10 Great Places To Spend New Year’s Eve in Paris

10 Great Places To Spend New Year’s Eve in Paris

Ringing in the new year from the city of lights? Lucky, lucky you.

They say that how you spend New Years Eve is a good indication of how you’ll spend the rest of the coming year, so it is imperative to make your surroundings as full of enjoyment as possible.

The following are just 10 great places to spend New Year’s Eve in the French capital.

1. On the Terrace at Shangri La in Paris

The Shangria La hotel terrace is renowned for being one of the most beautiful spots from which to view the Eiffel Tower at eye level. There are numerous occasions throughout the year during which this terrace gets booked out months in advance, and New Year’s Eve is one of them.

The deck overlooks the Eiffel Tower seemingly within touching distance. Seeing the light show go off from this high up the minute it hits midnight is really quite something.

Shangri La – by Shangri La – Uploaded by them

Bastille Day is another holiday where being on this terrace is preferable; this is the one day a year during which fireworks are permitted in Paris, and the display that takes place behind the Eiffel Tower is unbelievable.

2. The Sacré-Cœur Street Party in Paris

Technically fireworks are not permitted in Paris anytime during the year other than Bastille Day, but not everyone honors these restrictions.

Where better to view the many miniature shows that go off at the stroke of midnight than from high up above the entire city bowl? The steps and surrounding squares of the Sacré-Cœur play host to a New Year’s Eve street party every year.

There’s food and drink available for purchase and some live entertainment. A really great spot for families!

by George Kantartzis – Unsplash

3. Book the Bateaux Parisiens New Years Eve Dinner Cruise in Paris

This one you’ll have to book well in advance for. The Bateaux Parisiens New Year’s Eve dinner cruise will set off at 7:30pm, for a five hour dinner, drink and dance experience on the water.

The cost per person includes your meals, champagne, wine, entertainment and a party after the stroke of midnight.

Bateaux Parisiens – by Bateaux Parisiens – Uploaded by them

4. Enjoy the Champs-Elysées Festivities in Paris

This is the official Parisian New Year’s Eve street party, hosted by the city of Paris for as long as anyone can remember.

From around 9pm, the Champs-Elysées and surrounding streets begin to fill up all the way through to the Arc de Triomphe. You’ll want to be as close to this site as possible, as this is where the light show will take place at midnight on the dot.

After the festivities here end, everyone tends to flock to the nearby bars and clubs within walking distance of the Champs-Elysées.

by Stephanie LeBlanc – Unsplash

5. Have a Memorable New Year at the Moulin Rouge in Paris

Attending a historic cabaret is a popular New Year’s Eve activity, especially for travelers to Paris.

All of Paris’ most famous cabaret venues host special events on New Year’s Eve, and booking well in advance is imperative. Instead of their regular performances, the shows and dinner service will be extended to carry guests through until midnight, with drinking and dancing available afterwards as well.

The Moulin Rouge probably hosts the best New Year’s Eve events, but the Lido is a great alternative if need be!

6. Attend a Nightclub in Paris

Seemingly obvious, but all of Paris’ biggest nightclubs will host New Year’s Eve parties.

The benefit of these is being indoors and out of the cold when the clock strikes 12. There will also always be a countdown that takes place on the dance floor so the event can occur in unison.

7. Have New Year’s Eve at Your Airbnb in Paris

This one is very much underrated. I feel there is often so much pressure to go out and be doing things on New Year’s Eve in order for it to count as successful, when really staying in and having an intimate gathering with just the people who matter is far more enjoyable.

If you’re in Paris with an Airbnb, stock up on wine, baguettes, cheese and treats, make a playlist and invite the people you really want around you to share the turn of the year. If you happen to have a balcony from which to see the fireworks, even better!

by Roven Images – Unsplash

8. Greet the New Year Under the Eiffel Tower in Paris

This is another one of Paris’ biggest public New Year’s Eve gatherings. The Champ de Mars will begin to gather the crowds from around 8pm onward.

One can bring along blankets, picnics and anything else to make their wait outside more comfortable. The Eiffel Tower has a light show of its own that will go off at midnight, so the closer you can be the better.

It’s an incredibly festive gathering, even in the cold!

by 1905 Travellers – Unsplash

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9. Reserve a Luxurious Dinner for New Year’s Eve in Paris

Luxury dining in Paris gets taken to a whole new level around New Year’s Eve. All of the top Michelin star restaurants around the city will host special dining experiences that you’ll need to book for; some starting at around €500 per head.

This is a splurge, but a memorable Parisian New Year’s Eve nonetheless. 

10. In a Terminal at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris

This likely sounds completely absurd but hear me out. Few people know that you can fly for literally pocket change in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Those who know the secret, know that they’ll happily spend their New Year’s Eve in the terminal at Charles de Gaulle, awaiting their practically free flight to somewhere exotic where they will start their year.

You can fly to countries in Europe for around €20 per person on this day; or countries across the ocean for as little as €50 depending.

Yes, you’ll spend your countdown in an airport; but you’ll start your year in Morocco, Corsica or Reunion Island…

by JESHOOTS.COM – Unsplash

In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve in Paris be sure to properly explore the city and isolate exactly which neighborhood you think you’d like to enter the new year in. The city’s free guided walking tours are a great introduction to all of them!