The festive period isn’t complete without a great New Year’s celebration and there’s plenty of things to do in the City of Light! Paris is home to some fantastic traditions, events and places to be this year if you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in Paris!
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NEW YEAR’S EVE TRADITIONS
NEW YEAR’S DRINKS
The go-to drink for Parisians on this celebration is definitely the classic French Champagne or equally sparkling white wine. These incredible drinks can be found all over the world but France produces some of the best wine in the world and is obviously home to the Champagne region!
The best places to find them in Paris are the supermarkets as quality French wine is cheap and readily available, at a Nicolas wine store (a chain of stores in France whose staff are all highly knowledgable about wine), or you can try them at some of the incredible bars that Paris has to offer. Check out at our top tips for wine tasting in Paris!
OUR TOP WINE TASTING TIPS
NEW YEAR’S TREATS
Every holiday season is the perfect time to treat yourself! New Year’s Eve in Paris means a time of chocolate and sweets and ultimately indulging yourself. Papillotes are a great little French treat you can purchase for yourself to enjoy, they originate from Lyon but can be found all over the French capital in supermarkets or sweet shops. I won’t spoil the surprise for you, buy some and see what’s inside!
FIREWORKS
Unfortunately, Paris is not home to any official firework displays as of the recent years. The biggest and best fireworks near Paris are held at Disneyland Paris on New Year’s Eve and during the festive season beforehand. It is however, legal for people to purchase fireworks commercially in Paris – so expect a couple of individual firework displays around Paris or even in the streets. Please keep well back and be vigilant!
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
On this December the 31st, along with the usual night bus which runs through Paris, certain metro and RER lines will be open all night. The Paris Metro lines which are operating all night are: 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 14 during the evening of New Year’s eve (between 2:15am until 5:30am when normal operations resume).
It is important to note that some stations will be completely closed along these lines while others might have certain entries or exits of stations that are open will be closed. Unfortunately, it’s not been specified which stations in particular will be closed.
The Paris RER lines which are operating all night are RER A and RER B for the night of 31 December, with the frequency of one RER A & RER B train per 18 minutes throughout central Paris (Zone 1) and outside of central Paris Zone 1 expect 35-60 minutes per train. The RER C, D, and E lines will also operate but at 60 minute intervals during the night.
INSIDR Top tip: All Paris Metro, Buses, RER, Trams will be free of charge from 5pm on December 31st until 12pm on January 1st.
INSIDR Top tip: Please avoid Paris taxis and Uber where possible since it will be very busy and very expensive!
See below the transilien and RER lines which will be open during the night of the 31st of Decemember.
Photo credit: ratp.fr
SHOWS AND CONCERTS
Photo credit: francetourisme.fr
MOULIN ROUGE
At the famous cabaret in Pigalle – the Moulin Rouge, you can celebrate the New Year in style with the most Parisian atmosphere! On offer is a gastronomic diner, the wonderful show “Féerie”, finishing with a night dancing in the famous club – a special gift for couples offered by the Moulin Rouge. You can enjoy the show from 7pm from 680€ per person!
For more information and to book, you can read here
Photo credit: unjourdeplusaparis
SAINT CHAPELLE
La Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most beautiful churches in Paris, this New Year’s Eve they’re offering a beautiful concert for anyone to enjoy. La Sainte Chapelle Church is the perfect way to make the holiday unforgettable with shows on both the 30th and 31st of December. Let the soaring sounds of classical compositions wash over you, as you gaze at the exquisite Gothic interior of one of Paris’ greatest architectural treasures. Starting at €44 per seat!
You can find out more information and book online here
EGLISE DE LA MADELEINE
Photo credit: thinglink
Another great New Year’s Eve concert is at the wonderful Eglise de la Madeleine! Händel’s beloved Messiah will be performed in this stunning location by a lovely choir and fantastic orchestra. Be sure to check it out for the perfect, relaxed New Year’s Eve!
You can find out more information and book online here
DINNER CRUISES
BATEAUX MOUCHES
One of the most famous river cruises in Paris, the Bateaux-Mouches is inviting families to experience a New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise. In their glass-paneled boats, you’ll be able to enjoy a spectacular moving panorama of Paris and it’s monuments in a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a romantic dinner cruise for €370 per adult and €220 per child!
You can find out more info and book tickets on their website
BATEAUX PARISIENS
Photo credit: bateauxparisiens
The Bateaux Parisiens is a great Parisian boat cruise which are offering a New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise. For this New Year’s Eve, the captain of the Bateaux Parisiens invites you to watch the magic of the illuminations as they sparkle through the glass top of the boat. Discover the highlights of Paris by boarding the Bateaux Parisiens to enjoy one of the most wonderful views of Paris. For this occasion, the chef has prepared a special menu. Two singers and some musicians will entertain you on this cruise with a variety of French and international music. Starting boarding at 7.30pm and departs at 8.30pm – returning at half past midnight! From €390 per person!
You can find out more information and book online here
WANDERLUST
Wanderlust is one of the trendiest places in town, so for the trendiest party in town on NYE in Paris. The Quai d’Austerlitz is home to this nightclub where a special event will take place this December the 31st! With a great line up playing across the club’s three rooms, tickets range from €25-€35 per person. Celebrate New Year’s in style at Wanderlust.
To find out more information and book tickets, check our their facebook page
Photo credit: justacote
LA JAVA
If you’re wanting to party into 2017 in style, check out the electro music venue La Java for the party with the cheapest drink this NYE in Paris. For only €20 entry this is perfect if you’re travelling to Paris this New Year’s Eve on a budget but still want to party!
Find out more information and book tickets on this website
LE BADABOUM
For the craziest party in town this New Year’s Eve in Paris, head over to Le Badaboum in Bastille. For as little as €15 on this 31st of December, you can party hard! If you’re a thrill-seeker coming to Paris and on a budget, this is definitely a place to be. Dance the night away to marvellous trance music!
Find out more information and book tickets on their facebook event
CLUB RAYÉ
Or if you’re in for a more classy evening of music, why not check out some live jazz music at one of the swankiest places in town! Club RaYé is offering a five-course meal with music and plenty of champagne for €80 per person.
Book tickets via their website