Tourists and residents say they find Paris magical at night. A dazzling energy fills the air as excited chatter rises from cozy café tables outside, and a social buzz fills the streets with the many people mingling late into the evening.

When the sun sets, Paris doesn’t sleep. Instead, it comes alive with the glow of millions of lights throughout the city. There are nearly 300 illuminated sites around the city, including statues, fountains, monuments, churches and hotels.

In addition, 33 of Paris’ 37 major bridges are illuminated every night. The most famous illuminated object is the iconic Eiffel Tower, which shines brightly each night thanks to more than 20,000 light bulbs. IMB Photo

Tourists and residents say they find Paris magical at night. A dazzling energy fills the air as excited chatter rises from cozy café tables outside, and a social buzz fills the streets with the many people mingling late into the evening.

When the sun sets, Paris doesn’t sleep. Instead, it comes alive with the glow of millions of lights throughout the city. There are nearly 300 illuminated sites around the city, including statues, fountains, monuments, churches and hotels.

In addition, 33 of Paris’ 37 major bridges are illuminated every night. The most famous illuminated object is the iconic Eiffel Tower, which shines brightly each night thanks to more than 20,000 light bulbs. IMB Photo

At 324 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the Paris Universal Exposition of 1889. IMB Photo

A view from the Champ de Mars grounds of the Eiffel Tower. The large public park is a great area for relaxing and walking. The park is named after the Campus Martius in Rome, which was dedicated to the Roman god Mars. At 324 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the Paris Universal Exposition of 1889. IMB Photo

At 324 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the Paris Universal Exposition of 1889. A view from the Champ de Mars grounds of the Eiffel Tower. The large public park is a great area for relaxing and walking. The park is named after the Campus Martius in Rome, which was dedicated to the Roman god Mars. IMB Photo

At 324 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the Paris Universal Exposition of 1889. IMB Photo

A view of the Eiffel Tower from a street. IMB Photo

Several historic and iconic monuments rise out of the Parisian skyline: the Eiffel Tower, spires of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Les Invalides’ gold gilded dome that houses the tomb of Napoleon. Paris, France’s capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Paris central is now home to 2.2 million people, while the expanding population of the Paris metropolitan area is well over 12 million. IMB Photo

Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the Sacred Heart of Paris, sits on top of Montmartre, a hill that overlooks Paris. IMB Photo

Several historic and iconic monuments rise out of the Parisian skyline: the Eiffel Tower, spires of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Les Invalides’ gold gilded dome that houses the tomb of Napoleon. Paris, France’s capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Paris central is now home to 2.2 million people, while the expanding population of the Paris metropolitan area is well over 12 million. IMB Photo

Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre, the Sacred Heart of Paris, sits on top of Montmartre, a hill that overlooks Paris. IMB Photo

The sun sets on Montmartre, a hill in the north of Paris known for the white-domed Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre, or the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, shops and nightclubs in the area. Many tourists come to the top to get a view of Paris. IMB Photo

Tourists walk in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Notre-Dame is one of the most popular tourist stops in Paris, but the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage, and the focal point for Catholicism in France. Religious events of national significance still take place here. IMB Photo

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, is one of the most popular tourist stops in Paris, but the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage and the focal point for Catholicism in France. Religious events of national significance still take place here. IMB Photo

A tourist smokes a pipe in front of the statue of Synagogua, which represents the Jewish synagogue. The statue sits in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral opposite the statue of Iglesia (not pictured), who represents the church. Iglesia depicts a stately Christian church, head crowned, powerful staff firmly in hand. Synagogua has a snake wrapped around her eyes. By displaying the statue, the church wanted to let people know she was damaged goods, blinded by evil. Her staff is broken, and her tablets are broken. It’s a message the Jews have never forgotten. IMB Photo

Shoppers walk down a street in St. Denis, a community in Paris. The Basilique St. Denis is pictured in the background. IMB Photo

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is also Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, or more commonly, Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is also Paris’ most visited religious monument. It is now considered one of the most prominent and oldest cathedrals in France. The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

A couple light a candle for a loved one following a mass held at Notre-Dame. The medieval Catholic cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and the French nation. IMB Photo

A priest reads scripture during mass in Notre-Dame. The medieval Catholic cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a widely recognized symbol of the city of Paris and France. IMB Photo