel Tower Brown,' but I call it 'Paris Sky'—it changes with the light."

Painters develop intimate knowledge of their sections. "I know every rivet on the north face second platform," says Maria Gonzalez, one of three women on the team. "That rust spot shaped like Spain? I've watched it for five years. This beam vibrates during northwest winds. You develop relationships with iron."

The job demands physical courage. Painters work in cages suspended from cables, moving methodically across the tower's face. "Fear of heights disappears after a week, or you quit," says Francois. "What remains is respect—for the height, the weather, the iron itself. She'll let you work on her, but demands reverence."