While it may seem otherwise, the Eiffel Tower's illumination consumes very little energy. Eiffel Tower Light Show : History and practical information, Paris City Vision is a brand Paris Experience Group, facts about the Eiffel Tower illuminations. Does the Eiffel Tower beacon rotate a full 360? In 1957, when the broadcasting mast was installed, the beacon was removed and replaced only in 1999. Can you experience the sparkling lights when you're inside the Eiffel Tower? The beacon comprises four motorized spotlights that create two beams with a range of 80 km (50 miles). The bus drops you at the foot of Eiffel Tower for the last leg of the tour an elevator ride up to 2nd or 3rd floor. However, in recent years, security concerns have led to firework events becoming much less common than before. From 14 June to 31 August (the peak season), Eiffel Tower opens at 9 am and closes at 0.45 am the next day. Cancel up to three days in advance to receive a full refund. The best way to discover the history of the Iron Lady and the different fun facts about the Eiffel Toweris to visit it! Thats why Socit dExploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), which manages the Eiffel Tower, still maintains that the various illuminations of the Eiffel Tower are protected, and henceprior authorizationmust be taken. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, it is equally necessary for the security of the late-night operation of the Tower. Their improved output of light preserves all the beauty of the overall appearance. The last entry to go up to the first and second floors of the Tower is at midnight. For example, during Christmas 1978 the Tower was transformed into a huge, luminous Christmas tree. During the 1925 World Fair, the brand name Citroen was lit up on three sides of the facade using 250,000 multicolored lamps. However, it would be best to visit around sundown so that once you are done you can climb down and enjoy the sight of the Eiffel Tower illuminated. In 2007, the Tower lights were turned off to honor A Five-Minute Break for the Planet, and later, in 2014, the Tower was lit up entirely in pink to show Pariss support for the fight against breast cancer. Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is an experience completely different from visiting the structure during the day. The Eiffel Tower lights and sparkles dont have a specific starting time they get triggered automatically by nightfall sensors. Montparnasse Towers 56th-floor Observatory offers you a panoramic view of Paris and its monuments, including the Eiffel Tower. In 2020, the 28 projectors that illuminate the steps along the four pillars were replaced. With the ability to reach 80 km on a clear evening, this was considered the most powerful beacon in the world. The structural lighting system of the tower consists of 336 projectors that have been fitted with high-pressure, yellow-orange sodium lamps. In 2004, the Tower reduced the electrical consumption of its spotlights by 40%. The Tower was installed with lights right from its inauguration in 1889. If you fancy a dinner, step into le Ciel de Paris, the Observatorys highly recommended restaurant. Even before electricity, the Iron lady was lit up by gas. Above this, stood the lantern, topped by a dome. Additionally, there were two mobile spotlights that could be moved around Eiffel's office located on the upper level of the third floor, erected on rails. Learn how your comment data is processed. At 1 AM, the tower sparkles for the last time that night, and this time, the golden lighting and the beacon are switched off. Watch this video to see how the sparkling happens on top of the Golden lights . As for the lit-up counter, the year 2000 could be seen across the city. The sparkling lights are superimposed over the golden lighting, they bring the monument to life for 5 minutes every hour on the hour once the Tower has been lit up until 1 am. Unlike the other shows when the sparkling lights are superimposed on the yellow structural lights of the tower, at 1 AM, the yellow lights and the beacon are shut off and you get to witness the white lights twinkling against the dark silhouette of the tower. Since their rotation sweep is 90, they are synchronized to form a double beam in a cross that pivots around 360. The light show takes place every evening from sundown until 1AM. Head to the Trocadero, take a cruise on the Seine, climb the Montparnasse Tower. A lighthouse that intermittently altered its intensity projected the colors of the French flag. On 1 January 2000, 20,000 sparkling lights were placed on the Towers structure. Why an Eiffel Tower kiss turned into a manhunt on Twitter2. For example, from checking out pretty flowers during the spring to indulging in a picnic near the base of the metallic structure on the world-famous Champ de Mars, theres something for everyone to enjoy! Make sure you get to your viewing location early enough to get a good spot. Or that photography of the Eiffel tower at night is illegal. The beacon at the top of the Eiffel Tower also comes to life at dusk. While originally the lights sparkled for 10 minutes, this was reduced to five minutes every hour to save electricity. Installing the lights is about as impressive as the lighting itself : Originally a temporary installation to ring in the new millennium, the Eiffel Towers lighting unit became a permanent fixture in 2003. Andre Granet, one of Eiffel's grand son-in-law, was inspired during the 1937 Worlds Fair, to light up the towers internal structure, under the first floor and between the four pillars. Today, the sparkling lights consume approximately 8800kWh/year, which represents 0.4% of the monuments annual energy consumption. Until 2004, the tower used 1kW lamps, which were replaced by projectors with an electrical power of 600 watts. Four motorized projectors that would work in perfect synchronization were installed on each side of the monument. Once upon a time, firework displays against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower would have been used to celebrate events, such as Bastille Day. Why is there a beacon at the top of the Eiffel Tower? The Towers metallic structure is continuously embellished by shimmering lights, fireworks, spot projectors- countless beams of light that render it sublime at night. Each projector covers a quarter of the horizon and then returns to its original position, in perfect unison giving the illusion of a rotating beacon. It all begins with the Eiffel Tower's golden light switching on within 10 minutes of it getting dark, automatically, thanks to its light-sensitive twilight sensors. Trocadro Gardens is right opposite Eiffel Tower, on the other bank of river Seine and thus is a perfect spot to see the massive monument all lit up. At the time, electricity was still a thing of the future and gas was the only option. The Eiffel Tower beacon has a range of 50 miles (80 kilometers). Q. How does the Eiffel Tower lights turn on? Eiffel Tower ticket offices close 90 minutes before the Tower closes for the day. On 31 December 1999 at the approach of midnight, the entire world will discover the beacon and the Tower's sparking lights. They continued to light up the tower until 1936, with a clock erected in the E of Citron in 1933. Since that time and every four years, a team of SETE technicians has replaced the 336 projector bulbs that wrap the Eiffel Tower in golden light every evening. It helps in safely operating the tourist attraction at night (it is open till beyond midnight), The lights and light show end up being yet another reason for tourists to visit at night. This post may contain affiliate links. Dinner Cruises happen on the Restaurant boats, which have a glass-enclosed dining area so that you can enjoy the Parisian views from a protected environment. These lamps ate changed every 4 years. However, the sight you want to catch is that of the Eiffel Tower sparkling. Contrary to popular beliefs, the Towers nightly illumination, its golden glow, only represents about 4% of the monuments annual energy expenses. The first projectors were installed on the Iron Lady on 31 December 1985, and they were an instant success. Every year, a team of SETE technicians and rope-access specialists change 300 to 400 lamps. Today, around seven million people visit the Eiffel Tower on an annual basis. The illuminations on Eiffel Tower solve two purposes . Yes, you can visit the Tower at night as it open until midnight. One of the most awaited events was the light show for the year 2000, a worldwide success: even in 1997, a neon counter was installed to countdown the days (D-1000) before the turn of the second millennia. The Eiffel Tower lights were installed in 1985 by Pierre Bideau, and he still owns the copyright on the lights and the sparkling. If you visit the Basilica in the evening, you can stay on to see breathtaking views of both the Eiffel Tower and the Parisian capital city. Throughout the course of its existence, the Eiffel Tower has been host to lighting effects of a festive nature. When does the Eiffel Tower lights turn on? The show takes place every evening. Each side of the Eiffel Tower has five thousand bulbs on it to create the sparkle effect, meaning that the tower has 20,000 in total. It was installed as soon the tower was constructed in 1889. Throughout the monuments history, the Iron Lady has been dressed up in lights that have become increasingly original, elaborate, and improved. A. By 1947, the spotlights had become better many times over and were being used for air navigation. And thousands of tourists continue to break this rule every day. A. Go to the lower level of the second floor right before the hour strikes so you can enjoy a view of the sparkling lights covering the entire structure. The Eiffel Tower light show takes place on the hour, every hour from sundown till 1 AM, with the lights sparkling for a full 5 minutes. In fact, anyone can take photos and share them. If you cant take the stairs, dont worry, Eiffel Tower elevators are also as much fun. You can admire the golden Eiffel Tower light show during which ittwinkles for 5 minutes every hour. A. There is no separate Eiffel Tower ticket for night visits you can choose a suitable evening slot. Once triggered, the Golden lights stay on till 1 am. The best place to photograph the illuminations is from the fountains at the Trocadero, just on the other side of the river Seine from the Eiffel Tower. Each of these lamps light up randomly, to create the sparkling effect, one that was inspired by how camera flashes appear. Every evening, the Eiffel Tower is adorned with its golden covering and sparkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour, while its beacon shines over Paris. the raised esplanade which gives expansive views onto the Tour Eiffel and the Champ de Mars, heres a guide on how to enjoy the Eiffel Tower sparkle. A stretch limousine picks you up from your hotel at the time of your choice. The sparkling lights are superimposed over the golden lights for 5 minutes at the beginning of each hour, till 1 am. Around 330+ yellow-orange, powerful spotlights are integrated into the iron structure, outlining the Eiffel Towers frame. best view in Paris is not from the top of the Eiffel Tower. They are operated by automatically piloted computer programs. As mentioned, in its lifetime, the Eiffel Tower has been used to project many things, and was even a giant billboard for Citron in the 1920s. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Is taking Eiffel Tower photos at night illegal? In its current iteration; the Towers show has been created from placing orange yellow sodium lamps onto 336 large projectors. From May 15-17 in 2019, a twelve minute show was projected onto the Tower to celebrate the towers 130th Birthday. Be it day or night, the City of Lights looks stunning from above Eiffel Tower. A. It truly is a sight to behold, making a night in Paris even more magical. However, by 1947, the beacon came to be used for air navigation. Champ-de-Mars is perhaps the best place to appreciate stunning views of the Eiffel Tower at night. In 1958, these lights were replaced by 1,290 small lights positioned all around the Tower. However, no tourist who has taken pictures for personal use or sharing on social media has been convicted till now. In 2004, the power of the spotlights was reduced from 10001 to 600W. Ten thousand gaslights inside opalescent glass globes were installed to light up the tower. The last operation took place in spring 2019. Q. Though I must maintain that thebest view in Paris is not from the top of the Eiffel Tower(due to its position not in the centre of the city), many still make it their Paris mission to ascend the iron landmark and admire the birds eye perspective from the top. At midnight on January 1, 2000, the Eiffel Tower shined and shimmered, unveiling a fiery waltz of pyrotechnic tricks. Trocadero is free and always open. They have relied on external installations and spotlights from the Pont dIena for this. In 2020, the 28 projectors that illuminate the steps in the outstretched portions of the four pillars will be replaced to reduce the installed power by 80%. The Cruise ticket is flexible, and you decide when you want to see Eiffel Tower with all its lights on. If you want to combine visiting the tower along with seeing the light show, visit around sun-down. Eiffel Tower ticket doesnt guarantee entry into the Jules Verne restaurant, and you mustbook a tablein advance. You'll be able to see the well known iron lady lit up every day from sunset to 1AM. The lights illuminate the nearby areas and helps with the security of the late-night operation of the Tower. Thats why we have given below links to three popular platforms selling Eiffel Tower tickets. At midnight on May 8, 2006, the 20th edition of the Europe Festival once again provided the opportunity for the Eiffel Tower to be entirely lit up in blue. From the ground to the second floor, the Iron Lady was lit up in green lights to represent the stadium grass while a lit rugby goalpost was placed on the Tower along with a horizontal bar measuring 85 meters long, an enormous, 13-meter wide ball suspended from the 2nd floor and, last but not least, a huge, 120-meter wide flat screen to follow the match. A. Lets share some background before we answer if taking photos of the Eiffel Tower at night is illegal or not. As spectacular as these light shows are, in the event of a tragic incident, the Eiffel Tower turns of all its lights as a form of morning, which is as powerful and poignant as seeing the lights dance off the tower. Once on land, a bus takes you past some of the most famous sights and down handsome boulevards. Seen funny photos of the Eiffel Tower Finger Guy, yet? Tour price:There are various combinations, the cheapest of which is 255 Euros per person, and the costliest is 310 Euros per person. As the limousine winds through the streets of Paris, you take in the sights and also relax with some champagne. Last Updated on 1st February 2022 by Sophie Nadeau. To remedy the situation, Gustave Eiffel had the ingenious idea of crediting it with a scientific purpose the Tower was saved! In a bid to conserve more energy, the City of Paris actually installed low-energy using bulb in recent years to reduce the carbon-footprint used by the light show. In 1933, a 15-meter wide clock tower with different colored minute and second hands that lit up was installed. Every evening, after dusk, the tower in its golden hue is covered by sparkling lights for 5 minutes at the start of each hour. Paris is also known as the City of Lights, and not without reason. Q. The lantern was placed on a platform supported by four semi-circular metal arches that were joined together at the top. During your night visit, enjoy the illuminated Eiffel Tower from far, have dinner and get back. Some tourists go up the Tower just before twilight, experience the sunset, see the lights coming up and then get down. Why an Eiffel Tower kiss turned into a manhunt on Twitter. For the 1937 Arts and Techniques Exhibition, the Tower was decorated by Andr Granet with an enormous chandelier and 10 kilometers worth of multicolored fluorescent tubes. The beacon is made of 4 marine-type projectors, each on one side of the tower. From the 2nd floor, you get to enjoy both the City of Lights and the upper and lower parts of the Eiffel Tower for as long as you want. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They also act as a source of light for nearby surrounding areas light. The best time to see the Eiffel Tower lights is at 1 AM, without a doubt. While they were taken down in 2001, they were back up a year later. In December 2019, the four 2000W projectors that had illuminated the antenna since 1985 were replaced by LED versions that are 10 times less powerful and consume 10 times less energy. The Eiffel Tower lights turn on automatically with the help of nightfall sensors. A. If there are any important events taking place during your visit to Paris, try to see the Eiffel Tower show around then, because the Tower celebrates it with a unique show. Here are some of the prominent special light shows that have been conducted icer the years. The Towers nightly golden glow only accounts for 4% of the monuments annual energy expenses. Designed by lighting engineer Pierre Bideau, this system utilizes 336 sodium-vapor lights that were installed inside the structure, allowing the tower itself to become a source of light. Couples are known to enjoy this spot. Known by many as the Eiffel Tower light show, the Dame de Fer glitters every night at various points, apart from under the most exceptional of circumstances. So technically, it is illegal to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower after the lights come on. They consume approximately 8800kWh/year, which is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of a 30m studio apartment with 2 occupants. This enthusiast and true genius was able to go beyond his own limits to bequeath to us monuments such as the dome on the Nice Observatory, the metallic structure of the Statue of Liberty, not to mention the Bordeaux railway brid A vision, an object, a symbol, the Tower is anything that Man wants it to be, and this is infinite. On the hour, every hour, the tower glitters with hundreds of thousands of lights for a full five minute. As the summit underwent renovations so did the beacon. A. It is not illegal to photograph the Tower at night for personal purposes. The last item for the evening is a Moulin Rouge show with a flute of champagne. This show lasts for a full ten minutes! The last sparkling light show happens at 1 am, without the Golden lights in the background. This beacon resonates the image of Gustave Eiffel's Tower itself as a universal and symbolic landmark. This tour has two parts you go up the Eiffel Tower during the day and then board an Illuminations Cruise at night. The lamps are cooled to prevent overheating and a heating system is activated when the temperatures drop below zero Centigrade whilst the lights are off. During the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the light fixtures became entirely electric and were composed of 5,000 light bulbs placed at regular intervals on all the Towers facades. You could access it using a spiral staircase, followed by a ladder, which was housed in a cylindrical glass cage. In this section, we share all the practical information you need for a night visit. This famous bridge is a popular spot for photographers trying to snap pictures of the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop of the River Seine. Every day after dark, Eiffel Tower wears its golden gown of lights and enthralls thousands who land up from far and wide. This website is not the official website of the Eiffel Tower. A beacon was installed at the top on a platform supported by four metal arches that joined at the top. Professionals need to request prior authorization from Socit dExploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE) and may be subject to a fee. Recommended Reading:1. All these modernizations to the Towers lighting unit help to improve its energy performance, and its consumption has dropped by an average of 9% per year since 2016. Quai Branly Museum also offers excellent views of the Eiffel Tower, but since it closes by 7 pm, it is not a good option for night views. Most tourists would have heard that there is an Eiffel Tower night law. Is it illegal to photograph the Tower at night? In 2017, the beacon was 6,000W xenon lamps. If the skies are clear, the rays from the beacon can reach as far as 80 km. Climbing the stairs when the iron structure is lit up from the inside is a unique experience. However, at 1 AM, the structural lights and the beacon goes off and the sparkling light goes on for 10 whole minutes. Unlike the shows put up the rest of the day, at 1 AM, the yellow lights and the beacon are shut off and the white lights take on the centerstage for a full 10 minutes. You could also go up to the summit, where you can enjoy a flute of champagne from the Champagne Bar as you look over the city of Paris decked with city light.