It’s 11pm. We pause directly before the golden icon as it erupts in all its sparkling glory. Excited gasps escape the lips of those gathered near me. Eager to capture the perfect image, smartphones and cameras click furiously as the Champagne glasses are momentarily forgotten.
For five minutes every hour after dark, the world-famous Eiffel Tower’s sparkling illuminations always attract mega crowds. I’ve previously been jostled by those hankering for the best position at…

