The Tower receives nearly seven million visitors a year according to its website (Img: X)
Paris: The Eiffel Tower, one of France’s most famous landmarks, was temporarily closed on Monday after employees launched a protest over allegations that female workers were asked to leave their posts during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation.
The controversy emerged during the visit of a delegation linked to the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). Staff members alleged that some female employees were moved away from certain areas while the group was visiting the monument.
According to union representatives, the decision caused anger among employees, especially women workers who felt they were being treated unfairly.
A staff representative said some women were reportedly asked to leave their work positions and were replaced by male employees during the visit. Workers later gathered to demand discussions with management and assurances that such incidents would not happen again.
The protest resulted in the closure of the Eiffel Tower for visitors.
The company managing the monument, Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), said such conditions should not have been accepted and reaffirmed its commitment to equality between men and women.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire also announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the visit. He said gender equality must be respected at all places, including historic landmarks.
French political leaders also reacted to the controversy, stating that no belief or tradition should affect women’s rights.
BAPS issued a statement saying the visit was coordinated in advance with Eiffel Tower authorities and apologised to anyone who felt hurt or inconvenienced by the situation.
Nous comprenons les préoccupations exprimées et les prenons très au sérieux.
Compte tenu de la taille de notre délégation, la visite a été organisée en coordination avec les équipes de la tour Eiffel, au début des horaires habituels d’ouverture, afin de limiter autant que… pic.twitter.com/gyiwzmh6Jv
— BAPS Mandir Swaminarayan Hindou de Paris (@BAPSParis) September 7, 2026
The organisation said it remained committed to values of respect and service.
The controversy comes shortly after BAPS inaugurated its first major Hindu temple in France, located near Paris.
