Get ready to be mesmerized! The Eiffel Tower, Paris’s iconic landmark, transforms into a dazzling spectacle after sunset. Its golden glow and shimmering sparkles create an unforgettable experience.
When do the lights come on? It’s as simple as the setting sun! As darkness falls, the Tower’s golden lighting system kicks in, bathing the structure in a warm, inviting hue. But the real show begins every hour with the sparkles. For five minutes, the Tower’s top bursts into life, as thousands of tiny lights twinkle in a mesmerizing dance.
How it works: Sensors activate the golden lights at nightfall. The beacon, a powerful light source, also starts its rotation at this time. Then, precisely at the top of each hour, the sparkles take over. Think of it as a countdown – the moment the lights turn on, you know a sparkling show is just around the corner!
Don’t miss the sparkle!
The Sparkle Show: Timing is Everything
Want to witness the Eiffel Tower’s dazzling display? You’ll need to know when the show starts! The Tower’s closing time determines the final sparkle. Normally, the lights go out at 11:45 PM, so the last sparkle happens at 11:00 PM. But during the summer months and special holidays, the Tower stays open later, until 12:45 AM. This means you’ll have an extra hour to enjoy the sparkling show, with the final burst happening at 1:00 AM. Even after the main lights are turned off, the sparkles continue for a few minutes, making it a truly unforgettable experience!
The Best Views: Get Up Close and Personal
To truly appreciate the Eiffel Tower’s nighttime beauty, visit the Tower in the evening. Ascend the stairs for an intimate experience under the golden glow. The second floor provides the perfect vantage point for the sparkling spectacle. Look up and marvel at the illuminated spire, shimmering with a magical, ethereal light.
Don’t feel like climbing the stairs? No problem! The Tower’s dazzling display is visible from many locations in Paris. Head to the Trocadéro esplanade or the Champ de Mars and witness the Tower transform into a breathtaking nighttime beacon.
Behind the Lights: Technology and Design
The Eiffel Tower’s lighting system is a masterpiece of engineering. Designed by renowned lighting engineer Pierre Bideau and unveiled in 1985, it comprises 336 spotlights featuring yellow-orange high-pressure sodium bulbs. These strategically placed lights illuminate the Tower from within, showcasing its intricate metal structure. The lighting system not only enhances the Tower’s beauty but also ensures safety for visitors.
The Beacon and the Sparkles: A Symphony of Light
The Eiffel Tower’s beacon and sparkles are a more recent addition to the nighttime spectacle, debuting in 1999. The beacon, inspired by the original signal light designed by Gustav Eiffel, is a symbol of hope and guidance. It features four powerful floodlights, arranged to project two beams of light across a 50-mile radius. The sparkles, the brainchild of Pierre Bideau, utilize 20,000 tiny bulbs, strategically placed across the Tower’s four sides. These lights, designed to turn on randomly, add a touch of magic and whimsy to the Tower’s nighttime display.
