Big freeze closes Parisian landmark

BLANKETS of snow fell across northern Europe yesterday, closing an icy Eiffel Tower in Paris and causing flight cancellations.

Up to four inches was recorded in parts of France, the national weather service said. Most areas, including Paris, got about half that amount.

The Eiffel Tower was closed because slippery conditions would have posed a hazard. A spokeswoman said: "We can't put down salt because it's metallic. We can't use sand either, because it risks getting into the elevator cogs."

A dozen flights were cancelled at the city's Charles de Gaulle airport and traffic alerts were issued in 30 French regions because of icy roads.