Ahh, an evening in Paris. Your stomach is full of good bread, good cheese and good wine. Now you’re staring up at the Eiffel Tower as its lights twinkle and dance in the night sky. But before you pull out your phone to snap a photo of the view, you may want to grab a passing Parisian and ask: Can you take pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night?

The answer to this question, one that has intrigued travelers for decades, might surprise you. Reader’s Digest put together this handy explainer, so keep reading to find out why you might want to think twice before taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night.

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Can you take pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night?

Yes … but there’s a catch. (More on that below.) Current French law recognizes a limited freedom of panorama, which is an exception to general copyright law that allows the public to photograph, film, draw or otherwise replicate things that are in the public domain, such as the Eiffel Tower.

The Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, the company that operates the tower, confirms this on the Eiffel Tower’s official website: “Photographing the Eiffel Tower at night is not illegal at all. Any individual can take photos and share them on social networks.”

But before you whip out your phone, especially if you’re an influencer who makes big money from your travel photos and videos, there’s a catch you may want to know about.

When is taking a photo of the Eiffel Tower at night illegal?

Taking a photo is fine. You run afoul of the law when you distribute a photo or video of the Eiffel Tower at night in any way that might benefit you financially, without purchasing the rights from the owner of the copyright. Why the nighttime distinction? It’s the lights.

As the Eiffel Tower website explains, “The Eiffel Tower’s lighting and sparkling lights are protected by copyright, so professional use of images of the Eiffel Tower at night require prior authorization and may be subject to a fee. Professionals should therefore contact the Eiffel Tower’s management company to learn about conditions for using the images depending on the case.”

Why are the Eiffel Tower lights copyrighted?

Why It's Illegal To Take Photos Of The Eiffel Tower At Night Gettyimages 2206480593CHRISTOPHE DELATTRE/CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES

The tower’s evening light display, which was designed by lighting engineer Pierre Bideau and installed in 1985, is owned by the artist. Under European Union copyright law, the artist or their estate retains rights until 70 years after their death. Bideau died in 2021, so that restriction will last until 2091.

Until 1993, the entire Eiffel Tower was copyrighted, not just the lights. The architect, Gustave Eiffel, died in 1923, and the Eiffel Tower entered the public domain 70 years later. So, while the tower itself is now in the public domain, the lights are not.

Translation? Sharing personal photos of the Eiffel Tower at night on Instagram and Facebook is perfectly fine. But making money off the illuminated Eiffel Tower, without permission from the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, could make you a potential target for copyright lawyers.

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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

  • La Tour Eiffel: “Everything You Need to Know About the Eiffel Tower at Night”
  • La Tour Eiffel: “Origins and Construction of the Eiffel Tower”
  • La Tour Eiffel: “The Eiffel Tower Image”
  • Mes Avocats: “The Duration of Copyright: What’s the relationship Between the Eiffel Tower and Lennon/McCartney?