Visit Paris by night

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. The city is known for its famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Louvre, as well as its architecture, gastronomy and lively lifestyle. However, there’s another side to Paris that’s worth exploring: the city at night.

It’s quite magical and unusual to take advantage of the last rays of the sun, the famous golden hour, to enjoy a different light and colour.

At night, Paris is transformed into the City of Light, with elegant illuminations and illuminated buildings offering a breathtaking visual spectacle. The streets are quieter and the subdued lights add a romantic touch to the city.

Take a cruise on the Seine by night

One of the most magical places for a night-time stroll is the Seine, where the twinkling lights on the water form a breathtaking backdrop. You can take a cruise on the Seine to admire the city’s illuminated monuments from a different angle.

The romantic setting of the Seine cruise, with the dimmed lights and illuminated monuments in the background, makes it a popular choice for couples for a romantic evening. Night cruises are also an option for families and outings with friends to discover the city.

Enjoy museums open at night

Visiting museums by night in Paris offers a unique and memorable experience for art and culture lovers. Most museums in Paris stay open late into the evening, offering visitors the chance to explore the collections in a quieter, more intimate setting than during traditional opening hours.

One of the most popular museums for an evening visit is the Musée du Louvre, which offers night-time visits on Friday evenings so you can enjoy the Mona Lisa until early evening. The Musée d’Orsay, dedicated to 19th-century French art, is also a popular destination for art lovers, with collections including works by Monet, Degas and Manet. It has a Thursday night opening and a late closing.

The Musée de l’Orangerie, in the Tuileries gardens, is famous for its collections of Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist paintings, including Claude Monet’s famous water lily series. You can enjoy some of the collections at night-time events.

Night-time events in Paris

Along the Champs-Elysées, the illumination of luxury shops gives the city a glamorous air, while cafés and restaurants remain lively late into the night. For a more relaxed night-time experience, the Marais is a lively district with a selection of bars and clubs to suit all tastes.

Last but not least, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see when visiting Paris by night. The monument is lit up by a host of colourful fireworks, and the views of the city below are breathtaking.