What’s special about the Eiffel Tower light show?

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What's the Eiffel Tower sparkle time?

The Eiffel Tower's light show is a must-see, and it happens every hour from sunset until 1am. Each show lasts for 5 minutes, where the tower lights up with 20,000 twinkling bulbs. The grand finale at 1am is extra special, lasting a full 10 minutes!

What happens during the show?

The light show is truly magical. Imagine 20,000 lights flashing in perfect harmony across the 330-meter tower, creating a glittering effect that looks like the Eiffel Tower is sparkling in the Paris night sky. It’s a sight you won’t forget!

Why is it one-of-a-kind?

What makes this even better? You don’t need to buy tickets or make any reservations! Just step outside, look up, and enjoy the view. The sparkle starts at 8 PM and repeats every hour until 1am. And don’t miss the last show of the night — it’s 10 minutes long, giving you an extra dose of magic to wrap up your evening in Paris.

What makes it a historic feat?

The Eiffel Tower’s light show isn’t just pretty to look at — it’s a piece of history! From its humble beginnings with gas lamps to today’s cutting-edge lighting system, the tower’s lights have evolved with the times, reflecting the technological advancements of each era. It’s more than just a show; it’s a living testament to how far we’ve come.

When and how does the Eiffel Tower sparkle?

The lights and the beacon are turned on only after sunset, but you can visit the tower from 8:45am. The tower’s lights are automatically turned on about 10 minutes after sunset, thanks to light-sensitive sensors. These sensors ensure the tower begins to glow as dusk falls, setting the stage for the stunning sparkle displays that follow.

✨ Hourly sparkle show: Starting at 8pm, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the top of every hour. This dazzling display continues every hour throughout the evening until 1am, creating a magical atmosphere as the tower’s 20,000 bulbs blink rapidly in unison.

✨ Extended final sparkle: The final sparkle of the night takes place at 1am and is a special 10-minute show. This extended sparkle gives you a longer, more dramatic light display, making it a perfect way to end your Parisian night.

✨ The beacon: A powerful beacon also shines from the tower, sweeping across Paris and visible up to 80 kilometers on a clear night.

Best spots to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle

Trocadéro Gardens

Head to the Trocadero, a popular spot with a wide platform right across the Seine River from the tower. You get that iconic, postcard-perfect view. Just wander over, find a good spot, and soak it all in. It's completely free, and the atmosphere is electric.

Champs de Mars

Imagine a relaxed evening picnic, the tower sparkling above you. Pack a blanket and grab some snacks: the gentle, golden glow of the Eiffel Tower combined with the park’s open space creates a romantic and intimate vibe. Enjoy the show under the starry Parisian sky!

Seine River cruises

Seine River cruises let you see the tower sparkle from the water— as your boat glides along the river, you’ll see the tower’s dazzling lights reflected in the water, adding a magical touch to the evening. Many evening cruises also include dinner, making it the perfect way to combine a meal with the magical light display.

Get evening cruises

Rooftop restaurants

Treat yourself to a luxurious evening. Picture this: fine dining, champagne, and the Eiffel Tower sparkling right before your eyes. Many rooftop restaurants offer this breathtaking view, so make a reservation for an unforgettable night. Some top choices include: L'Oiseau Blanc, Café de l’Homme, 20 Eiffel and ILVOLO Bar Rooftop.

Bir-Hakeim Bridge

It's a bit of a local's secret, but the bridge offers a unique, slightly angled view of the tower, and it's especially stunning at night. It's a lovely walk, and you'll get some fantastic photos. The bridge itself is an iconic piece of Parisian architecture, and the view from here, especially at night, is both dramatic and beautiful.

Montparnasse Tower

This modern skyscraper offers an uninterrupted sight of the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance. At 210 meters high, the observation deck provides a unique bird’s-eye view of the Eiffel Tower’s glittering lights. The best part? Unlike many of the crowded spots near the Eiffel Tower, the observation deck offers a spacious, peaceful setting.

Ascend the tower for the best view

Book a dinner cruise or Eiffel Tower tour to enjoy the sparkle up close!

Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie

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1 hr. 30 min.

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1-Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise

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1 hr.

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Combo: Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator with Seine River Cruise

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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

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Eiffel Tower Guided Climb by Stairs

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How to enjoy the Eiffel Tower light show?

There’s no doubt that the Iron Lady is gorgeous by the day, but at night, it truly comes alive with lights. While you get the best views of Paris atop the tower, you will have to climb down to admire the Eiffel in its full glory.

Owing to its sensors, the Eiffel Tower lights up automatically after sunset. Check the sunset time for the day of your visit, as this determines when the lights will turn on.
Plan your viewing to coincide with the hourly sparkling show.
Popular viewing spots can get crowded, so arrive early to secure a good location.
Check the weather forecast before your visit. Clear nights provide the best views of the sparkling lights.

📷 Taking pictures for personal use is allowed, however, professional photographers can’t use these images for commercial purposes, as the light show is copyrighted. If you're planning to use the photos for business, you’ll need permission from the Eiffel Tower’s management (SETE), and there may be a fee involved.

History of the Eiffel Tower illumination

For years, the Eiffel Tower has been a giant spotlight for special occasions, changing colors to celebrate all sorts of things, using extra lights on the tower itself or shining brightly from across the river at Pont d'Iena.

1889: The Eiffel Tower’s first glow, illuminated with gaslights, celebrates its grand opening, featuring the colors of the French flag.
1900: The tower gets a modern upgrade, with electric lights replacing gas, marking a new era of illumination.
1925-1936: The tower’s lights spell out "Citroën", turning the Eiffel Tower into a giant billboard during a major ad campaign.
2000: To ring in the new millennium, 20,000 sparkling lights are added to the tower for a €4.5 million celebration—an unforgettable moment for visitors.
2003: The twinkling lights return permanently, enchanting the Paris skyline every evening.

Light shows in the past you that stole the show:

2004: The tower turns red to celebrate Chinese New Year (Jan 24-29).
2006: Europe Day is marked by a blue tower on May 9.
2007: During the Rugby World Cup, the tower sports rugby colors (Sept 7 - Oct 20).
2013: The tower shines the colors of South Africa for Nelson Mandela International Day (May 28 - June 2 & June 15-16).
2016: The Eiffel Tower changes colors for events like Paris Fashion Week (Sept 30) and the Orlando Nightclub shooting (June 13), displaying rainbow solidarity.

🔎 Did you know? In the event of a tragic incident, the lights on the Eiffel Tower are turned off in mourning and to show solidarity, spreading a powerful message that humanity comes first, no matter what.

There's more to Eiffel's history. Know here >

Frequently asked questions about the Eiffel Tower lights

Can you take photos?

Yes, you can take photos of the Eiffel Tower's light show for personal use! Just note that professional photography for commercial purposes requires permission due to copyright restrictions.

Does weather affect the show?

Weather can impact the experience. While the light show generally happens regardless of weather, cloudy or rainy nights might reduce visibility of the sparkle. Clear skies give you the best view!

How much energy do the Eiffel Tower lights consume?

Even though it might seem otherwise, the tower's lights only use up about 4% of its energy for the whole year. They've been working hard to be more eco-friendly: in 2004, they made their spotlights use less energy, and in 2008, they shortened the time the tower twinkles each hour. All that effort means the sparkling lights now only use about 0.4% of the tower's energy each year.

Can you experience the sparkling lights when you're inside the Eiffel Tower?

Sadly, no. For the best view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling all over, you should reach the lower level of the second floor just before the light show begins, that is after sunset.

Do I need to buy tickets to see the light show?

No, you don’t need tickets to watch the Eiffel Tower’s light show. However, guided tours or night-time tickets to the summit can enhance your experience by offering unique views and additional insights.

Is the Eiffel Tower open at night?

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is open at night, and you can visit the summit with a night-time ticket to see Paris lit up. The light show is a great reason to visit, but the tower itself stays open for late-night visitors.

Is the Eiffel Tower sparkle affected by holidays?

The sparkle shows still happen during holidays, and in some cases, the Eiffel Tower may even feature special light shows to mark significant events, like New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and national celebrations.