Confidential reports cited by French magazine Marianne said the Eiffel Tower was rusted and in need of complete repairs, but instead, 60 million euros were allocated to beautify it ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The 324-meter-high wrought-iron tower, built by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century, is among the world's most visited tourist sites, receiving about six million visitors each year.
But confidential expert reports cited by the French magazine indicate that the tower is in poor condition and riddled with rust.
"It is simple, if Gustave Eiffel visits the place, he will have a heart attack," said a manager in the tower, whose name was not published by the magazine.
The magazine was unable to contact the company that oversees the tower for comment on reports of rust in the Eiffel Tower.
The tower is currently undergoing a 60 million euro repaint in preparation for the 2024 Olympics, knowing that it is the twentieth time the tower has been repainted.