Nothing is better than being in the most romantic city on one of the most romantic holidays. Those who find themselves in Paris on New Year’s Eve get it right on both counts.
It should be noted that many other people from all over France and around the world have the same great idea, so those who are claustrophobic or do not like crowds may not find this to be the ideal experience. However, for those willing to give it a go, it is well worth the experience to see the Eiffel Tower light up at the stroke of midnight.
Plan to arrive in the city early. If staying overnight, obtain a hotel in advance as they can book up quickly for the holiday and tend to get pricey at the last minute. There are plenty of things to do during the day to keep busy while preparing for the festivities of the evening.
An Afternoon at the Musée d'Orsay
Try to stop by the Musée d'Orsay for a glimpse of the best of Monet, Renoir, and Degas in 3 hours or less.The Musée d'Orsay opened in 1986 and is located in the former Orsay rail station. The museum brings in over three million visitors per year and is one of the best places in the world to see works in impressionist, post-impressionist and turn-of-the-century art. Check closing times for New Year’s Eve since most museums have an early closing.
Champagne Toast for New Year's
The afternoon is a great time to pick up a special treat of classic French macaroons at Ladurée. Established in 1862, it is one of Paris’s oldest and most prestigious patisseries. Next on the list is a trip to the local wine shop or grocery store to buy some plastic flutes and a bottle or two of champagne or sparkling white wine, which is the drink of choice for the evening to be popped open when the clock strikes 12.
Countdown to the New Year on the Champs-Elysees
The evening can be a great time to take a New Year’s dinner cruise or see a special showing of the Crazy Horse Paris cabaret. Either is a great place to start before hitting the town for the party.
There is no doubt that “the place to be” on New Year’s Eve in Paris is on the Champs-Elysees. The party starts about 10 p.m. as the streets are closed to motor traffic and people gather the entire length of the avenue starting at the Arc de Triomphe and heading down for blocks. Even before midnight hits, everyone is already celebrating and trying to find the perfect spot to watch as the Eiffel Tower is lit up with flashing lights that make it look like a sparkling jewel when the clock strikes midnight. That’s also when corks begin popping and people start shouting "Bonne Année!"
This is where the night begins for most Parisians, who don’t plan to sleep until the wee hours of the morning while enjoying parties at clubs and bars that stay open until dawn.
There’s never a bad time to be in Paris, but a particularly good time to enjoy one of the world’s great cities is on New Year’s Eve.
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