New Years' Eve in Paris

How to spend New Year's Eve in Paris

Experience the magic of NYE in Paris and count down to the new year in style.
By Go City Expert

Toast to the new year in the world's most romantic city, and let Paris make your celebration truly unforgettable.

Paris, the city renowned for its romantic ambiance and timeless beauty, offers a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration. As the year comes to a close, the French capital lights up with festivities that cater to all tastes, making it a perfect destination to welcome in the new year. Counting down the New Year in Paris is something everyone should try once in their lifetimes!

celebrating-new-year-paris-eiffel-tower

Here's a detailed guide to help you plan an unforgettable evening, from firework-gazing to an elegant cruise along the Seine.

The glittering Champs-Elysées

Champs-Elysees fireworks

The glittering Champs-Elysées

This iconic avenue has become the heart of Paris' New Year's Eve celebrations. Thousands gather here to witness a magnificent firework display, set against the backdrop of the majestic Arc de Triomphe. The avenue buzzes with excitement, music, and the energy of partygoers from around the world. This is a communal celebration that captures the essence of the city's spirit.

Vibrant Parisian Nightlife

 As midnight approaches, Paris's club scene comes alive. Each club offers a unique atmosphere, from upscale venues to more laid-back spots, ensuring there's something for everyone. For an unconventional celebration, seek out the unique events happening in the Ile-de-France region, offering a different perspective on New Year's festivities.

Cultural celebrations with shows and performances

Moulin Rouge

Cultural celebrations with shows and performances

Paris's rich cultural scene presents a variety of shows and performances for New Year's Eve. From classical concerts in historic venues to modern theatre productions, these events add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the night.

Romantic dinner cruise on the Seine:

Seine dinner cruise

Romantic dinner cruise on the Seine:

For those seeking a more intimate celebration, a dinner cruise along the Seine offers breathtaking views of Paris's illuminated landmarks. Options range from the charming Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf, offering a musical backdrop to your meal, to the Ducasse sur Seine, where gourmet cuisine meets the romance of the river. For a lively experience, the Paradisiac Croisiere VIP boat party combines a gourmet cocktail dinner with vibrant dancing.

Continuing the celebration on New Year's Day

Louvre lit up

Continuing the celebration on New Year's Day

Extend your holiday by partaking in various activities available on the first day of the New Year. Choose from a luxurious day trip to Versailles, indulge in a gourmet wine and cheese tasting experience, or explore the artistic masterpieces at the Louvre with a guided tour.

Exquisite dining experiences

Champagne in Paris

Exquisite dining experiences

Paris's culinary scene shines on New Year's Eve. Many top restaurants offer special menus, featuring a blend of traditional French cuisine and contemporary culinary innovations. Enjoy a multi-course meal complete with champagne, in settings that range from the historically opulent to the modern and chic.

Special Holiday Season Events

In addition to the usual festivities, Paris hosts a range of special events during the holiday season. Enjoy a glamorous evening at one of the city's famous cabaret shows, or opt for a VIP experience with dinner cruises and exclusive events at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

A New Year's Eve Like No Other

Celebrating New Year's Eve in Paris means immersing yourself in an atmosphere of joy, elegance, and festivity. From the vibrant streets of the Champs-Elysées to the serene flow of the Seine, every moment in Paris on this special night is an experience to cherish. Remember to book your activities in advance to ensure your spot for many sought-after events.

Notre-Dame

If you're staying in Paris for a few days after - try a Paris Pass and tick off all the best sights and attractions on your bucket list!

With The Paris Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

✈️ Buy The Paris Pass® ✈️ 

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Pantheon
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Paris History: Top Facts about The Panthéon

Discover amazing facts about the Panthéon, Paris' architectural answer to ancient Rome. It's impossible to miss the Panthéon in the 5th Arrondissement, with its towering spire and ancient Roman pillars providing a stunning change of scenery amidst the Parisian buildings. With strong ties to Paris' tumultuous history and France's greatest icons, its intricate halls are always filled with tourists looking for a glimpse into the past. Read on to learn some interesting facts about the Panthéon in Paris. There were no women buried in the Panthéon until 1995 A burial in the Panthéon was a way to celebrate the lives of prominent French figures, however this list was initially limited only to men. It wasn't until 1995 that the Panthéon broke with tradition and entombed physicist and chemist Marie Curie in its hallowed halls for her contributions to the study of radioactivity. Her husband, a physicist named Pierre Curie, is also buried in the Panthéon. Many prominent French writers have been buried in the Panthéon France's love of art and culture clearly carries over to the ghostly residents of the Panthéon, with many writers, philosophers and filmmakers laid to rest within its walls. These include Victor Hugo of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame fame, Alexandre Dumas, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire and Emile Zola. The Panthéon has one of the best views over Paris Approach one of the Panthéon's guides and ask to climb up to its impressive dome, which boasts an incredible view over the City of Light. Bring your camera and leave the heels at home - it's a steep climb. The Paris Panthéon is modelled after the one in Rome The Panthéon is a stunning structure and its neoclassical facade is completely at odds with the French skyline, calling to mind visions of ancient Rome rather than grand French sensibilities. The most notable difference between the two is that French architects added a gigantic spired dome to it. Initially, the Panthéon was a church When the Panthéon was designed, it was intended to be a church built to honour St. Genevieve, a saint who is said to have saved Paris through mass prayer, and her remaining artefacts. It was commissioned by King Louis XV to replace a previously ruined church. 💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on Paris attractions After the French Revolution took place, the Panthéon's purpose shifted As a project of King Louis XV, the Panthéon was a symbol of the monarchy. After the French revolution, the new government transformed it into a place to honour those that had passed away fighting for the new chapter of French history and distinguished Frenchmen. The Panthéon is a combination of neoclassical and Gothic architecture Architects Jacques-German Soufflot undertook an ambitious project with the Panthéon. Its neoclassical exteriors are inspired by ancient Roman architecture, whereas its impressive and dramatic interiors are undeniably French Gothic. While it's not entirely true to Soufflot's vision, who passed away before its completion, it still draws heavily from his initial designs. Above the carved figures on the Panthéon's facade, there's an inscription The French inscription reads 'AUX GRANDS HOMMES LA PATRIE RECONNAISANTE', which translates to 'To great men, the grateful homeland'. The Panthéon is covered in impressive art With painted frescoes, mosaics and paintings depicting Saint Genevieve, key moments of French history and scenes from the revolution, the Panthéon has a stunning art collection that could put some museums to shame. More intriguing facts about the Panthéon Paris The Panthéon is located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, which also hosts the prestigious Sorbonne University​​.   The site was originally occupied by the Abbey of St Genevieve, built by Clovis, the first King of the Franks, in 508​​.   Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the Panthéon's architect, was heavily influenced by his time in Rome and the Neoclassical architecture there​​.   The Panthéon's dome was modeled after the Tempietto, a small but influential temple in Rome​​.   The Panthéon's dimensions are 110 meters long and 84 meters wide, with a dome reaching 83 meters in height​​.   The construction of the Panthéon started in 1757 but due to financial issues, it took 34 years to complete​​.   The Panthéon's design features a Greek cross layout and a large dome with three superimposed shells, reinforced with iron to strengthen the structure​​.   The crypt of the Panthéon covers the entire surface of the building and is the final resting place for famous French figures such as Jean Monnet and Marie and Pierre Curie​​.   The building has gone through several transformations, serving as a church and a mausoleum at different times; since 1885, it has been a civic building​​.   Guided tours of the Panthéon last approximately 45 minutes, offering visitors insights into its history and architecture​​. Experience everything Paris has to offer with The Paris Pass® Planning your Paris trip? With The Paris Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The Paris Pass® ✈️
Megan Hills
Blog

A Slice of History: Our Guide to Paris' Oldest Restaurants

Combine culinary excellence with France's rich history at Paris' oldest restaurants. As home to some of the world's best restaurants, it's no surprise that travellers flock to Paris for a taste of authentic French dining. For centuries, Parisian restaurants have been at the forefront of culinary innovation and some of the oldest establishments are still open - see what they are below. Image via Le Train Bleu facebook Le Train Bleu Forget the Parisian underground and embark on a completely different kind of train journey at Le Train Bleu. Built in the Gare de Lyon train station in 1901, this restaurant was designed to look nothing short of grandiose with chandeliers, brilliant arched windows and beautiful paintings filling the space. Serving classic French food, it has been frequented by many famous faces including Coco Chanel and Salvador Dali. Image via Bofinger facebook Bofinger This traditional brasserie is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris with a breathtaking stained glass ceiling and delicate Belle-Époque details. Opened in 1864 in the heart of a Parisian neighbourhood then-dominated by Alsatians who had moved to the capital, the cuisine is heavily influenced by Alsace tastes and is well beloved for its foie gras. Image via Le Grand Véfour facebook Le Grand Véfour Bask in the presence of some of Paris' most famous historical and cultural figures, including Victor Hugo, Humboldt and Simone de Beauvoir. Originally established in 1784, the restaurant continues to channel the opulent beauty of old French architecture with hand-painted pillars, chandeliers and more. Perfect for a spot of fine dining, this Michelin starred restaurant should be on every culinary critic's list. Image via Bouillon Chartier facebook Bouillon Chartier Not all of Paris' oldest restaurants are fine dining establishments - the down to earth Bouillon Chartier has been serving affordable French comfort food (think stew, vegetable soup and more) for over a hundred years. The restaurant opened its doors in 1896 and has served over 50 million dishes to both hungry tourists and locals, with a line that regularly spills out onto the pavement. With a gorgeous historically listed dining room, the art deco touches add a richness of character to the establishment. Image via Le Procope facebook Le Procope This 1686 restaurant is steeped in history and patrons only have to look a little more closely at the design and decor for a glimpse into the 17th and 18th century. With famous diners such as Napoleon Bonaparte (whose hat is on display) and Voltaire gracing its tables, Le Procope continues to serve classic French fare Lead image via Le Train Bleu facebook
Megan Hills

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