The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic French monuments, if not the most iconic. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle), the Eiffel Tower stands at a height of 330 meters (1,083 feet). During the day, it graces the skyline with its proud stature, but at night, it undergoes a breathtaking transformation, adorned with thousands of lights. As soon as darkness falls, the Eiffel Tower comes to life, illuminating the Parisian skyline. It sparkles every evening for the first five minutes of each hour until midnight, with a final sparkle at 11 pm. While visible from many vantage points across Paris, we’ve compiled a list of the best spots to witness this must-do, and it’s absolutely free!
From Alexandre III Bridge
The Alexandre III Bridge, inaugurated in 1900, stands as a symbol of Franco-Russian friendship and is renowned for its opulent Beaux-Arts design and intricate sculptures. And it is surely a great spot to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night. Positioned strategically between the Grand Palais Museum and the Invalides, this iconic bridge not only showcases unparalleled ornate beauty but also provides an extraordinary vantage point for experiencing the Eiffel Tower’s nightly transformation.
From Bir-Hakeim Bridge
The Bir Hakeim Bridge is a popular spot for tourists and locals to see the Eiffel Tower at night. Located on the Seine River, the bridge offers an unobstructed view of the tower from a distance. From here, you can see the entire tower sparkling in the night sky without any distractions. You can also take a walk on the bridge to enjoy the beauty of the Seine River and the city skyline. Don’t forget to take a look at the France Reborn statue. The statue named “la France renaissante” (France Reborn) is a controversial depiction of Joan of Arc and it is perched atop a lookout that affords views of the Eiffel Tower on the upstream side of the central viaduct on Paris bridge “Bir-Hakeim”. The statue, by Danish sculptor Holger Wendekinch, was offered by the Danish colony in 1930. If you’d like to have a photoshoot during your trip to Paris, we can include it in your itinerary.
From the banks of River Seine
The banks of River Seine (quais de Seine) are surely a great spot to have great views on the Eiffel Tower. As they are now pedestrian friendly, you can now wander around the River Seine banks while looking at the Eiffel Tower. Both the banks on the right side (rive droite) and left side (rive gauche) of the Seine offer great views, though the perspective may be slightly better on the right side of the Seine.
From the Champs de Mars
If you’re looking for a spot closer to the Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars is the perfect place. Opened in 1780, the Parc du Champ-de-Mars extends from the École Militaire to the Eiffel Tower. A hotspot for national events, it can be accessed freely and offers the most beautiful view of the capital’s landmark monument. This vast is a popular spot for picnics, strolls, and enjoying the view. You can sit on the grass, relax, and watch the tower sparkle in the night sky. You can also take a guided tour to learn about the history of the tower and the surrounding area. It’s also one of the best places for memorable pictures during your honeymoon.
From a private Seine River boat cruise
Embarking on a private boat cruise along the Seine River offers an unparalleled perspective of Paris, culminating in a mesmerizing experience as the night unfolds. Not only will you see the Eiffel Tower sparkle but you will also pass by most of Paris iconic monuments such as the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and Orsay Museum. The ambiance exudes romance, painting a picture of timeless beauty that captures the essence of Paris—a city pulsating with history, culture, and an undeniably captivating allure. It definitely makes the City of Love one of the best places to honeymoon in France.
In conclusion, there are several great spots to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night. We’d be glad to include a city tour of Paris showing them to you as part of your tailor-made trip to Paris. This could also be combined with a photoshoot so that you can make lifelong memories with pictures of you and your relatives with the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop.
