The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris, transforms into a mesmerizing beacon of light as night falls. But there’s more to the Iron Lady’s illuminations than meets the eye. Join us as we unveil the history behind these spectacular displays, providing all the information you need to enjoy the Eiffel Tower’s light show to the fullest.
The Eiffel Tower Lights Up Every Night!
Yes, you heard right! The Eiffel Tower is illuminated every night from sunset until 1 AM. During the summer months, the lights stay on a bit longer, extending until 2 AM.
Twinkling Magic: The Eiffel Tower Sparkle
But the Eiffel Tower does more than just shine. Every hour, for five minutes, it twinkles, creating a magical spectacle. This dazzling display, known as the Eiffel Tower sparkle, happens every evening.
Witnessing the Show: The Best Viewing Spots
Finding the perfect spot to witness this nightly wonder is an experience in itself. The Trocadero offers a breathtaking panoramic view, while a cruise on the Seine provides a unique perspective. For a different angle, climb the Montparnasse Tower for a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower’s dazzling lights.
A History of Light: From Gas Lamps to Modern Displays
The Eiffel Tower’s light shows have evolved over time, each era showcasing its own unique style.
The Beginnings: Gaslights and French Flags
The first attempts to illuminate the Tower, dating back to the 1889 Universal Exhibition, involved gaslights placed within opalescent glass globes. These early lights were further enhanced by a lighthouse that intermittently altered its intensity, projecting the colors of the French flag.
The Electrifying Transition: 1900 and Beyond
The 1900 Universal Exhibition saw a significant upgrade, replacing the gaslights with electric lights. An impressive 5,000 light bulbs were strategically placed across the Tower’s facades, creating a brilliant display.
The Roaring Twenties and Thirties: Citroen and Clock Towers
The 1920s and 30s witnessed a unique collaboration with the Citroen Group. In 1925, a massive display featuring 250,000 multicolored lamps illuminated the Citroen brand name on three sides of the Tower, visible from 40 kilometers away.
In 1933, the Tower was adorned with a 15-meter-wide clock tower featuring illuminated colored minute and second hands. Sadly, the clock tower display was discontinued in 1936 due to its high cost.
The Arts and Techniques Exhibition: A Spectacle of Light and Color
For the 1937 Arts and Techniques Exhibition, the Eiffel Tower was transformed into a dazzling spectacle designed by André Granet. A massive chandelier, 10 kilometers of multicolored fluorescent tubes, and 30 spotlights illuminated the Tower’s facades in white, with shimmering gold, red, and blue accents.
The Eiffel Tower’s Lights: A Symbol of Celebrations and Causes
The Eiffel Tower has become a canvas for showcasing significant events and supporting important causes.
A Luminous Christmas Tree: 1978
In 1978, the Tower was transformed into a huge, luminous Christmas tree, creating a magical holiday display.
The Millenium’s Dawn: 2000
The year 2000 brought a spectacular light show for New Year’s Eve. A neon countdown (D-1000) had been installed in 1997, leading up to the momentous occasion. At midnight, the Eiffel Tower unveiled a fiery waltz of pyrotechnics and shined brightly. The lit-up countdown marked the arrival of the year 2000. The following year, 2001, the Tower celebrated the new millennium by shining blue.
International Celebrations and Causes: 2004-2014
From the 2004 Chinese New Year celebration, where the Eiffel Tower was lit in red, to the 2006 Europe Festival, where it glowed blue, the Eiffel Tower has celebrated diverse events.
In 2007, the Tower supported “A Five-Minute Break for the Planet” by turning off its lights. Later, in 2014, the Tower shone pink in support of the fight against breast cancer.
The Eiffel Tower’s Lights: A Must-See Experience
The Eiffel Tower’s illuminated history is truly captivating. Discover the magic for yourself by visiting this iconic monument and witnessing its mesmerizing light shows! Paris City Vision offers comprehensive information about tickets and tours to the Eiffel Tower, helping you plan your perfect Parisian adventure.
