Will you be celebrating New Year’s Eve in Paris? I’ll be in Sydney, but I’ll certainly be watching it on tv. Of course I do wish I was there, but and I look forward to the next New Year’s Eve I spend in Paris :-)

So, are you wondering what you can do on this glorious evening which heralds in a New Year full of promise and adventure? Good! There is plenty to do!

The  traditions …

Celebrating St. Sylvestre – New Year’s in Paris!

All over France, the New Year, or “St. Sylvestre”, starts January 1st and ends February 1st.

French people start wishing each other Bonne Années! (Happy New Year!) and exchanging bises (small kisses on both cheek) at the stroke of midnight as New Year’s Eve turns into New Year’s Day – January 1st.

New Year’s greeting cards and gifts are exchanged all throughout January, so don’t be surprised if you hear the Bonne Années! (Happy New Year!) greeting right up to 31st January. Remember to say the same back :-)

Drink Champagne!

Champagne or sparkling white wine (not to be confused if you wish to avoid lengthy lectures) is the favourite drink of choice on New Year’s Eve in Paris. You might also try Vin chaud (hot wine) and cidre (cider) are other delightful choices. If you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve at a restaurant or party, you’ll probably also find lots of non-alcoholic beverages if that’s what you’d prefer.

Eat Chocolate!

In Paris you must try this delightful treat for the New Year – papillottes (pronounced pap-ee-ott) – chocolates or other confectionary which pop like small firecrackers when you tear off the wrapping. Buy these in any Paris supermarché (supermarket) or confectioner’s shop.

Tip – NO fireworks at the Eiffel Tower!

It was decided some time back that there would not be fireworks at the Eiffel Tower on New Year’s Eve, but there will be a LIGHT show. You can buy and find fireworks elsewhere, and enjoy the amazing ambiance in other loations too.

Le Champs Elysees

One of the most famous streets in the whole wide world (well, in my humble opinion). Come along and join the party which kicks off around 9pm – bring something to drink (for midnight) and many French folks bring plastic flutes to herald in the dawn. This is a perfect time for pickpocket so BE VERY CAREFUL of wallets and handbags, cameras etc. Wear them in front of you so you can keep an eye on them at all times.

From the Champs Elysees you’ll be able to see the amazing light display on the Eiffel Tower, and this is a delightful place to be, full of joie de vivre (you of life) and bonhomie (kindess toward your fellow human).

The Sacre Coeur Cathedral plaza

In Montmartre pop up to the Sacre Coeur Cathedral plaza which will be a lot calmer, and is a perfect place to bid adieu (farewell) to this year, and welcome in the new. If the skies are clear, the knoll atop the hill will be the perfect place to view the spectacular Paris skyline, so you’re sure to see any fireworks being launched around Paris

Dinners and Live Shows

There will be plenty of places to have dinner and watch live shows on this night of all nights, and so many other things to do!

If you will be celebrating New Year’s Eve in Paris …

Drop me a line, send a note, let me know what you did and what was fun – I’d love to hear from you!

Bonne Année! Happy New Year!

Have a faaabulous time and keep in touch,

Cheers

Teena!