Eiffel tower paris night

The illuminated Eiffel Tower at night is one of Paris's most iconic symbols, attracting millions of visitors annually.

About this subject

The Eiffel Tower, completed in 1889 for the World's Fair, is a wrought-iron lattice structure on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Standing 330 meters tall, it was the world's tallest structure until 1930. At night, the tower comes alive with special lighting: since 1985, a system of 20,000 bulbs flashes for five minutes every hour from 18:00 to 1:00 (until 2:00 in summer). The golden glow, created by sodium projectors, was installed in 1985 by Pierre Bideau. Each year, the tower undergoes careful cleaning and maintenance to preserve its beauty. The nightly illumination is so iconic that it was classified as French intangible cultural heritage in 1985. Interestingly, the bulbs are low energy, and the nighttime show consumes only 5% of the tower's total electricity. The Eiffel Tower at night is a free spectacle for Parisians and tourists, and its illuminated silhouette has served as a backdrop for countless films and events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Eiffel Tower light up at night?

The nighttime illumination starts at dusk, and the lights sparkle for five minutes every hour from 6 PM to 1 AM. In summer, it extends until 2 AM.

How many bulbs are used for the Eiffel Tower's lighting?

There are about 20,000 bulbs that create the sparkling effect. The system was installed in 1985 and uses low-energy bulbs.

Is the Eiffel Tower illuminated every night?

Yes, the tower is lit every night of the year, including holidays and special occasions, except for brief maintenance periods.