The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris, but its allure doesn’t fade with the setting sun. Instead, the City of Lights itself seems to shimmer even brighter, as its historic landmarks and bustling streets illuminate the night. But, as darkness falls, all eyes are drawn to the Iron Lady, a breathtaking spectacle that captivates visitors and locals alike.
The Sparkle of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower’s captivating night-time appearance is no accident. Since its construction for the 1889 World’s Fair, the tower has boasted beautiful lighting. Today, the monument stands as a beacon of beauty against the Parisian night sky.
Illuminating the Eiffel Tower
In its early years, the Eiffel Tower was lit by external gas-powered projectors. For its grand opening, over 10,000 gas burners blazed, casting a warm glow on the structure.
However, a decade later, electricity replaced gas, and over 5,000 light bulbs were embedded within the tower’s metallic frame. This innovative approach not only improved nighttime access but also highlighted the monument’s elegance. From that point forward, special lighting displays were designed for numerous events.
In 1985, the Eiffel Tower donned its iconic golden dress, a symbol of its restoration and updated lighting. Then, in 2000, a new lighthouse and captivating sparkle were unveiled to celebrate the millennium. While initially planned as a temporary feature, this mesmerizing display has become a permanent fixture, a nightly highlight of Paris.
Timing the Sparkle
To fully appreciate the magic of the Eiffel Tower’s sparkle, it’s essential to know its lighting schedule.
Every evening, the golden lighting activates at dusk, thanks to light sensors. The tower then sparkles for 5 minutes at the beginning of every hour. So, if sunset occurs at 8:20 pm, the tower will glow a beautiful yellow for the next 10 minutes, and the first sparkle will begin at 9:00 pm.
The Eiffel Tower’s lighthouse also illuminates and rotates simultaneously with the main lighting, at the onset of dusk.
Following the City of Paris’ energy conservation plan, all the tower’s lights extinguish at 11:45 pm. The last sparkle concludes at 11:00 pm.
However, during summer, the Eiffel Tower remains open until 12:45 am, with the lighting and lighthouse shutting down at 1:00 am. The last sparkle continues to shine, a solitary beacon, for 5 minutes.
Energy Efficiency and the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower’s energy consumption has been a concern for several years. In 2004, the power of the 336 projectors was reduced by 40%, representing a 4% decrease in the tower’s total energy use.
Additionally, the sparkle’s duration was reduced from 10 minutes to 5 minutes in 2008 to minimize the tower’s environmental impact. Despite the use of 20,000 xenon bulbs, the sparkle’s energy consumption remains minimal, accounting for only 0.4% of the tower’s total energy costs. These figures have continued to decrease with the energy conservation plan, as the nightly sparkle now concludes at 11:00 pm.
Since 2016, the Eiffel Tower’s lighting efficiency has continued to improve, resulting in an average annual energy reduction of 9%.
The Eiffel Tower’s Lighthouse: A Beacon of History
From the very beginning in 1889, a lighthouse was installed atop the Eiffel Tower, initially intended to illuminate key Parisian landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, the Opéra Garnier, and the Louvre Museum. Later, in 1947, light beams were used for aerial navigation. Today, the lighthouse remains a universally recognized and symbolic landmark.
The tower’s current lighthouse was inaugurated in 2000. It consists of two electrical harnesses with a range of 80 kilometers.
Exploring the Eiffel Tower at Night
The Eiffel Tower transforms at night, its golden lighting casting a warm glow. You can explore the monument as you would during the day, but we recommend taking the stairs, for a truly unique experience. The illuminated structure creates an intimate atmosphere, a departure from the daytime bustle.
If you are lucky enough to visit at sunset, ascend to the top floor and savor a glass of champagne at the champagne bar, while admiring the breathtaking vista. For a romantic dinner with a view of the illuminated Paris, reserve a table at Madame Brasserie on the first floor, or at the Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor.
To fully enjoy the sparkle during a nighttime visit, arrive early, after dusk. The second floor provides the best vantage point to be surrounded by the golden lights and witness the sparkling spire.
Views from the Top
For a breathtaking view of Paris at night or to experience the lighthouse in operation, ascend to the top of the tower.
Capturing the Magic
If you wish to forever preserve the memory of this magical evening, feel free to photograph or film the Iron Lady’s nighttime illumination. Share your experience with the world on social media.
However, the golden lighting and sparkle are protected by copyright. Professionals seeking to use the image of the tower require authorization from the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel.
Day and Night: Two Distinct Experiences
Visiting the Eiffel Tower during the day and at night offers two entirely different experiences. The monument’s golden glow transforms a visit into a magical and unforgettable night out.
Discover More
For deeper insight into the history of the Eiffel Tower, explore further resources on the Eiffel Tower website.
The Eiffel Tower stands as a testament to Parisian ingenuity and artistry. From its iconic silhouette to its dazzling night-time sparkle, it continues to captivate the world.
