The Eiffel Tower light show: history and practical guide

The Iron Lady glows every single evening, without exception, from sunset until 1 AM throughout most of the year. In the summer months, the lights stay on a little longer, switching off at 2 AM. 

The golden lighting bathes the entire structure, from the first level to the very top, while a powerful beacon sweeps across the Paris sky and can be seen for kilometers in every direction. Planning your evening around her radiance is simple: she is lit every night of the year.

Arrive a little before the hour to secure a good spot, especially at the Trocadéro, which fills quickly on warm evenings. The five-minute sparkle is brief, so position yourself in advance with a clear line of sight. In the colder months, sunset comes early and the show begins not long after, making winter evenings a fine time to catch the lights without staying out late. Whatever the season, the view of the monument in full glow is well worth the wait.

• Sparkling light show every hour on the hour for 5 minutes
• Illumination display until 11:00 PM or 1:00 AM, depending on the season
• Best viewpoints: Trocadéro, Champ de Mars, and the banks of the Seine
• Seine River cruise: another prime viewing angle