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Celebrate New Year's Eve in Paris

You’re in Paris for 31st December – have you got plans? Because we’ve got a list of things to do in Paris for New Year’s Eve if you need some inspiration at the last minute. Celebrating the turn of 2014/2015 in Paris will be a unique experience; and we want to help you make the most of it. Here are some ways to celebrate the New Year in Paris: Champs-Elysées One of the best-loved and iconic Parisian streets, the Champs-Elysées is a must if you want to get involved with the main goings-on of New Years in central Paris. It all kicks off around 9pm so you can head down early to get a prime spot among it all (just make sure you’ve got plenty of layers as it’ll be a long night). From here you can see the Eiffel Tower lit up in all its glory by an impressive light display at the stroke of midnight - but remember there aren’t any fireworks so you might want to head up to Montmartre if that's what you want. You can bring your own drinks to stay warm; vin chaud is a seasonal favourite, or some proper Champagne to keep up tradition. Arc de Triomphe Celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Arc de Triomphe is no new thing. It’s one of the most popular destinations to head to in the centre to celebrate the stroke of midnight against the iconic backdrop of the city's most important monument. But, for the first time ever, this year the Arc de Triomphe will be hosting a special light display and projecting a New Year’s presentation. No one really knows what to expect as it’s the first time anything like this has happened – but we have high hopes! Head down there for it to start at 11.30pm and the ‘show’ will end around 1am on 1st January. We reckon it’s going to be pretty special... Montmartre If you fancy something more elevated and perhaps with a better view, we recommend you head up to Montmartre to the Sacre Coeur Plaza. Here, you can enjoy sweeping views over Paris and see the rooftops illuminate at the turning of the New Year. This fun street party is a firm favourite if you plan on celebrating after 12am and with a wide range of bars, cabarets and Parisian clubs to make the most of – it’s a no brainer. Montmartre is perhaps one of the more laid-back options; you can head up when you like and stay as long as you like as there will always be a crowd of people celebrating, too! Midnight River Cruise If you’re in Paris with your partner and want to pull out the stops, Bateaux Parisiens, the Seine River Cruise company, has a range of New Year packages to celebrate on the beautiful, winding River Seine. As Paris is the city of love, midnight on the river is a perfect way to spend 2014/2015. From Dinner Cruises, to musical entertainment, champagne and an on-board bar, you can rest assured you’ll be looked after from the moment you step on deck. Make sure you book in advance as it’s fills up quickly. Traditions Wherever you are and however you’re celebrating the New Year in Paris, you might want to keep these French traditions in mind. If you’re staying in, the French also call New Year’s Eve the feast day of St Sylvester. So the run up to midnight is preceded with a large meal, usually taken with family and/or friends. Next, at the stroke of midnight, you pop Champagne or sparkling wine and kiss the person you’re next to (a bisous). You might want to strategically position yourself for this one though! And upon the countdown, 3, 2, 1 – you cheer Bonne Année!

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