After many years of tunnelling, ground was finally broken in 1994. The trip was undertaken with the objective of commemorating Captain Pierre Arrondissement Flourens historic, horse based, ascent of the North leg in 1894. The timing was crucial for the subterranean odyssey to have any meaning. The exit point was exactly as planned, directly under The Tower and on the appropriate date and time.
Here we look straight up from underneath from breaking soil, right up at what on a human would be the soft delicate under-area. The four legs, or pillars, can be clearly seen. Each one of those four legs has had a great many people negotiate them, not only on horseback but also by mountain bike, pogo stick, and Segway.
A view from the outside of The Tower taken at great risk with the photographer on horseback and while changing saddles at the time - a standard navy issue saddle had been used but at this point it was realised that grip around the upper thigh region was less than adequate, greater friction and stability was achieved by the use of a Sichuan saddle with a higher pommel and cantle.
Falling from this height isn't actually much of a problem, assuming your horse has wings.
A view of the city, slightly higher than that of the typical tourist by about 15 hands.
The West leg was on strike at the time we exited the tunnel, the horse caused a few glances. For the duration of the strike The Tower leaned toward this western corner as the stripey-topped, moustachioed circus strongman had deserted their position, no longer doing leg lifts and holds for the tourists.
An artist's impression of one of the circus strongmen holding up a supporting strut of The Tower.
The Tower can self-support for up to 15 hours a day without the circus strongmen in place. If the strike were to last any longer then the Prefecture of Police of Paris has to draft in the Gendarmerie to take their place.
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