Thursday, December 16, 2010

NYE in Paris - what to do!

As the city of lights, love and Dom Perignon, Paris is always ranked as one of the top New Years tourist destinations. Not surprising of course. Whether your style is fine dining, a clubbing all-nighter or a glass of champers on the sacre coeur, or by la seine watching the eiffel's twinkling light show; we've put together a list of the very best Paris has to offer...thanks to our Bed & Breakfast hosts who have supplied us with some ideas: 



1. Not a fan of crowds but still want a taste of the action? Head to Sacre Coeur Cathedral Plaza in beautiful Montmartre – another favourite (yet significantly calmer) place to bid the year farewell. From here, assuming the skies are relatively clear, you will delight in a spectacular view of the Paris skyline including the stunning light show on the Eiffel Tower. While still relatively crowded, the Montmartre street party is significantly more laid-back than its Champs-Elysees counterpart, and there are always plenty of nearby bars, cabarets and clubs to explore in the nearby Pigalle.

2. New Years Dining? Score a great deal by wandering along the city streets a week or even a few days before the big night.  You could easily find a great budget option by wandering the cobblestoned streets of beautiful Montmartre.


3. Major fireworks displays can usually be seen from the Champs-Elysees, and there are plenty of spots to go dancing or dining before or after midnight on the area. Although the ambience here is usually harmless, partying in the Champs Elysees calls for you to be especially aware of your belongings, as pick-pockets are common. Also, this wont be the party of choice if you're claustrophobic or crowd-shy.




4. Cabaret Shows. Along with dinner why not feast your eyes on a traditional cabaret show? New Years eve is an ideal time to indulge in all those Parisian cliches that everyone should experience at some point. 


Lido, Champs Elysees
Moulin Rouge, Montmatre
The Moulin Rouge is a classic, as is Lido - both with special NYE dinner and shows.


5. Party the night away!
Parisian streets are choc-a-bloc with bars and clubs that will stay open until the wee hours of the following morning! 
For those seeking a plethora of cocktail choices, head direct to Wake Up Paris – a cute and quirky bar and restaurant in the Marais district, which offers up an eclectic Brazilian music background…and one hell of a caipirinha! Another great choice for a champagne cocktail is Flûte l’Étoile – a small and intimate bar with red sofas, a fireplace, soft lighting and soothing music near the Arc de Triomphe…how very romantic!


Flutebar
Or try one of the city's top clubs - the Noveau Casino. Large and open the dance floor here is the main attraction. The Wagg is another French club that is a spot worthy of those wondering where to go on New Years Eve in Paris. Its a place you can dance and drink the night away. 


NYE at The Wagg, St Germain des Pres


6. Traditional Restaurants and Brasseries
Famous for traditional French brasserie fare, special New Years Eve dining is offered at:
Brasserie Flo (Metro Chateau d'Eau, Line 4)
Le Boeuf sur le Toit (Metro Franklin D. Roosevelt, line 9)


7. Dinner Cruises. A pricey yet amazing way to see Paris light up.
Try: Yachts de Paris offering gourmet NYE dinner cruises on the seine river. 
Bateaux Parisiens offers a comparable dinner cruise that includes musical entertainment.


Bateaux Parisien


8. Family choice: For the best front-row view of festivities, head early to Champ de Mars park in front of the Eiffel Tower. Bring wine, a picnic and an excess of warm clothing!




9. Family DiningThe Peniche Métamorphosis: is a perfect choice for families. It offers not only a special New Year’s magic show, but also a separate set menu for kids (at only a third of the adult menu price). The four-course dinner will include mouth-watering meals of foie gras, duck, salmon, crayfish, rich chocolate and quality champagne! Where? On shore, facing 3 Quai de Montebello, Paris. Time? Dinner from 10:30pm. Show from 10pm. Price? €150 for adults, €50 for kids. 


10. Christmas/NYE Illumination Tours: you will enjoy an illumination tour in open top motorcoach during 1 hour and a half. During Christmas, until Jan 2nd, Paris at night is wonderfully illuminated, with colours and lights which give the city a magical and unique atmosphere ! Let yourself be carried by the magic and romance of Paris on our open top double decker buses: Opéra, Vendôme, Concorde, Champs Elysées, Tour Eiffel, Invalides, Louvre, and the big department stores… a unique tour under the city lights that will get you into the NYE spirit.




Wondering where to stay in Paris over New Years Eve?? Stay tuned - we'll post the available B&B's shortly. Alternatively contact us on info@petitepr.com.au 


Bonne Annee xx

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