If you’re planning to visit, there’s one spectacle you simply can’t miss—the Eiffel Tower lighting up the night sky.
It’s like the city’s own version of the stars coming out, except it happens every evening, with a touch of human ingenuity. From the beacon that shines atop the tower to the white lights that adorn its first and second floors, the Eiffel Tower light show is a testament to the city’s flair for melding the past with the present.
But when does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?
In this article, we’ll go over when you can catch the famous Eiffel Tower light show, and the best viewing points around the city.
⚡ Related read: Why is Paris called The City of Light?
What time does the Eiffel Tower light up?
The Eiffel Tower lights up every evening from sunset until 1 AM, with a sparkling light show occurring for the first 5 minutes of every hour after dusk.
Every evening, as the sun bids adieu to the City of Lights, the tower embraces a golden covering that makes it shimmer from the base all the way to the very top of the tower. This daily transformation begins at sunset and continues until the clock strikes 1 AM.
The sparkling lights of the tower are just magical – Imagine someone took a giant fairy wand and tapped the tower, making it burst into thousands of twinkling lights. This spectacle happens at the beginning of each hour for 5 minutes, thanks to some 20,000 light bulbs that decided to throw their own party.
And yes, these bulbs are the life of the party every single night!
You might be wondering, “How do they know exactly when to start?” Thanks to light-sensitive twilight sensors, the Eiffel Tower’s golden lighting switches and sparkling effect are as punctual as a Swiss watch, ensuring the show starts at the precise start of the hour.
💡 Here’s a fun fact: depending on the time of the year, the show starts at different times. Longer days in summer mean later light shows, while the winter months gift us with the tower’s brilliance a bit earlier in the evening.
And on special occasions, the Iron Lady loves to dress up. New Year’s Eve, Bastille Day (July 14th), and Pink October for breast cancer awareness are just a few times the tower might surprise you with a different sparkle or even a color change.
The last Eiffel Tower sparkle before it goes dark is particularly poignant—like the final bow at the end of a magnificent performance.
Does the Eiffel Tower sparkle every night?
Alright, let’s get straight to the point: Does the Eiffel Tower sparkle every single night? In short, yes, it’s like the Iron Lady’s nightly ritual.
But, as with all good things, there are a few “buts” to consider.
So, here’s the deal. Every night, without fail, the Eiffel Tower puts on its sparkling show, lighting up the Parisian skyline every hour on the hour for 5 minutes after sunset until the tower goes dark at 1 AM.
But, life’s full of exceptions, right? On very rare occasions, the sparkle might take a night off.
We’re talking about times of maintenance—because even icons need a little TLC—or during severe weather conditions.
Also, out of respect, the tower’s lights may dim or not sparkle during national mourning days. It’s a way for the city to pay its respects.
⚡ Related read: Is Paris Overrated?
Special Occasions and Extra Sparkle
Now, for the fun part. Special occasions can bring a little extra magic to the tower’s usual sparkle.
New Year’s Eve and Bastille Day, for instance, aren’t just regular nights in Paris. On these nights, the Eiffel Tower might show off with extended light shows, special colors, or even unique lighting effects. It’s like the Iron Lady dresses up in her finest to celebrate with the rest of Paris.
And because we’re living in a time when turning off the lights when you leave the room is just as important as locking the door, environmental considerations do come into play.
The city of Paris and the tower’s management keep a close eye on energy consumption. In recent years, there’s been a push to ensure that the beauty of the Eiffel Tower’s lighting doesn’t come at an unnecessary cost to the planet.
This means that the sparkling effect is as energy-efficient as possible, using LEDs and other tech to keep the wow without the ouch for the environment.
In summary, yes, the Eiffel Tower sparkles every night, bringing a little bit of magic to the City of Lights regularly. But it’s also smart about it, balancing tradition with responsibility.
⚡ Related read: What is Paris famous for?
8 Best Places to See the Eiffel Tower Lights
Wondering where to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle? You’re in luck because Paris offers plenty of spots to enjoy the show.
Whether you’re a camera-toting photo enthusiast, in search of a romantic backdrop, or simply soaking in the vibes, here are my personal favorite 8 places to see the Eiffel lights:
1. Trocadéro Gardens
First up, the Trocadéro Gardens. This spot is like the VIP lounge for Eiffel Tower viewing. Positioned directly across the river, it offers an unobstructed, front-row seat to the light show.
The atmosphere here is electric, with both locals and tourists mingling, cameras at the ready. For those looking to capture that postcard-perfect shot or enjoy a moment straight out of a romance novel, this is your spot.
Just remember, this spot is no secret. So, if you’re aiming for a prime position, get there early or be prepared to navigate the crowd.
2. River Seine Cruises
Fancy seeing the Iron Lady while afloat? A Seine River cruise by night is like watching a live painting unfold.
The reflection of the sparkling lights on the water adds a whole new layer of magic to the experience. There are plenty of cruise options, from dinner extravaganzas to simple sightseeing boats, each offering a unique perspective of the tower’s lights. It’s a moving panorama that’s hard to beat.
⚡ P.S. You can read the full review of my Seine Dinner Cruise experience here!
3. Champ de Mars
For a more laid-back vibe, head to the Champ de Mars.
This sprawling green space extends from the tower’s base, offering a closer yet angled view. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic under the stars, with the Eiffel Tower’s lights as your candlelight.
The vibe here is more relaxed, with families and friends gathering on blankets, sharing food, and stories under the glow of the tower.
4. Montparnasse Tower
If you’re craving a bird’s-eye view, head to the Montparnasse Tower.
Standing tall with its 56th-floor observation deck and rooftop terrace, this famous tower provides a stunning panoramic view of the tower amidst the Paris skyline. It’s a less crowded alternative, offering a serene yet breathtaking experience.
Watching the tower sparkle from this height, with the city lights stretching into the horizon, is truly a unique experience. There’s also a rooftop restaurant on the 56th floor of the tower, so you can have a romantic dinner while admiring the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
5. Restaurants and Bars with Views
Paris knows how to dine with a view. From luxurious establishments atop the city’s landmarks to cozy rooftop bars, there’s no shortage of spots to enjoy a meal or a glass of champagne with the tower in sight.
Some of the best views can be had from places like the Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower itself, Girafe Restaurant at Trocadero, or bars in the nearby area. Each offers a different atmosphere, from upscale to casual, but with the same mesmerizing backdrop.
Reservations are a must, especially if you’re aiming for the evening light show!
6. Bridges of Paris
Don’t underestimate the romantic allure of Paris’s bridges. Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris and albeit the most popular viewing point, is a top choice for seeing the lights of the Eiffel Tower.
Pont Alexandre III or Pont de Bir-Hakeim, for instance, offer strategic vantage points with less crowding.
They’re great for photographers looking for that perfect shot or anyone wanting to enjoy the sparkle away from the main throngs. A quick walk on these bridges during the light show feels like stepping into a living, breathing piece of art.
7. Paris Metro
Believe it or not, one of the most unique vantage points for watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle doesn’t require you to stand still.
Hop on the Paris Metro, specifically metro line 6, as it passes the Bir Hakeim station.
This route offers riders an unobstructed, moving view of the Iron Lady herself.
💡 Tip: The trick here is all in the timing: to catch the tower during its sparkling light show, you’ll want to time your metro ride so that you’re passing by at the beginning of the hour, during the first 5 minutes when the sparkle happens.
It’s a brief, but unforgettable moment that gives you a glimpse of the tower’s grandeur from a less conventional perspective.
Why is it unique? Well, aside from the fact that you’re catching this view in transit, it’s a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower’s lights and the cityscape without any barriers—just you, the Iron Lady, and the fleeting moment.
It’s a great way to see the beacon shine and the beams of light dance across the sky, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or just looking to add a little adventure to your metro commute.
8. The Arc de Triomphe
Another spectacular spot to view the Eiffel Tower’s nightly spectacle is from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
Climbing to the top of this iconic monument offers a panoramic view of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower taking center stage. From this vantage point, you can see the tower from a distance, allowing for a full view of the light show from the beacon at the top of the tower to the golden covering that adorns the 1st and 2nd floors.
Watching the tower sparkle from the Arc de Triomphe is particularly special because it allows you to also take in the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées and the rest of the city’s lights.
The experience combines history, architecture, and the mesmerizing light show into one, making it a favorite spot for both first-time visitors and seasoned Parisians.
It’s a reminder of the city’s ability to blend the old with the new, from the history of the tower’s construction by French engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 International Exposition, to the addition of the sparkling lights by Pierre Bideau for the new millennium.
The Arc de Triomphe itself, commemorating those who fought and died for France, adds a layer of depth to the experience, making it not just about the beauty of the lights but also the rich history and resilience of Paris.
Thanks for reading!
Whether it’s a regular Tuesday evening or the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, the tower’s lights are a sight to behold—just another reason Paris holds a special place in the hearts of those who visit.
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