Paris, the city of love, light and romance, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, especially at night. The French capital has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 3rd century BC, when a Celtic tribe called “Parisii” settled on the banks of the Seine River. Over the centuries, Paris has become a global center for art, culture and fashion, attracting millions of visitors every year.
One of the best ways to experience Paris is to walk through the city at night. The beautiful lights and romantic atmosphere create a unique and unforgettable experience. To fully appreciate the beauty of Paris at night, you must first explore the city’s historic sites.
The Best Historical Landmarks to See in Paris at Night
Start with a visit to Île de la Cité, the heart of Paris, where you’ll find the beautiful Sainte Chapelle. This splendid Gothic chapel is renowned for its exquisite stained glass windows which are 15 meters high and portray over 1,000 depict scenes from the Bible. The colors and details are awe-inspiring and are considered among the most exquisite examples of medieval stained glass globally.
The Upper Chapel is the main space of the chapel where the stained glass windows are located. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture with its high ceilings and intricate stonework.
The lower chapel is a smaller space with a more intimate atmosphere. It is decorated with frescoes and houses a number of statues and other religious artifacts.
Check out the rose window is a circular stained glass window in the west facade of the chapel. It is one of the largest of its kind in the world and a true masterpiece of medieval art.
Sainte Chapelle is the perfect place to enjoy the romantic atmosphere and admire the stunning architecture. It is a true gem of Paris and is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
The Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre, or the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris is a beautiful church is located on the top of Montmartre hill and offers a breathtaking view of the city at night. It’s a popular destination for couples and a perfect place to watch the sunset.
Designed in Romanesque-Byzantine, it is located in the charming Montmartre district of Paris and was completed in 1914 in honor of the victims of the Franco-Prussian War. It is considered a symbol of hope and peace.
The basilica’s distinctive white stone facade and domes are instantly recognizable and have become a symbol of Paris. The interior of the basilica is as impressive as its exterior. The ceiling is decorated with a stunning mosaic, while the walls are adorned with beautiful stained glass windows.
The Pyramide du Louvre is another iconic Paris landmark that looks particularly impressive at night. The modern glass pyramid is located in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum and is a popular spot for romantic photos.
The pyramid was designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei and opened in 1989. It consists of four glass triangles and a steel framework and is 21.6 metres high. The pyramid serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Visitors pass through the pyramid to enter the galleries and exhibits.
The pyramid was controversial when it was built, as some Parisians felt it was too modern and at odds with the traditional architecture of the Louvre. However, it has since become a Paris landmark and now (I think) beloved by the French.
Louvre Pyramid (Pyramide du Louvre), Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)
No visit to Paris would be complete without seeing Notre Dame Cathedral, which is currently closed due to a fire in 2019, but still stands majestically in the heart of the city. This iconic cathedral is a symbol of French Gothic architecture and attracts millions of visitors every year.
The cathedral was completed in 1345 and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It has survived countless wars and revolutions and has been a Paris landmark for over 700 years.
The cathedral’s most impressive features are the magnificent stained glass windows, intricate stonework and beautiful rose windows. The facade of the cathedral is also adorned with beautiful sculptures and flying buttresses.
The cathedral was severely damaged in a fire in April 2019 and is currently closed to the public for renovations. However, visitors can still admire the exterior of the cathedral and the progress of its restoration.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Arc de Triomphe is another famous landmark that looks particularly stunning at night. This magnificent arch was built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories and is a popular spot for romantic walks.
It was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to celebrate his military victories and was completed in 1836, long after his death.
The arch is made of stone and is 50 meters high. It is decorated with intricate carvings, including reliefs depicting scenes from Napoleon’s battles. It is also home to the final resting place of the Unknown Soldier from the First World War. At the foot of the arch burns a flame in honor of the fallen soldiers of France.
Find it at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous boulevards of Paris. From its top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
The most famous attraction of Paris is, of course, the Eiffel Tower, which looks even more breathtaking at night. The tower is lit up with thousands of twinkling lights that sparkle every hour on the hour. It’s the perfect place to propose to your partner or enjoy a romantic picnic overlooking the city.
It was built for the 1889 World’s Fair to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel and was originally intended as a temporary structure.
The tower is made of wrought iron and is 324 meters high. It is divided into three levels, each of which has its own observation deck, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris.
In addition to the observation platforms, the Eiffel Tower also houses restaurants and gift stores. Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn more about the history and construction of the tower.
TSpot it from a distance in the Champ de Mars park in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, on the left bank of the Seine River.
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is a triumphal arch, located near the Louvre Museum.
It was built in 1806-1808 to celebrate Napoleon’s military victories and was meant to serve as a symbol of France’s military might.
The arch features intricate carvings and reliefs depicting scenes from Napoleon’s battles. It is made of marble and is over 19 metres high.
The church of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois is an impressive example of French Gothic architecture and one of the oldest churches of Paris.
The church was founded in the 7th century and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It was the parish church of the French kings and the site of several important events in French history, including the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in 1572.
It is known for its Gothic style with a stunning facade decorated with carvings and sculptures. Inside is a nave with tall columns, a vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows.
The church houses several notable works of art, including a painting by Rubens and a sculpture by Germain Pilon.
The church still hosts regular services, including Sunday Mass and special events throughout the year.
It is located near the Louvre Museum.
Aside from the historic landmarks, Paris also has a lot to offer at night. There are countless restaurants and cafes serving delicious French cuisine, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner. There are also several cosy cafes in the city where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.
The best time to visit Paris is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the crowds are less numerous. But Paris is a city that can be enjoyed all year round.
The People of Paris: Preserving Art and Culture During World War II
Parisians are known for their love of art, fashion and good food. An interesting story about Parisians is that during the German occupation in World War II, Parisians managed to preserve their culture by hiding their artwork in the city’s underground tunnels. People and goods were smuggled into the city through these tunnels, and the artworks were hidden to protect them from destruction.
In conclusion, Paris at night is a magical and romantic experience. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine or enjoying a delicious meal in a cosy café, the beauty and history of the city will surely enchant you. With its breathtaking landmarks, delicious cuisine and romantic atmosphere, Paris is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.
☛ Read more: Posts of France
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.