The Eiffel Tower, a Parisian icon, transforms into a dazzling spectacle after sunset. It’s not just the iconic structure itself that mesmerizes, but the way its lights illuminate the night sky, creating a magical ambiance. Every evening, the Tower’s golden lights, along with its beacon, turn on as darkness descends. The Tower’s gleaming golden hue, punctuated by sparkling bursts, adds an extra layer of enchantment to the Parisian cityscape.
When does the Eiffel Tower’s light show begin?
To understand the exact timing of the dazzling display, it’s important to know when the sun dips below the horizon. The Tower’s golden lights, controlled by sensors, are activated at nightfall, taking around ten minutes to illuminate the structure. This is also the moment the beacon, a powerful beam of light, starts to rotate.
Every hour, starting from nightfall, the Tower’s top is adorned with mesmerizing sparkles for five minutes. This mesmerizing display is an enchanting spectacle, attracting tourists and locals alike. For example, if nightfall occurs at 8:35 PM, the lights will turn on within the next ten minutes, and the first set of sparkles will illuminate the sky at 9:00 PM.
When does the light show end?
The Eiffel Tower’s lights are switched off at 11:45 PM when the monument closes for the night. The last set of sparkles will be at 11:00 PM. However, during the summer months and French holiday periods, the Tower stays open until 12:45 AM, and the sparkles continue every hour until 1:00 AM. Even after the golden lights and beacon are extinguished at 1:00 AM, the Tower continues to shimmer with the magical sparkle for a few minutes.
Where can you see the best views of the Tower lit up?
The best way to experience the Eiffel Tower’s nighttime magic is to visit the Tower itself. Standing on the stairs, bathed in the monument’s golden light, provides an exceptional and unique atmosphere. To fully appreciate the sparkle show, head to the second floor and gaze upwards, marveling at the twinkling spire.
If you’re not at the Tower, you can still witness this spectacular display from various locations in Paris and its surrounding region. The Trocadéro esplanade and Champ de Mars are particularly good vantage points, offering breathtaking views of the illuminated Tower.
How does the Eiffel Tower’s golden lighting work?
Inaugurated on December 31, 1985, the lighting system, designed by renowned lighting engineer Pierre Bideau, comprises 336 spotlights, each fitted with high-pressure sodium bulbs that emit a warm, yellow-orange glow. This innovative system, hailed internationally, sparked a trend of illuminating monuments at night, transforming Parisian and global cityscapes.
These spotlights are strategically placed to illuminate the Eiffel Tower from within its structure, creating an internal glow. The golden lights highlight the Tower’s intricate metalwork and add a captivating dimension to the structure for evening visitors. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these lights play a vital role in ensuring the Tower’s safe operation.
How do the Eiffel Tower’s beacon and sparkles work?
The beacon, a beacon of hope and a symbol of Parisian pride, was unveiled on New Year’s Eve 1999. This powerful beam, with a reach of 50 miles, is comprised of four motorized marine-style floodlights. Computer-piloted and synchronized through advanced technology, they rotate to form a cross-shaped double beam, illuminating the sky in a 360° sweep.
The beacon’s 6000W xenon bulbs are renowned for their longevity, lasting approximately 1,200 hours. The lighting heads are designed to prevent overheating, with a heating system activating when the temperature falls below 32°F.
The sparkles, also conceived by Pierre Bideau, add an extra layer of magic to the display. 20,000 low-power bulbs, scattered across the four sides of the Tower, illuminate randomly in short bursts, creating a mesmerizing sparkle effect. This show, synchronized with the hour, lasts for five minutes, adding another layer of wonder to the Tower’s nightly spectacle.
