Paris takes pride in being known as “The City of Light” for its world-famous attractions, and for being the birthplace of education and ideas during the Enlightenment period. It was also one of the earliest cities to implement street lighting, so its nickname is quite literal. Being recognized for such an attribute, tourists, trip planners, and guests are highly encouraged to admire the sites not just during the daytime, but also while bathing in the beautiful night glow. The same attractions can have a much different appearance and display radiance when seen in the later hours. 

Here’s a look at some of the top attractions for creatures of the night. 

SPEND A NIGHT AT THE EIFFEL TOWER

Spend a night taking a twilight ride up the Eiffel Tower as it crowns the night sky and experience the Trocadero scene. This is a perfect opportunity to see an elevated view of the entire City of Light. Trocadero is a plaza across the Eiffel Tower with exceptional restaurants—perhaps you’ll spot a good one from up above. For those, the Jules Verne restaurant in the tower itself is a perfect end to a day in Paris. For the Elfel Tower, there was even an app developed by the service app entwickeln lassen, with which you can change the color of the illumination. 

AN EVENING SEINE RIVER CRUISE

Pick a nice dry evening for the Seine River glass boat cruise. This voyage will pass under the famous bridges of Paris. You will also be able to see Concorde, Vendome Squares, Opera and the Champs-Elysees all lit up in their Parisian glory. Not only does this cruise show you the illumination, but it also takes you close up and underneath the renowned architecture of bridges and buildings.

TAKE THE MOONLIT MONTMARE WALK FEATURING THE SACRE-COEUR BASILICA

For those interested in art or history, the Montmartre Walk is for you. Travel the cobblestone streets to the Sacre-Coeur basilica, which sits on the peak of Montmartre. If you want an elevated view of Paris, even more so than what the Eiffel Tower can offer, you needn’t look any further. And for those who need a different method of travel, there’s always the option of taking a tram.

NOTRE DAME AT NIGHT

A disastrous fire in 2019 left Notre Dame badly damaged, and the church isn’t expected to open fully until 2024. That said, there is still a lot of beauty to behold from the outside, even as reparations are under way. When lit, one can clearly see the beautifully stained glass and unique architecture that makes for one of the largest cathedral buildings in the world.

CHAMPS-ELYSEES BY TWILIGHT

The Champs-Elysees is a lovely place for dinner, movies, and shopping while enjoying the illumination. The 20-km long and 70-m wide boulevard is often referenced as “The Most Beautiful Avenue in the World,” having inspired similar ones in several other European capitals. 

This location also has one of the most expensive restaurants, Alain Ducasse, at the Plaza Athenée. This flashy dining room breams with 10,000 crystals, all sparkling while you feast on some of Christophe Saintagne’s culinary magic. 

A NIGHT AT THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE

The Arc de Triomphe symbolizes the victories of Napoleon I’s Grande Armée. The tomb on what is called the “Unknown Soldier” is lit every evening.

AN EVENING EXPERIENCE AT THE LOUVRE

Finally, the view of the Louvre Museum is simply breathtaking at night while it is litfrom top to bottom. The museum has night openings till 9:45 pm. Crown jewels, Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s Slaves and a lot more historic displays can be viewed under the mysterious night light in quieter more relaxing corridors. The Louvre also has night tours available.

Looking for a fabulous place in the City of Lights? Get in touch with one of our Villa Consultants and book today.