There is an entirely different look and feel to Paris at night. While I have shared where to get some great views of Paris from different vantage points (Getting Different Views), these were for daytime shots. I’m sure they’re fine at night too, however, I HIGHLY recommend you visit these 7 locations in Paris at night to not only enjoy the city of light when it is quieter (fewer crowds) but also to get some interesting shots.
1. On Top Of Printemps Department Store
I LOVE the pictures I got from the top of Printemps, which is one of the big department stores on Boulevard Haussmann. It’s down the street from Galeries Lafayette. I much prefer the view from Printemps than from Galeries Lafayette as there are more interesting things to see. Access to the top is free and the views are great. Go to the top floor where there is a restaurant. There is a fairly large terrace where you can take pictures.
2. Tour Montparnasse: A Panoramic View Of Paris
While you can certainly visit Montparnasse Tower during the day, my recommendation would be to arrive there just before dusk as the light is perfect. As the darkness arrives, the light show begins with the Eiffel Tower slowly lighting up.
The Montparnasse observation platform provides 360-degree views of Paris, so you can see everything. And, everyone also enjoys having pictures taken by the colourful Paris sign.
Keep in mind that when it gets late, it also gets quite windy and cold, so bring a jacket.
3. On Top Of The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle (also known as Place de L’Etoile) and the meeting point of 12 avenues. There is a charge to go to the top, but when you go at night it is far less crowded and you can get wonderful views of all avenues
4. Dinner Cruise On The Seine River
When you take a dinner cruise on the Seine river, most of the cruising takes place at dusk while you dine. It is when you dock by the Eiffel Tower where you’ll get the best photos, especially on July 14, La Fête Nationale, aka Bastille Day. On that particular cruise, you are rewarded with a fireworks show by the Eiffel Tower that you’ll never forget. THIS is your opportunity to take some truly beautiful photos.
5. Along The Seine
When you walk along the Seine you will see so many famous places including the Cathedral Notre Dame, the Conciergerie and of course the iconic bridges.
6. At the Louvre Pyramid
Seeing the inside of the Louvre Museum is interesting in itself at night and definitely worth a visit, but seeing the pyramid by I.M. Pei in the main courtyard is especially nice at night. The Louvre building and the 3 pyramids surrounding the larger pyramid are well lit.
7. At Palais Royal
Palais Royal was originally the Palais-Cardinal and the residence of Cardinal Richelieu in the 1600s. It is located across from the Louvre Museum in the 1st arrondissement and in the larger courtyard (Cour d’Honneur) is art by Daniel Buren called “Les Deux Plateaux”.
Do you have any favourite places to take pictures of Paris at night?
29 Comments
Bola
January 22, 2017 at 11:59 amLove the photos. During my last visit to Paris, I remember exploring the city by night and particularly enjoyed walking along the Champs Elysee. It was a memorable experience.
Jan
January 22, 2017 at 12:34 pmThank you!
alison abbott
January 23, 2017 at 8:54 amThere’s a reason they call it “The City of Lights” aside from the whole enlightenment of the 18th century of course! Gorgeous photos you’ve captured. It must be memorable to see Paris all dressed up like that.
Jan
January 23, 2017 at 3:09 pmThank you. I am so thrilled about the Printemps rooftop photo. Love the colours.
Donna Janke
January 23, 2017 at 10:20 amGreat photos. I particularly like the view of the Seine at night.
Jan
January 23, 2017 at 3:09 pmNothing quite like walking along the Seine…day or night!
Irene S. Levine
January 23, 2017 at 12:13 pmParis is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, day or night! Love these night photos. We really enjoyed the night tour we took of Paris. It was a great opportunity for a visitor who doesn’t have as much time to explore as you do to get an overview!
Jan
January 23, 2017 at 3:10 pmAnd every time I go it’s like the first time. I love it there so much!
Carole Terwilliger Meyers
January 23, 2017 at 6:40 pmEnjoyed your escorted nighttime tour of Paris. Lovely!
Jan
January 23, 2017 at 8:17 pmThank you. Nothing like Paris at night!
Peta Kaplan
January 23, 2017 at 10:02 pmParis at night is spectacular and your photos certainly do it justice. Love the shots of the Seine. Your photos bring back so many amazing memories for me!
Thanks!
Peta
Jan
January 24, 2017 at 8:45 amYou’re welcome. Everyone seems to just love the Seine at night (including me!)
noel
January 23, 2017 at 11:44 pmExcellent, you covered some wonderful places around the city, I love the first shot above Printemps and what an excellent view, I’ll have to visit there for sunset to evening in the future.
Jan
January 24, 2017 at 8:46 amMe too. That’s probably my favourite shot of all time (except maybe for my shot of Gordes in Provence)
Jenny Freedman
January 24, 2017 at 4:59 pmI love wandering around Paris at night. My favourite place to take photos is the Pyramid at the Louvre. I haven’t been to Printemps at night so that will be first on my list for the next trip. Thanks for the suggestions.
Jan
January 25, 2017 at 10:59 amYou’ll really like it on top of Printemps.
Jane canapini
January 25, 2017 at 5:08 pmFantastic insider tips for photo buffs heading to Paris, Janice! Will log this for a future trip!
Jan
January 25, 2017 at 5:41 pmI hope it helps. I’m sure you’ll discover even more “night time” places to get great photos.
Beata
January 26, 2017 at 10:01 amThat looks as amazing place to visit !
Sue Reddel
January 26, 2017 at 10:40 pmJan you truly captured the City of Light! Outstanding photos – there’s a few spots I’ve only seen during the day. Now I definitely need a trip back to explore more at night.
Jan
January 27, 2017 at 9:31 amThank you. I think I might love night time more than day time!
Rachel Heller
January 28, 2017 at 8:02 amI know it’s cliche, but I enjoyed seeing the Eiffel Tower from a distance at night. It was near Christmas, I think, or maybe July 14th; I’m not sure because it was years ago. But they had it all done in blinky lights. Fun!
Jan
January 28, 2017 at 8:04 amI never get sick of seeing the Eiffel Tower at night, close up or far away. It doesn’t matter. I love it!
Doreen Pendgracs
January 28, 2017 at 9:18 amWonderful night shots of Paris, Jan. Thx so much for sharing. The City of Lights for sure!
Jan
January 28, 2017 at 11:04 amThank you!
Nathalie
January 28, 2017 at 2:49 pmThank you for bringing back wonderful memories of Paris by night, it’s such a beautiful city day or night but night time seems to bring out the magic.
Jan
January 29, 2017 at 9:21 amDefinitely like no other!
Fany
August 9, 2022 at 6:46 pmHi Jan, your tips and advice are great. I’ve been reading lots of blogs but definitely, yours is the best and the most complete. I’ll be in Paris in November for two weeks. It’ll be my first time in France and also my first solo trip. Before visiting Paris, I’m going to spend four weeks in Lyon taking French classes to improve it. In Paris, I’m staying in the 8th Arrondissement and I’d like to know if it will be okay to go out alone at night and take the underground or bus. I don’t intend to go back home after 20:00 anyway…..Thank you very much!!
Jan
August 9, 2022 at 6:53 pmThank you so much for your kind comment. It means a lot.
4 weeks in Lyon taking French sounds great. I’m very impressed!
I do go out at night all the time when I am in Paris and do take the Metro; however, as I travel alone often, I am very careful to never have my smartphone out when I am on the Metro. Too easy for someone to grab it and run. As long as you are on major streets you should have no problem…especially if you’ll be back by 20:00. Have a look at my post about travelling alone in France. I compiled a list of all the things I do to keep safe. Enjoy your trip and have a wonderful time!