“Paris exists to remind you that your dreams are real.”
As beautifully as this quote unfolds, the city of Paris also unfurls into a dreamland echoing art, fashion, food, literature, ideas and love. Holding an unparalleled, ideal status among other cities of the world, Paris is indeed the best place in the world to celebrate New Year’s eve.
Here are the top 5 things you can do to bring in the New Year in Paris–
1> Be a part of Champs-Elysées festivities
2> Catch a riverboat and soak in the festive ambience.
3> Attend the midnight mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral
4> Enjoy skating at the various ice skating rinks across the city.
5> Attend the special video show that is projected on the Arc de Triomphe and take part in the new year countdown.
Follow our exclusive guide with a handful of spots that encapsulate the classic Paris.
Iconic Sights: Must-visit Places
Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel): Symbolising Paris, the iconic Eiffel Tower with its famous tapering cast iron tip, attracts approximately seven million visitors each year. As a fun fact, the Eiffel Tower has been disclosed as the most popular spot in the world to take a “selfie”. OMW! Get those cameras rolling, guys!
Notre Dame Cathedral (Notre Dame de Paris): Located on the Île de la Cité, an island in the River Seine, Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It is also the most visited site in Paris with its 10 million yearly visitors.
The Louvre (Musée du Louvre): One of the largest museums in the world, The Louvre is renowned for its many masterpieces: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, art by Rembrandt, Caravaggio and more.
Champs-Élysées: Nearly two kilometres long, this exemplary promenade goes all the way from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle. This boulevard makes for a perfect evening walk on any day and is also the perfect place to be at during New Year’s Eve or French National Day.
Disneyland Paris: Withdraw yourself from the enchanting allure of the city and venture into a different type of magic at Disneyland Paris. This entertainment resort comprises of two parks, Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios.
In Search of Chic: Top Places to Shop At
Galeries Lafayettes: An upmarket French department store chain, Galeries Lafayettes is Paris’ most picturesque place to shop at. With a high glamour quotient, it is home to the most eminent designer and cosmetics labels.
La Vallée Village: Home to more than 110 boutiques of world-famous brands, offering incredible discounts, La Vallée Village is a luxurious day out.
Le Carrousel du Louvre: A diversified underground shopping precinct, Le Carrousel du Louvre brings shopping and culture together. Whether you wish to buy clothing, perfumes, gifts or music, this place will endow you with quality merchandise.
Les Halles and Marais: Situated in the city centre, between the Louvre and Notre Dame, Forum des Halles is home to a number of good shopping spots in an alluring and bustling underground complex.
Not very far away from this place, Le Marais deals with handicraft and antique shops and is always a safe bet to buy some exclusive artefacts.
Bon Appétit: Top Cafes of Paris
Café de Flore: This outstanding Parisian Art Deco café located at the intersection of Boulevard Saint-Germain is one of Paris’ landmark destinations with a rich history and legendary clientele. Locals describe it as a chic place for their breakfast or evening coffee and croissant.
Le Select: A great classic Parisian café-brasserie in bustling Montparnasse, Le Select is a famous literary cafe. It displays an authentic Parisian charm with mosaic tiles lining the floor and wicker chairs propping up the atmosphere.
Strada Café: It is a small, cosy cafe known for its amazing breakfast, brunches and refreshments. Do try their delicacies like homemade pies, soups, fresh orange juice, croissant and coffee.
Café de la Paix: Combining history and modernity with a perfect poetic setting, Café de la Paix was declared as a historic site in 1975 by the French government. Charming you with a taste of sophistication, the cafe has an ornate frescoed interior and is in proximity to the Paris Opera Garnier.
Paris By Night: Best Bars and Clubs
La Perle: Favourite among “boho-chic” Parisians, La Perle is a hotspot for models, fashionistas, international stylists and artists. It is just the ideal place to kick-start your evening or have a relaxed outing with a glass of wine.
Le Nouveau Casino: Celebrated as a great venue for small concerts, Le Nouveau Casino shines out as the perfect spot for a party. If you wish to party until dawn, this place will not disappoint you.
Truskel: If you need something different or want to spice things up, Truskel is the perfect escape. With dance nights all week, you can enjoy beats of punk rock, electro and indie pop at this micro-club.
Buddha-Bar: This super-cool Parisian bar is quite a popular haunt for drinkers and diners alike. It exhibits its glorious volumes on two levels segmented around a colossal Buddha. Offering varied yet complementary atmospheres, you can relax at its lounge, relish its gastronomic delights or enjoy the dance waves distilled by the DJ.
Seasons Galore: Best Time to Travel
Summer, spring, fall or winter, there is never a bad time to visit Paris. Travellers might choose a particular season depending on their itinerary, budget or what they wish to explore.
Springtime: Late March to May, Paris can be damp and icky, but once that sun starts to shine with crisp air, you are in for a treat.
Fall: September to mid-November, Paris welcomes you with splendid weather, thinner crowds, and some exciting events.
Winters: Late November to early March, you might have to bundle up through the freezing temperatures, but who does not like the ‘oh so chic’ muffler look.
Summers: June to August, the weather in Paris is just about parfait (perfect). Balmy and muggy, but positively heavenly.
From insta-worthy frames to eccentric watering holes, from haute couture to exquisite cuisine, by day or by night, a trip to Paris is always a good idea.
