The Eiffel Tower temporarily closed after employees protested over allegations that female workers were asked to leave their posts or remain out of sight during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday when around 100 people associated with Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, commonly known as BAPS, visited the Paris landmark.

Union representative Diane Davoine told Reuters that women were asked to leave their workstations as the delegation passed, with male employees taking their places. Tensions among workers increased over the weekend and led to a staff meeting on Monday.

The meeting delayed the tower’s opening, with signs informing visitors that access had been postponed for operational reasons. According to the union representative, management apologised to employees over the incident.

Workers sought a discussion with management and assurances that female employees would not face similar treatment in the future. The protest brought renewed attention to gender equality and workplace responsibility at one of France’s most recognisable public landmarks.

BAPS said the large delegation’s visit was arranged in consultation with Eiffel Tower management at the beginning of normal opening hours to reduce disruption to tourists.

The organisation said that, to the best of its knowledge, no employee or visitor had been denied access to the monument. It nevertheless apologised to anyone who may have experienced hurt or inconvenience because of the arrangements.

BAPS added that it took the concerns seriously and remained committed to mutual respect and service. Its representatives were in France for events connected with the inauguration of a Hindu temple near Paris.

The organisation’s account differs from the allegations presented by workers and union officials, making the investigations important for establishing who issued the instructions and how they were implemented.

Reports said the Eiffel Tower’s operator, Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements limiting interactions with women. The operator reportedly said such conditions should not have been accepted.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire announced that an investigation would be launched as quickly as possible. He described the employees’ anger as legitimate and said the circumstances behind the protest must be fully clarified.

Gregoire stressed that people should be able to work and move freely without gender discrimination. He said equality between women and men must be protected throughout Paris, including at the Eiffel Tower.

SETE President Ariel Weil also promised an inquiry into the incident and said the company would draw the necessary conclusions after determining what happened.

The investigation is expected to examine the request made before the visit, the management decision to accept it and the instructions communicated to employees and contractors. It could also consider changes to prevent visitors’ preferences from overriding workplace equality policies.

The controversy drew criticism from French political leaders and trade unions. National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet said welcoming visitors should not require France to compromise its commitment to women’s equal participation in public life.

The CGT union condemned workplace directions that allegedly caused female workers to be sidelined, replaced or made invisible because of their gender.

The incident has placed both the tower operator and the visiting organisation under public scrutiny. However, responsibility for the arrangements has not yet been conclusively established, and the official inquiries remain underway.

The Eiffel Tower was expected to resume normal operations after the employee protest. The findings of the investigations will determine how the disputed instructions were approved and whether disciplinary or administrative changes are required.