The Eiffel Tower in Paris was temporarily closed on Monday after employees staged a protest over the alleged sidelining of female staff during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation.

The dispute followed a private visit on Saturday by around 100 people linked to the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu religious organisation.

Women staff allegedly moved aside

According to union representatives, female employees were asked to leave their workstations and move out of sight as the delegation passed through the landmark. Some women were reportedly replaced by male employees at their posts.

Staff members said the instructions left female workers feeling humiliated and raised concerns about gender equality in the workplace. The Eiffel Tower's operating company, Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), acknowledged that the delegation had requested limited interaction with women.

Management apologises over incident

SETE said the conditions requested during the visit should not have been accepted, while management apologised to employees following the controversy.

BAPS also apologised for any distress caused, saying the visit had been arranged at the start of opening hours because of the size of the delegation and to avoid disrupting other visitors.

Paris authorities order investigation

The incident has triggered criticism from French politicians and prompted Paris authorities to launch an investigation. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said the matter would be examined, while officials stressed France's commitment to equality and women's participation in public life.

The staff protest disrupted normal operations and led to the Eiffel Tower being closed to visitors on Monday.