Tucked away in France's eastern Alsace region is the skeleton of an Eiffel Tower replica. Once it's complete at the end of August, this Venice red structure will be 30 meters tall and look exactly like the real one. 

French grandfather, Jean-Claude Fassler and his grandson, Kilian Antenat are crafting a steel replica of the famous monument one-tenth of its actual size. The pair have been working on the venture for eight years and the design is actually based on historical plans Fassler found from 1889. 

It's supported by 8.5 tonne pillars, while other elements of the structure are being made with 3D digital modelling, laser cutting and wielding. 

The 77-year-old metalworker is a little weary with age, limiting his ability to perform some works, but the collaboration with his 22-year-old grandson means he gets to teach him the tricks of the trade. Construction started when Antenat was just 14 years old. 

"I get to be involved in everything, that is to say, the design, the drawing, the assembly. Really, everything," Antenat said. 

The grandfather invested his own money and that of his former business to get the project off the ground. He hopes to recoup the cost by selling the structure on, but not before he spends one night on the first level. 

"I'm going to sleep on the first floor, for one night. So I'll be able to say I've made it and that I have an apartment in the Eiffel Tower," Fassler said. 

The unveiling is set for August 26 when a crane slots the final segments into place.