Eiffel Tower Light Show 2025: Schedule, Viewing Tips & Best Spots
Eiffel Tower Light Show
How does the Eiffel Tower Light Show work?
Experiencing the Eiffel Tower’s illuminations is a highlight for many visitors to Paris. The Iron Lady continues its tradition of nightly light displays, sparkling every evening. At the top of every hour from sunset to midnight, the Tower sparkles for five minutes, creating an unforgettable visual experience. The final sparkle occurs at midnight, when the golden lights and beacon are also turned off. It is a stunning sight visible from various spots around the city, making it an unmissable part of the Paris experience.
5 reasons why you shouldn’t miss the Eiffel Tower Light Show
- A magical sight: The Eiffel Tower shines with sparkling lights every evening, creating a stunning display.
- Iconic golden glow: The golden lights reveal the tower’s iron structure and intricate design.
- Unique experience: The light show is a true Parisian tradition that adds to the city’s charm and magic, making it a must-see for any visitor.
- Unforgettable views: Whether from the Trocadéro or Champ de Mars, the illuminated Eiffel Tower offers stunning views. A Seine River cruise is also a great way to watch the show. The tower’s beacon releases powerful beams of light visible up to 80 kilometers away.
- Perfect ending to your day: Watching the light on the Eiffel Tower is a memorable way to end your day in Paris and a must on every travel plan.
Eiffel Tower Lights: Golden glow, sparkles & beacon
Have you ever wondered what makes this spectacle happen every evening? The Eiffel Tower’s lighting includes three parts: the golden lighting, the sparkling display, and the beacon at the top. Each plays a different role in creating the tower’s special charm at night.
GOLDEN LIGHTING
The Eiffel Tower’s golden lights turn on automatically when the sun sets and night falls. Thanks to special twilight sensors, they begin shining in less than 10 minutes. The golden lights have been part of the Tower since 1985. They include 336 powerful projectors that give the monument its warm glow. The yellow-orange sodium lamps are replaced every four years to ensure continuous brightness. The lights not only make the Eiffel Tower beautiful but also increase visibility and ensure safety at night.
THE SPARKLES EVERY HOUR
In addition to the warm golden glow, the Eiffel Tower twinkles every evening. At the start of each hour, just after dusk, the tower sparkles for a 5-minute show.
THE BEACON: A LIGHT THAT REACHES 80 KM
And then, there’s the beacon at the top. This iconic light, first installed in 1889, still shines today. The light is visible up to 80 kilometers away on bright nights. The current beacon, installed in 1999, has four rotating projectors. These projectors create a rotating light beam, making the tower stand out in the Paris night sky.
Seeing the Eiffel Tower light up is magical – but visiting it is a must!
Get your tickets in advance to make the most of your Paris trip!
Paris panorama
Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Ticket
Take the elevator to the Eiffel Tower's second floor and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Paris. At 115 meters above ground, the spacious observation deck provides panoramic views of the city, including iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame, Les Invalides, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. It’s the ideal place for taking timeless photos and enjoying the beautiful Parisian landscape.
Iconic Paris views
Eiffel Tower Summit Ticket
Explore Paris' most famous sights from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Reach the 276-meter summit for one of the best views in the city. From there, you can see the Seine River flowing through Paris and iconic landmarks like the Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. The view from the top gives you an unforgettable perspective of the City of Light.
What time does the Eiffel Tower light up?
Golden lights: Turn on at sunset and stay illuminated until midnight (1:00 AM in summer).
Sparkles: Every hour on the hour, the Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes, with 20,000 flashing 6W bulbs (5,000 per side).
Last sparkle at midnight: The last sparkle takes place at midnight, followed by all lights turning off.
Summer special: During the summer months, the performance is extended until 1 AM, with the final sparkle also occurring at 1 AM.
Did you know that camera flashes inspired the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling effect?
Designed by engineer Pierre Bideau in 1985, the unique light display consists of 20,000 flashing bulbs. These create an exciting light performance every hour. The show lasts five minutes and mimics the quick flicker of a camera flash.
Special lighting events
The Eiffel Tower changes colours throughout the year to recognize significant world events. The tower was lit for the first time in 1889 during the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) to celebrate its completion. Since then, it has continued to shine in various colours to mark important occasions. To celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8), the Eiffel Tower is lit in symbolic colors. In October, it turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Bastille Day (July 14), the tower sparkles with fireworks, making it one of Paris’s most spectacular celebrations.
During the 2024 Summer Olympics, the Eiffel Tower displayed Olympic rings to celebrate the event and honor the host city.
Best spots to watch the Eiffel Tower Light Show
For a great view, go to Place de la Concorde. For an authentic Parisian experience, dine at historic Café Lapérouse. Enjoy traditional French cuisine with perfect views. Trocadéro and Champ de Mars are also good places from which you can get a good view. You can also walk 1 km to Bir-Hakeim Bridge. It is a good spot for taking photos. The bridge is considered by many as one of the best locations in Paris to capture photos of the tower. Visit the Montparnasse Tower for a panoramic city view. A Seine River cruise provides a one-of-a-kind experience of the Eiffel Tower in the evening.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night
Experience the sparkling display from within the Eiffel Tower. Evening visits offer stunning panoramic views of Paris, with city lights stretching far away in every direction. The ambiance is unique and romantic. Learn more about the Eiffel Tower’s history on an Eiffel Tower Tour. We advise that you book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan a visit during the summer or holidays. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular attractions in Paris, and millions of tourists visit it each year.
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