Nationwide strikes against French President Francois Hollande's unpopular Socialist government, have led to the temporary closure of the Eiffel Tower, costing the visitor attraction in Paris an estimated €387,500 (US$412,000, £280,500) in ticket sales.

Estimated to welcome 25,000 visitors daily, staff at the iconic Parisian landmark walked out in support of a strike against the government's austerity measures, along with tens of thousands of people working in the public sector across the country.

The nationwide walkout was the first in a series planned for April and May, with further industrial action expected to affect the tower on further dates.

A spokesperson for the Eiffel Tower told AM2 that many of its employees took part in the protest, with around 90 per cent of staff choosing to strike. The tower put out signs on the day saying the monument would be closed, reopening until 6:30 pm that evening (9 April). At this time it is unknown how functional the landmark will be on the next planned strike dates, which take place between 16-18 April.

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

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