strikes across France against controversial labour reforms forced the closure of the Eiffel Tower in Paris yesterday (28 June) – the second time in a matter of weeks.

The iconic monument was closed to visitors as its operator SETE said it didn’t have enough staff to safely open the tower under “safe and welcoming conditions for the public”.

This marks the second time tower staff have walked out to join demonstrations, with tens of thousands of people protesting new laws pushed through by French President Francois Hollande.

Welcoming 25,000 visitors daily the one-day strike is estimated to have cost the visitor attraction €387,500 (US$428,800, €320,000) in ticket sales.

The tower completed a redevelopment of its first floor in 2014, which now offers new shops, restaurants, and events space, as well as a glass floor visitors can walk over and significantly improved disabled access.