A hidden military radiotelegraph station beneath the Eiffel Tower helped turn the tide of World War I, intercepting German messages during the Battle of the Marne.
Military station under Eiffel Tower
A military radiotelegraph station was installed under the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower, with sources citing different dates ranging from 1903 to 1909. The exact year of installation remains debated, though the station was operational by 1909.Eiffel Tower’s radio beginnings
In 1903, Gustave Eiffel proposed using the tower for radio telegraphy, working with Captain Gustave Ferrié. Ferrié first used a wooden hut near the tower, later replaced by an underground station in 1909. The City of Paris extended Eiffel’s concession in 1910, ensuring the tower would remain as a radio antenna.Intercepting German messages
In September 1914, during the German counterattack at the Marne, the station intercepted German military communications. These messages revealed supply issues and troop movements, aiding French forces in their counteroffensive. The intercepts also helped identify spies, including Mata Hari, according to French military intelligence.Eiffel Tower’s wartime role
Originally built for an exhibition and scheduled for dismantling after 20 years, the Eiffel Tower played a critical role in World War I. The underground station, once a secret, now serves as offices, storage, and a kitchen for the tower’s restaurants. It is accessed through armored doors and a concrete compartment for cables.Legacy and modern use
The underground station was moved to the south pillar in 1985, ending its use as an emergency station. Since 2000, the area has been used for administrative purposes. The tower’s radio system, over 80 years old by 1985, continued to function until the move. The Champ-de-Mars remains a peaceful area with its 25 hectares of lawn.Exploring the hidden history
In 2020, Europe 1 and the program Accès privé visited the site, revealing remnants of the armored doors and the concrete compartment. The tunnel to the Military School, however, is considered an urban legend. The tower’s transmitter was also used for historic broadcasts, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
