Paris is famous for everything it represents in terms of French history, gastronomy, culture and architecture. While Paris is certainly mesmerizing during daytime, it is just as stellar at night. Paris shines when the sun goes down and this is when the City of Lights truly lives up to its famous nickname.
Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop: Paris at your feet
Why not logically open up your night with a sunset? For one of the best views of the city, head up to Galeries Lafayette’s rooftop where you will treat yourself to a unique meal by discovering the latest edition of edgy restaurant Creatures while enjoying the stunning 360° views of the Paris skyline. From the Eiffel Tower all the way to Opera Garnier, these stately monuments, Paris’ signatures, lie at your feet.
At Creatures, young up-and-coming chef Julien Sebbag serves a refined vegetarian menu, a tribute to Mediterranean cuisine that will delight your taste buds. Products and aromatic herbs could hardly be more locally sourced as they are grown on the roof of the store. The open kitchen is there for you to watch as these eco-products turn into savory dishes. For those who do not wish to dine, why not sip a plant-based cocktail while admiring the beautiful sunset over Paris’ monuments and getting more of the summer spirit.
Paris sightseeing by night
There are a lot of things to do in Paris at night, at least as much as during the daytime. Although one could think that one night in Paris should be devoted to a wild night out, it can in fact be devoted to sightseeing.
The sparking Eiffel Tower
The Iron Lady has been overlooking the city since 1889 and while some like to measure its grandeur and watch it sparkle from afar, others won’t have it any other way than to be at the top of the tower. Whether you’re seeking to get the best point of view for the sunset or to admire how the city slowly lights up, the Eiffel Tower definitely remains the epicenter of the capital and from the second level of the tower, you’ll see Paris in all its splendor.
Follow the bridge line
Strolling along the Seine provides the perfect opportunity to explore beautiful and historic Paris. The Seine runs the length of the city and continues on to Normandy. Only within the limits of the city, 35 bridges span the river each one with its own story. All of them are brought to life as they light up and set the milestones of the river walk. The sheer diversity of Parisian bridges is fascinating and one can watch as Paris’ history unfolds before the eyes from Ile de la Cité, Notre Dame, the Conciergerie, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay all the way to the Eiffel Tower.
Cruising the Seine river
Your feet are starting to get tired of walking the streets of Paris all day? You would gladly welcome another visit option? Why not choose to cruise the river… at night. It is one of the absolute best ways to explore Paris and get a unique perspective on some of the city’s most famous sites. There are many different ways to do so whether you choose a romantic dinner with champagne or a wild boat night out.
Entertaining: a night out for the arts
Overwhelming during the day, Paris can certainly go wild at night. The Paris nightlife is something one should experience, if not to go crazy, at least to take in the special atmosphere. The city transforms and you suddenly feel this is a place where you can almost do everything.
A night at the museum
Paris is bristling with museums and art galleries. Most of them have late-night openings once a week meaning you can enjoy a cultural night out in relative peace and quiet. The Louvre and the Centre Pompidou, among others, open their doors at night. Some, such as the Palais de Tokyo, offer a unique experience of letting the visitors roam their exhibitions halls until midnight. You might even stumble upon a night event and drag the experience even longer.
Paris, capital of the French cancan
Paris wouldn’t be the same without its cabarets. They started blossoming during the 19th century as Paris went through its period of extravagance, prosperity and blooming culture. Cabaret is a dinnertime entertainment involving musical, dance, theatre acts and political satire. Legendary cabaret houses and cancan dancers have been inspiring 150 years of entertainment.
A few of them include the Moulin Rouge, le Lapin Agile, the Crazy Horse or the Lido.
Paris guinguette
If dancing is your cup of tea, you can of course head to some of the biggest and famous nightclubs of the city. However, for something a bit more authentic and casual, why not try dancing the night out at one of the Paris guinguettes? A guinguette is a riverside spot in or just outside of Paris where the impressionist painters used to hang out. The origin of the term comes from the guinguet, a sour white local wine. Today, one can still go to one of these spots for an evening of food, live music and dancing.
