Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a wonderful place during the day, and a magic one at night. People often refer to it as the City of Lights, as at night the city is as bright as it would be during the day. Thanks to this feature, Paris nightlife has a lot to offer.
The city of lights
But why is it called the City of Lights, Lutèce or Pantruche? It’s because the city is so bright during the night that it can mislead you.
Just think that Paris has more than 296 illuminated sites, between hotels, churches, statues, fontains, buildings and national monuments. There are 37 main bridges, too, 33 of which illuminated from sunset to sunrise.
During a festive holiday, Paris is even brighter! In fact, the Arch of Triumph and the trees in the surrounding areas are covered with lights.
But it’s mostly the Eiffel Tower that becomes illuminated with more than 20,000 light bulbs and glows like a beacon, which is the main reason why Paris is infamously known as the City of Lights.
Historical facts
However, what is the real reason for such a name? The epithet was applied to the city after a historic event in the 17th Century, when Louis XIV, known as the Roi Soleil (Sun King), sat upon the throne.
After a long period of wars and civil conflicts, the king wanted to restore peasants’ confidence in law and order. Therefore, on the 15th of March 1667, he entrusted the police general lieutenant Gabriel Nicolas de Reynie with the task of making Paris safer. This officer, beside quadrupling the number of police officers in the city, decided to install a more powerful illumination system.
Lanterns were placed in all major streets and residents were asked to illuminate their windows with candles and oil lamps, to prevent trespassers from eluding the police or hide in dark alleys. By doing so, the criminal rate was significantly reduced.
From that moment, the city’s nickname became La Ville-Lumière, the City of Lights.
Intellectual enlightenment
Moreover, this epithet was reinforced during the development of the Age of the Enlightenment movement. In fact, between the 18th and 19th Century, Paris became the centre of intellectual advancement in Europe, inspiring poets, philosophers, engineers and scientists.
Therefore, the use of this nickname was also strengthened, not only by the increase in light, but also the intellectual enlightenment.
Upon sunset, the architecture and the monuments shine, making Paris a small treasure trove. For this reason, we advise experiencing the city not only during the day, but at night, too, to make it a truly special experience.
There are many things to do and many places to visit which allow you to immerse yourself in Paris nightlife. The city offers many nocturnal activities to satisfy anyone’s expectations: whether you prefer a chill night in a bar with a group of friends or go clubbing, there is always an option for you! Every neighbourhood will allow you to experience a unique nightlife.
For instance, the neighbourhood Le Marais is an area full of bars. Saint Germain and the neighbourhood Latino offer restaurants, pubs and bars, with prices in the mid to high range. While around the Champ Elysées there are many bars where you can dance and party all night long.
Bastille and Belleville are lively neighbourhoods and very popular with young people. Here you can enjoy a wide range of bars and clubs. You can choose Montmartre if you prefer a quiet night walk, while the red light district is located in Picalle: here you find the Moulin Rouge, bars and nightclubs with rock and hip-hop music.
Those who prefer quiet and lovely places can opt for a walk along the Seine, and along your walk you can see some of Paris’ illuminated major attractions, such as Notre Dame and Les Invalides.
If you are too tired to go for a walk, you can enjoy a night cruise along the Seine, dining or drinking a good glass of champagne.
Other valid options could be visiting some well-known cabaret where can-can girls sing and dance. Here you could also enjoy a nice meal or go there for a drink.
The Louvre at night is a wonderful place: the illuminated glass pyramid dominates Cour Napoléon. During some specific nights, normally on Wednesdays and Fridays, you can also visit the museum up to 9:45 pm and not be bothered by the crowd.
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see attraction at night, too. It lights up for 5 minutes each hour from sunset to sunrise and it creates a breathtaking and romantic atmosphere.
You can enjoy a Parisian night life even from the rooftop of a bar, while looking at the lights of the city and having a drink. Or simply dining in a local brasserie or bistrot, while tasting the excellent French cuisine.
Now it is up to you! Choose the option that works best for you and discover Paris nightlife!
