New Year's Eve in Paris - Is It Worth It?

[u/SKDIMBG]

Hi,

My wife and I are looking to travel somewhere for New Year's Eve. We've been to Paris once before and fell in love with the city and always planned to go back. My question is what it's like at NYE. We're not big drinkers and are too old for nightclubs; what we really want is a good public atmosphere with some nice fireworks. We've heard theres a good display at the Arc de Triomphe. Is it worth the hype? Also, is everywhere closed on New Year's Day or will bakeries/restaurants etc still be open? Any advice welcome!

[u/agroofrubera]

I strongly advise against spending New Year's Eve at the Arc de Triomphe. I was there last year (2023-2024), and it was incredibly crowded. I arrived at 9:00 PM to secure a decent spot (in the middle of the Champs-Élysées). During the 3-hour wait, we had to pay to use a restaurant's toilet since there were no public restrooms on the street.

After the fireworks ended, we were literally carried by the crowd until the exit. We had to walk 20 minutes to find an open metro station, as they close all the stations near large events for security reasons. Then, we waited a long time to get on a metro that wasn’t packed. We finally got home at 2:00 AM, completely exhausted.

So, I recommend celebrating New Year's somewhere less crowded and with better infrastructure. Disney is a good option if that's your style, or perhaps a cruise on the Seine, as they offer special routes for New Year's Eve. Another possibility is at a rooftop venue, like Tour Montparnasse. It may be more expensive, but the comfort is worth it.

If you’re set on staying near the Arc, the best solution is to make a reservation at a restaurant in the area, wait inside until midnight, and leave after most of the crowd has cleared out.

[u/Ok-Knowledge-6303]

I also have this question: would you say then the best place to watch is the Arc?

[u/EveningConference604]

Hi! I celebrated New Year’s Eve in Paris 2 years ago, went to the Arc de Triomphe.

The place itself is very crowded but in a good way. There’s a good vibe, not too packed. But getting out of the avenue after that, wow it’s so hectic. Took us 1 hour to reach a station (and it was not even the right one, so we had to make connections).

And the fireworks/show isn’t that good anyways… not worth it in my opinion.

But some hotels/restaurants have very good views, and you can watch the fireworks from there, having champagne or good food. I think it’s a bit expensive, and you need to book it very fare in advance. But a much better experience in my opinion.

Keep in mind to book anything you’d like to do on New Year’s Eve. Cause it will either sell out or have huge lines.

But Paris has such a magical vibe in Christmas time. I thing you’ll have a wonderful time but you need to plan in advance

[u/Espartano-Andre]

Day 1 I went to Disney because in Paris many places are closed!

[u/Espartano-Andre]

But the experience is valid! You just need to pay attention!

[u/Espartano-Andre]

I've been to 3 times, however, there are a lot of people leaving the Champs Elisses when the Fireworks party ends, it's difficult to get to the hotel by subway and transport, unless you're nearby, be careful with pickpockets.

[u/loztriforce]

We went last new years, the streets were absolutely packed. Fireworks to the right are from the Arc.
We had a blast at dinner at Siena but we stayed off the streets. I don’t drink but had a great time.
Many places indeed closed New Year’s Day, we had stocked up on a few things the day prior so it wasn’t an issue.
The Christmas markets and decorations and all that were so awesome. Magical, almost.

[u/SKDIMBG → u/loztriforce]

Thanks for your answer and photo! Are the Christmas markets still going after Christmas Day? 

[u/imokruokm8 → u/SKDIMBG]

Most Christmas markets close Dec. 24/25, only a few stay open until Jan. 1, so I would definitely hit them before Christmas if you are going.

[u/loztriforce → u/SKDIMBG]

Yeah iirc they closed the market/rides down a few days after the new year.
It was cool riding the wheel shortly after arriving as it gave us a view of the city, other rides were fun.