23 October 2009
In celebration of its 120th anniversary, the Eiffel Tower is currently displaying a special light show. The highest structure in Paris (at 324 metres or 1,063 feet tall), the tower was built by Gustave Eiffel as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. Originally intended to be dismantled after the fair, it was instead left in place and 120 years later it is one of the most visited paid attractions in the world. Between 22 October and 31 December, 2009, the light show brings the tower to life with changing colours moving up and down the iron lattice.
The show is presented four times each evening at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm. After the usual 5 minutes of sparkles on the hour, the special show goes on for another 12 minutes, 1 minute per decade that the monument has been standing.
If you plan to take pictures, make sure you bring a tripod along and choose your location early to set up before the crowd arrives. The Trocadero and side alleys can be packed with people! Since the light colours can change rapidly, I suggest taking short exposures of 1 or 2 seconds to ensure the desired effect before the lights change again. The show only lasts 12 minutes so take lots of pictures!
