Watch: Lightning bolt strikes Eiffel Tower. Here's how Paris keeps it safe

Summary

A dramatic bolt of lightning lit up the Paris skyline after striking the Eiffel Tower during a powerful thunderstorm that swept across the French capital, producing one of the most iconic weather spectacles in the world. Videos shared across social media captured the dazzling flash hitting the 330-metre iron tower as dark storm clouds engulfed the city. While the sight appeared alarming, experts say such lightning strikes are expected and the monument is specifically engineered to withstand them. The Eiffel Tower is struck by lightning several times every year, with estimates ranging from five to 10 direct hits annually depending on thunderstorm activity. Far from being a structural threat, these strikes are safely channelled into the ground through an elaborate lightning protection system. WATCH: Stunning footage shows moment Eiffel Tower in Paris struck by lightning pic.twitter.com/qURg9PzrKK — Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) June 27, 2026 The tower's height makes it a natural target during thunderstorms. Lightning tends to strike the tallest conductive object in an area because it offers the shortest path between electrically charged storm clouds and the ground. However, contrary to popular belief, the tower does not "attract" lightning. Instead, when a lightning discharge forms, the towering iron structure simply becomes the most efficient route for the immense electrical current. The Eiffel Tower was struck by lightning on Saturday A spectacular and incredibly rare moment that few people ever get to witness pic.twitter.com/HVb1MnrydX — Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) June 28, 2026 The entire structure acts as a giant Faraday cage, a principle discovered by physicist Michael Faraday in the 19th century.