Paris doesn’t go to sleep when the sun sets – it sparkles. If you’re wondering what to do after dinner or where to go for those iconic “City of Light” photos, you’re in for a treat. From shimmering monuments to glowing fountains, Paris landmarks at night are a dream for night owls and photographers alike.

Moulin Rouge neon lights, Paris — Brightly lit façade of the Moulin Rouge with colourful neon signage.
Moulin Rouge
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I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who’s wandered through Paris by day and by night more times than I can count. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that Paris truly comes alive after dark.

Here are the most beautiful places to see in Paris after sunset – so grab your camera and take a twinkly night-time tour of the French capital.

Eiffel Tower ✨

The Eiffel Tower doesn’t just light up – it sparkles. Every hour on the hour after sunset, it puts on a five-minute glittering light show that never gets old.

Eiffel Tower light show, Paris — The Eiffel Tower sparkling with golden lights during its evening illumination.

Head to the Trocadéro for the classic wide-angle view, or the Champ de Mars if you want to picnic while you wait.

📸 Photo Tip: The sparkle show runs until 11:45pm (1am in summer) – catch it at least once!

Arc de Triomphe 🌟

Perched proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe glows golden after dark.

Arc de Triomphe illuminated at night in Paris, glowing golden against a deep blue evening sky.
Arc de Triomphe

It’s open late too, so you can climb to the top for nighttime views of the Eiffel Tower and city lights.

📸 Photo Tip: The centre of Place Charles de Gaulle is best for photos – use the underground crossing to get there safely.

Place de la Concorde 💡

Elegant and grand, this massive square is dotted with fountains, statues, and the famous Luxor Obelisk – all dramatically lit at night.

Obelisk at Place de la Concorde, Paris — The Luxor Obelisk lit by lampposts in the early evening.
Place de la Concorde fountain, Paris — Illuminated fountain with water cascading under the twilight sky.
Place de la Concorde

It’s also a great spot for capturing wide-angle shots of the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées.

📸 Photo Tip: Walk from Concorde to the Louvre via Rue de Rivoli – beautifully atmospheric after dark.

Louvre Pyramid 🔺

The glass pyramid of the Louvre is striking during the day, but at night? It’s something else.

Louvre Pyramid at night, Paris — Glass pyramid illuminated against the dark sky in the Louvre courtyard.
Louvre Pyramid

Lit from within and framed by the historic palace buildings, it’s one of the best places in Paris for night photography.

📸 Photo Tip: Go late in the evening when the crowds are gone. The reflections in the surrounding pools are magical.

👉 Want to see the Louvre during the day? Read my guide to the Best Things to See in The Louvre to get the full lowdown before your visit.

Moulin Rouge 💃

The red windmill of the Moulin Rouge blazes with neon at night – a complete contrast to the city’s romantic vibe. It’s kitschy, fun, and totally iconic.

Moulin Rouge, Paris — Iconic red windmill of the Moulin Rouge cabaret glowing at night in Montmartre.
Moulin Rouge, Montmartre

The Moulin Rouge is in Montmartre, one of the coolest districts in Paris. Even if you don’t catch a show, it’s worth seeing it lit up.

📸 Photo Tip: Cross the street to get the best angle – and watch out for traffic!

Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité 🔥

Even during its restoration, Notre-Dame glows softly at night, surrounded by warm streetlights and the gentle shimmer of the Seine.

Notre-Dame Cathedral at night, Paris — The illuminated façade of Notre-Dame standing out against the deep blue sky.
Notre-Dame

The neighbouring bridges and cobbled streets make for one of the most atmospheric nighttime strolls in Paris.

📸 Photo Tip: The view from the back of the cathedral, along the Seine, is especially photogenic.

Pont Alexandre III 🌉

One of Paris’s most ornate bridges, Pont Alexandre III, is lined with golden statues and Art Nouveau lamps. It’s stunning at night and gives you a straight view of the Eiffel Tower.

Pont Alexandre III bridge, Paris — Ornate bridge glittering with streetlights reflected in the River Seine at night.
Pont Alexandre III

📸 Photo Tip: For a cinematic walk, start at Les Invalides and cross toward the Grand Palais.

Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre Viewpoint 🌌

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica (in the district of Montmartre) is open late in summer and looks beautiful lit up.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica at night, Paris — Golden-lit domes of the basilica shining over the Montmartre skyline.
Sacré-Cœur

The steps in front offer sweeping views of Paris at night. It’s the perfect place to soak it all in (ideally with a crepe).

📸 Photo Tip: Montmartre gets quieter at night, but can feel a little isolated – go early evening or with a friend.

Final Thoughts on Paris Landmarks at Night ✨

Seeing Paris landmarks at night is one of the best ways to experience the city’s magic. Whether you’re into iconic views, romantic riverside walks, or just want that perfect Eiffel Tower shot, the City of Light truly lives up to its name.

Bring a camera, wear comfy shoes, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost – Paris really does shine brightest after dark.

Eiffel Tower at night, Paris — Woman standing in front of the illuminated Eiffel Tower glowing golden against the night sky.
Eiffel Tower light show (and me!)

Related Reading 📚

🗼The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Paris (And Why You’ll Love Them).
🗼10 Things to Do in Paris: Croissants, Culture & Cafés.
🏺 10 Louvre Highlights: What to See (and What I’ve Seen So Far).
🌙 What to Eat in Paris: 13 Iconic French Foods & Experiences.
🎨 Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris: Art, Amour & Cobblestone Charm.

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Want to remember the best Paris landmarks at night? Save one of my photos to your Pinterest travel board so you can easily find it when planning your own evening adventure.

Pinterest pin for What to See at Night in Paris - Collage featuring the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, Louvre Pyramid, and Notre-Dame Cathedral illuminated at night, with text reading “What to See at Night in Paris – Paris Landmarks at Night.”
Pinterest pin for Paris by Night - The Eiffel Tower glowing golden against the night sky with text overlay reading “Paris by Night – What to See After Dark.”

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