New Years in Paris
 

2 early 30 guys will be in Paris Dec 30-Jan 4. I have everything figured out except what we are doing on New Years Eve. I realize it might be kind of late to plan but does anyone have suggestions?
I was thinking the countdown itself to spend by the Eiffel Tower? Dinner beforehand? Or is it possible to find good food after midnight? Are there celebrations on the streets?
Where can we go for dinner?
Anything else?

Tnx so much!

Sergey

can't help you with specific details, but there are celebrations on the streets and I think that's what you should do -- just hang out, walk around. I'd just have dinner wherever you see that you think you can get in, easily, actually, some average cafe. Because any place that is more known or a regular restaurant usually has very expensive meals for NY eve and books up way ahead of time, they may have some special show.

Lots of people on the street on the Champs-Elysees and in the Bastille area. Given your age, why don't you hang around over there (around the Bastille column) as there are some cheaper bars and cafes on the streets running off the it, and it's a younger area. I don't know about countdowns, some people have some idea they do a big firework show in Paris for NY eve, but they don't, that is what they do for national day (JUly 14th). They did that for the millenium or something, some years ago.

this is pretty good advice http://goparis.about.com/od/events/a/Paris_NewYear.htm

Most restaurants will be closed on NY Eve, except for those with reservations, so finding somewhere to go, without reservations, will be daunting at best. Some Bistros will be open, but crowded. We usually hang out in the 6th and have something at Fish La Boissonnerie before heading out to watch the fireworks (reservations required).

As far as the NY Eve celebration, the Champs-Elysees will be packed to overflowing, but will be fairly quiet by 01:30 as everyone who lives outside of Paris Ville heads home before the metro stops running.

If you wiill be staying in a hotel, check with the concierge or general mgr for ideas or help with reservations.

I would think Oberkampf would be hopping on NYE.

Au Pied de Cochon is open 24 hours. It is in the 1st arrondisement Chatelet/Les Halles area.

<< We usually hang out in the 6th and have something at Fish La Boissonnerie before heading out to watch the fireworks>>

Well, that's an odd statement, since there are no fireworks in Paris on NYE. I think there were for the Millennium, but it's not "usual" except for random people walking around with their own fireworks.

I'd probably head for Oberkampf too. And no, most restaurants won't be closed, but many will be hosting prix fixe evenings for people who have reserved well in advance.

isnt thre a beautiful eiffel tower light show on new years??

There is a beautiful light show every night at the Eiffel Tower...nothing is different for NYE that I know of...

right I know. I have been to Paris before. I just assumed that on NYE, there would be a festive environment at the Eiffel Tower at midnight..as opposed to the regular 8pm light show.

Let me know what you think.

Sergey

I once spent New Year on a floating restaurant on the Seine. It was pretty exciting standing on the deck and going under the bridges with all the people waving and shouting above us.
Another place we like to go is the Pont des Arts (the bridge with the love locks) and watch the Eiffel Tower shimmer and shine at midnight from there. Pretty crowded though so you need to get there a little early.
The Champs Elysées is pretty popular though rough as well.
Of course, it all depends on the weather. If it's raining, doing something outside won't be much fun.
BTW, New Year is called Saint Sylvestre in France so a lot of restaurants advertise their "menu de la saint Sylvestre" beforehand.

is there anything going on next to the eiffel tower?

There are no fireworks or special light show at the Eiffel Tower on NYE, though people do gather on the Champ de Mars and drink champagne and party. They also do that on the Champs Elysées and at Trocadéro and on the steps of Sacré Coeur.

Not sure what you mean about the regular 8 pm light show. It's not just 8 pm; it's every hour on the hour after dark until 1 am. Nothing special happens at 8 pm as far as I know. It's all clearly spelled out on the Tour Eiffel website.

There are no fireworks or special light show at the Eiffel Tower on NYE, though people do gather on the Champ de Mars and drink champagne and party. They also do that on the Champs Elysées and at Trocadéro and on the steps of Sacré Coeur.

Not sure what you mean about the regular 8 pm light show. It's not just 8 pm; it's every hour on the hour after dark until 1 am. Nothing special happens at 8 pm as far as I know. It's all clearly spelled out on the Tour Eiffel website.

You will not find any Parisians on the Champ de Mars, only tourists. When Parisians want the crowd scene for New Year's they go to the Champs Elysées or Sacré Cœur. Even in those places, I would say that tourists outnumber Parisians, because Parisians are generally at home watching television or attending a private party.

Oh, I forgot to say once again that all public transportation is free from 5pm on the 31st until noon on the 1st. A number of metro lines and all of the RER will be running all night.

(But check which MEtro lines run all night.)

Last year I was tempted by a club near Belleville. Let me see if I can remember the name.

Meanwhile a few ideas here: http://blog.hostelbookers.com/travel...ars-eve-paris/

Wish strangers "Bonne Année!”

It was La Java. This year it's Reveillon Electro Swing. Last year something like Balkan Gypsy. But we never made it.

http://www.la-java.fr/evenement.php?i=657

Hey everyone ! I spent to the eiffel tower for the countdown in 2012 and it was just awesome . Cries of bonne annee around you , happy people all around you , lots of noise , champaign XD

There is supposed to be some sort of countdown event on the Champs Elysées this year with a "lighting surprise" at midnight.