Paris Lights: A Night Walk from Trocadéro to Pont Neuf, a Self-Guided Paris Walk
2h. 2.4 miles. From Jardins du Trocadéro to Pont Neuf.
Paris earns its nickname after dark. This walk strings together the Eiffel Tower sparkle, the gilded lamps of Pont Alexandre III, the fountains of Concorde and the glowing Louvre pyramid, ending on the oldest bridge in the city with the Seine running black and gold beneath you.
The local move
Time your start ten minutes before the hour. The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour, every hour until 11pm, and Trocadero is where you want to be standing when it happens.
Best time to go
Start 30 to 45 minutes after sunset. Summer, around 10pm. Winter, from 6pm.
When to avoid it
Heavy rain kills it. A little cold does not, dress warm and keep moving.
The stops
Jardins du Trocadéro
The terrace above the fountains is the postcard view of the Eiffel Tower, and at night the tower fills the whole sky in gold.
Tip: Stand on the upper esplanade, not down by the fountains, for the sparkle on the hour. Then walk down through the gardens toward the river.
Tour Eiffel
Twenty thousand bulbs, five minutes of sparkle every hour on the hour. From underneath, the iron lacework lit from inside is a different monument than the one you saw by day.
Tip: Walk directly under the tower, it is open passage and free, and look straight up during the sparkle.
Pont Alexandre III
The most extravagant bridge in Paris, gilded Fames, cherubs and Art Nouveau lamps glowing over the Seine, with Les Invalides gold dome floodlit behind.
Tip: The lamps on the bridge itself are original 1900. Stop mid-bridge, look both ways along the river, this is the shot.
Place De La Concorde
The obelisk, the fountains and the long view up the Champs-Elysees to the lit Arc de Triomphe. At night the square finally feels as grand as it is.
Tip: Stand between the two fountains facing the Champs-Elysees. The axis view, Concorde to Arc de Triomphe, is the longest lit perspective in Paris.
Pyramide du Louvre
Pei's glass pyramid glows from within after dark, floating in the Cour Napoleon between the floodlit palace wings. Many find it more beautiful at night than by day.
Tip: Enter the courtyard from the Tuileries side, the pyramid reveals itself gradually between the pavilions.
Pont Neuf
The oldest bridge in Paris, 1607, its stone faces lit softly over the black river. It crosses the tip of the Ile de la Cite where the city was born.
Tip: Take the steps down to the Square du Vert-Galant at the island's tip, the quietest riverside spot in central Paris, then back up for a last look at the lit city.
Ways to change it up
Short on time
Trocadero to Pont Alexandre III only, one hour, still gets the sparkle and the most beautiful bridge.
Want more
From Pont Neuf, cross to the Left Bank and walk the quays to Notre-Dame, 20 more minutes of riverside night.
About these walks
This is one of the free self-guided Paris walks written by the Chic Trip team, locals who plan and book full Paris trips for American travelers. Get our free insider Paris guide at chic-trip.com/free-paris-guide, or have us plan your whole trip at chic-trip.com/paris-travel-planner.
