Paris after dark is an unforgettable experience as the City of Light turns up the charm, sparkle, and romance at night. My friend and coauthor of my France book, Steve Smith, and I have a fun ritual for capping any visit to Paris: we’re taking a blitz tour of the city’s best nighttime views.

Steve and I have a fun ritual for capping any visit to Paris: we’re taking a blitz tour of the city’s best nighttime views. While you can do it by taxi or Uber, we’re splurging for a ride in a vintage car, a Deux Chevaux car.

Driver: Paris is “La Ville de Lumiere,” which means “The City of Lights,” and it’s magic at night.

The French raise floodlighting to an art form. And with a city as beautiful as Paris, it’s no wonder. The stately Arc de Triomphe crowns its boulevard. Les Invalides, with its golden dome marking Napoleon’s tomb, is magnifique. The nostalgic blades of the Moulin Rouge keep turning as red lights still tempt lost souls in Pigalle. Notre-Dame is particularly dramatic after dark. Sightseeing boats enliven the river and its sparkling bridges. The pyramid at the Louvre glows from within. And the Eiffel Tower stands like a reliable friend to the millions of Parisians proud to call this, the City of Light, their home.

Traveling here, I realize I could come back to this city for the rest of my life and never get enough. That’s why, to me, Paris is the capital of Europe. Thanks for joining us. I’m Rick Steves. Until next time, keep on travelin’. Au revoir!