THE Eiffel Tower closed to visitors today after its staff went on indefinite strike over contract negotiations.

The walkout took place on the day that the Paris monument marked 100 years since the death of its creator Gustave Eiffel.

Tourists can still access the glass-enclosed esplanade beneath the tower, but access to the 984-foot landmark itself is closed until further notice, according to a spokesperson for the monument.

The strike was called in the run-up to contract negotiations with the Paris municipal authorities, which own the 134-year-old tower, the spokesperson said. 

Union representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment and it was unclear today how long the strike would last.

One of the world’s most visited sites, the Eiffel Tower is typically open 365 days a year and is expected to play a central role in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The attraction normally has about 20,000 visitors a day at this time of year, said the spokesperson.

A special music show marking Eiffel’s death on December 27 1923 was still scheduled to to be shown on social networks and French television last night because it was recorded in advance, the spokesperson said.