The Eiffel Tower is a renowned landmark in Paris, but its beauty truly shines at night when it transforms into a spectacle of light. This iconic structure bursts into life every evening, becoming a breathtaking display of shimmering gold and brilliant beams.
When Does the Eiffel Tower Come Alive?
The Eiffel Tower’s golden lighting and beacon ignite as night falls. The sensors activate the spotlights, illuminating the tower in a warm glow. This process takes about ten minutes.
Simultaneously, the beacon activates and starts rotating. The beacon is a powerful beam of light, visible for miles, representing a symbolic guide.
As the first rays of sunlight fade, the sparkles come to life, illuminating the top of the tower for five minutes at the beginning of every hour. This captivating display continues until the monument closes.
For instance, if the sun sets at 8:35 pm, the lights will turn on during the following ten minutes. The first sparkles will then begin at 9:00 pm.
When Does the Magic End?
At 11:45 pm, the Eiffel Tower closes for the night. The lights, including the beacon and sparkles, are turned off, leaving the city in darkness. However, during the summer months and French holidays, the Eiffel Tower stays open until 12:45 am. The sparkles will continue their hourly dance until 1:00 am, while the golden lighting and beacon are switched off. Even then, the sparkles remain lit for a few minutes, creating a captivating finale.
The Best Seats in the House
For the best views of the illuminated Eiffel Tower, a visit in the evening is a must. The stairs are particularly enchanting, bathed in the golden light. To appreciate the dazzling sparkles, head to the second floor, where you can look up and marvel at the glittering spire.
But even if you aren’t at the Eiffel Tower, the spectacular display is visible from numerous locations in Paris and the surrounding region. The Trocadéro esplanade and Champ de Mars are ideal spots to witness the spectacle.
Behind the Scenes: The Eiffel Tower’s Lighting System
The Eiffel Tower’s lighting system, inaugurated in 1985, was designed by Pierre Bideau, a renowned lighting engineer. It features 336 spotlights equipped with yellow-orange high-pressure sodium bulbs, illuminating the Tower from within.
This innovative approach replaced the old system that used external spotlights, highlighting the delicate metal structure and enhancing the experience for nighttime visitors. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the lighting system plays a crucial role in ensuring the Tower’s safe operation.
The Beacon and the Sparkles: A Technological Marvel
The beacon was unveiled on New Year’s Eve 1999. It consists of four motorized marine-style floodlights equipped with 6000W xenon bulbs, chosen for their long lifespan. The lights are computer-controlled, rotating 360° to create a cross-shaped beam visible for over 50 miles.
The sparkles, also created by Pierre Bideau, involve 20,000 low-power bulbs, which are randomly activated in short bursts. This captivating display adds a playful touch to the Eiffel Tower’s nighttime illumination, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
