Paris, the City of Light, offers countless options to usher in the New year. One of the most colourful and exciting places to bring in the New year, Paris is the ideal location to celebrate the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018. Celebrate the New year in style, with a stay at one of thesqua.re’s luxury serviced apartments.
New Year Tradition in Paris
In Paris, as with the rest of France, the New Year also goes by the name St Sylvestre and begins on the 1st January and ends on February 1st. Consistent with tradition across the globe, French people start exchanging bises at midnight, with the theme continuing throughout January. So don’t be surprised to hear French people exchanging New Year pleasantries for the entire month of January.
Where to visit?
The Champs Elysees Grande Parade:
Known as the centre of the party, the Champs Elysees is flooded with revelers from around 21:00. From here, it is possible to get a great view of all the fireworks in Paris, with the Eiffel Tower flickering and sparkling in the lead up to the stroke of midnight. Unsurprisingly, the Champs Elysees is the busiest place in Paris on New Year’s Eve.
Arc de Triomphe
This year, the head of Paris’ avenues- the Arc de Triomphe- will host a special event that starts at 11:00. Although one can expect fireworks, plans for this year’s show have been shrouded in secrecy, so head down to the Arc de Triomphe for an evening of surprises.
Sacre Coeur Festivities
Located in Montmartre, the Sacre Coeur is a Parisian favourite during the festive period. Slightly calmer than the perpetual buzz of the Champs Elysees, the Sacre Coeur offers stunning views of the city as the sky is illuminated by the effervescent flash of fireworks. At Montmartre, there are countless bars, cabaret shows, and clubs to explore. If you’re looking for a unconventional way to celebrate New Year’s in Paris, partying in Montmartre may be the ticket.
New Year’s Eve Shows and Cabarets
Celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Moulin Rouge is a popular way of spending the evening, although very pricey. Starting at 680 Euros per person in 2017-2018, the evening includes a champagne dinner, music, dancing and caviar, with the Moulin Rouge Orchestra offers a delightful post-midnight show to cap off the evening’s events. There are less expensive packages available that offer fewer perks.
On the morning after the night before, the New Year’s Day Parade on the Champs Elysees is a shore way to remove any muggy heads from the previous evening.
