Eiffel Tower Lighting Schedule: Your Guide to When the Eiffel Tower Sparkles

The Eiffel Tower is not only an architectural marvel but also a true spectacle when illuminated at night. The official Eiffel Tower lighting schedule is designed to delight visitors and Parisians alike with its iconic golden glow and sparkling lights display. As of 2024, the tower begins to sparkle for 5 minutes at the start of every hour after sunset, until 11:45 PM (or until 12:45 AM during summer months). The main golden illumination lights up the Eiffel Tower as soon as night falls, bathing the structure in a warm glow until closing time. The sparkling effect is created by 20,000 bulbs that shimmer, drawing the eyes of everyone across Paris.

The lighting is carefully coordinated and energy-conscious, using LED technology for efficiency and clarity. If you’re planning a trip or coordinating photography, check the sunset time for Paris that day, as the lighting schedule syncs to the city’s natural light cycle. As a designer, I find the coordinated lighting not only inspiring but also a fine example of architectural “scene setting.” If you’re trying to visualize or plan your own luminous nightscape for a space, using inspiration from such landmarks can be invaluable. Tools like an immersive 3D render home platform can help you simulate after-dark scenes to select the right light temperature, angles, and repeating effects for standout moments in your designs.

Tips 1:

If you wish to experience the Eiffel Tower at its most magical, plan to arrive on the hour after sunset to witness the sparkles. Bring a tripod if photographing, since the sparkling lights last just five minutes and urban lighting can require longer exposures.

FAQ

Q: When does the Eiffel Tower light up every evening?

A: The Eiffel Tower’s golden lights turn on at nightfall (sunset), and the sparkle effect occurs for five minutes at the top of every hour until closing (11:45 PM or 12:45 AM in summer).

Q: How long does the Eiffel Tower sparkling light show last?

A: Each sparkling session lasts five minutes at the start of every hour after sundown.

Q: What kind of lights are used for the Eiffel Tower illumination?

A: The Eiffel Tower features thousands of LED bulbs for the golden light and 20,000 flash bulbs for the sparkling effect.

Q: Can you see the Eiffel Tower’s lights from everywhere in Paris?

A: The illumination is visible from many spots across Paris, especially from areas like Trocadéro, Champ de Mars, and across the Seine River.

Q: Are there any special lighting displays during holidays or events?

A: Yes, sometimes the Eiffel Tower features special light shows or colors to commemorate holidays, anniversaries, or major events.