{"id":200134,"date":"2025-04-21T12:16:07","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T08:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/?p=200134"},"modified":"2025-04-23T09:22:55","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T05:22:55","slug":"eiffel-tower-copyright","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/eiffel-tower-copyright\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the Eiffel Tower copyrighted? What to know before taking photos in Paris"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Eiffel Tower is unquestionably one of the most photographed monuments globally, thanks in no small part to countless romantic proposals and its visibility from almost every Parisian window. Built over 130 years ago as the centerpiece for the 1889 World’s Fair, today the “Iron Lady” stands as a beloved symbol in the City of Love. But did you know that taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night can land you in legal trouble? Here’s everything you need to know.<\/p>\n

Recommended tickets to Eiffel Tower<\/h2>\n

Why is the Eiffel Tower copyrighted?<\/h2>\n

You might wonder, what’s the big deal about photographing such a famous landmark? Here’s the scoop: according to European Copyright Law, monuments are typically protected for the entire life of their creator, plus 70 years afterward. Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the tower, passed away in 1923, so in 1993 the structure itself entered the public domain.<\/p>\n

However\u2014and there’s a big however\u2014the shimmering nighttime illumination you’ll recognize from countless postcards and Instagram posts was only installed in 1985 by Pierre Bideau. This eye-catching light show is considered an artistic installation and is therefore protected under copyright law until at least 70 years after Bideau’s death. Since Pierre Bideau only passed away in 2021, this means the Eiffel Tower’s nighttime lighting arrangement remains under copyright protection until 2094.<\/p>\n

Can you take pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night for personal use?<\/h2>\n

Here’s the good news: Taking pictures or videos of the Eiffel Tower at night is perfectly legal\u2014for personal use. Snapping a romantic shot or posting on your social media accounts privately will not get you into hot water. The restrictions specifically target commercial use scenarios, including books, websites, advertising, or any situation where profits could potentially be generated.<\/p>\n

According to La Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE)<\/a>, the organization that manages the tower, ordinary folks taking photos for private purposes don’t need prior authorization. Professional or commercial photographers, on the other hand, definitely need to reach out for permission first.<\/p>\n

\"Champs<\/p>\n

Planning to share on your professional platform or website?<\/h2>\n

If you run a blog, website, advertising campaign, or any platform where you’re generating revenue, using nighttime imagery of the Eiffel Tower requires prior permission, fees payment, and appropriate image credit. Otherwise, you risk legal action and fines. SETE stresses clearly that images taken for professional distribution and publication must obtain approval beforehand.<\/p>\n

How to legally photograph the Eiffel Tower at night (if you need authorization)<\/h2>\n

To legally use nighttime imagery commercially, you’ll need explicit authorization from SETE. Here’s exactly how it breaks down:<\/p>\n