Visiting Paris? Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night is one of the most magical experiences you can have in the City of Lights.
But did you know the sparkling display follows a strict schedule? If you don’t time your visit right, you might miss it!
As a long-standing parisian, I wrote this guide to give you insights on when, where, and how to experience this breathtaking sight—plus a few local tips to make it extra special 😉
Eiffel Tower Sparkling Schedule
What Time Does the Eiffel Tower Sparkle?
• The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of every hour after sunset.
• First sparkle: Shortly after dusk (varies seasonally).
• Final sparkle: 11 PM (since September 2022, due to Paris’s energy-saving plan).
How does it work?
The Eiffel Tower’s nighttime illumination consists of:
✔️ Golden lighting (permanent glow)
✔️ Sparkling lights (20,000 bulbs flashing rapidly) - As soon as it gets dark, the Eiffel Tower’s golden lighting switches on automatically within less than 10 minutes, thanks to light-sensitive twilight sensors. (For example, if night falls at 8.35 pm, the lights will turn on during the ten minutes that follow and the first sparkles will take place at 9.00 pm.)
✔️ Rotating beacon (a 360° rotating light at the top visible up to 80 km away!)
How Long Does the Sparkling Last?
• Each sparkle show lasts exactly 5 minutes.
• The golden lighting stays on until 11:45 PM, but the sparkles stop at 11 PM.
• Exception: In summer and during the French holidays, when the tower stays open later, the final sparkle happens at 1 AM, followed by a brief “midnight sparkle show” with the golden lights and beacon turned off.
Best Places to Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle
Classic Viewing Spots
• Trocadéro Esplanade – The best panoramic view, directly across the Seine.
• Champ de Mars – A romantic picnic spot at the base of the tower.
• Seine River Cruises – A unique way to see the lights from the water.
• Rue de l’Université or Avenue de Camoëns – A perfect blend of city charm and tower views.
Secret & VIP Views
• Pont de Bir-Hakeim – A less crowded spot with stunning reflections in the river.
• Top of the Arc de Triomphe or Montparnasse Tower – Some unique skyline views with the Eiffel Tower in the frame.
• Dine with a view – Book a table at Les Ombres, Café de l’Homme, or Francette for an even better experience.
⚠️ Avoid dining on the Eiffel Tower itself! It might seem like a great idea, but if you’re on it, you can’t see it! The best views of Paris always include the Eiffel Tower, it would be a shame to miss it.
Special Light Shows & Events
On special occasions, the Eiffel Tower gets a new look with custom lighting, for example:
• Red (2004) – Celebrating Chinese New Year and Franco-Chinese relations.
• Blue (2006 & 2022) – Marking France’s membership to the European Union.
• Green (2016) – Honoring the Paris Climate Agreement.
• Pink (Every October 1st) – Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.
A bit of history:
The Eiffel Tower has been illuminated since 1889, starting with 10,000 gas lamps. By 1900, electric bulbs took over, outlining the tower’s arches and edges in dazzling light.
Pro Tips for the Best Experience
✔️ Check sunset times (varies by season) to time your visit.
✔️ Arrive 10-15 minutes early to get the best viewing spot.
✔️ Bundle up in winter—Paris nights can get chilly!
✔️ Be mindful of pickpockets, especially around Trocadéro and the Champs de Mars.
✔️ Bring a tripod for the best nighttime and stable photography.
Conclusion
Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle is a bucket-list experience you won’t forget. Whether you see it from a riverside café, a scenic bridge, or a quiet Parisian street, it’s a moment of pure magic that won’t get old during your entire trip to Paris. As a Parisian, I can tell you that I never get bored of it myself!
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