Montparnasse

We were able to go up to the top of Montparnasse Tower to take pictures just as the sun was setting over Paris. The building we were in is actually only two-thirds the size of the Eiffel Tower, but it's built on higher ground and as a result looks down on the city. Montparnasse is on the outskirts of Paris and wasn't actually considered part of the city until after the first world war. It was officially outside of city limits, which is also why they could build such a large structure. High buildings are prohibited within city limits, so as not to destroy the architectural integrity of the city.

Originally, the Eiffel Tower was lit up at night like this as a millenium project. After the millienium was over, however, the people of Paris petitioned to continue it. As a result, the Eiffel Tower goes up in glittery lights every hour on the hour after dusk, for about five minutes.