The French celebrate the New Year with spectacular fireworks, parties, and lots of gourmet food. The New Year’s Eve, which is called Le Réveillon du Nouvel An or Le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre, is a family holiday for most people. However, the younger crowds prefer to go out clubbing to enjoy live music and dancing. Another excellent idea is to attend a gourmet New Year dinner in a restaurant. Be ready to be smitten by delicacies like foie gras, escargot, or caviar. At midnight, many people get to the streets to watch fireworks and wish each other "Bonne année!"
Paris
Some of the largest New Year's Eve mass festivities take place in Paris on Champs-Elysées. The street becomes pedestrian-only on December 31, as thousands flock here to see a laser light and pyrotechnics show over the Arc de Triomphe. Some impressive New Year's Eve fireworks can be viewed at Disneyland Paris. The special party from 8 pm to 2 am features music, dances, various attractions, and encounters with kids' favorite Disney characters.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, located on the River Rhine, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe during the winter holidays. The spectacular holiday lights display illuminate its picturesque canals and bridges. Strasbourg, which hosts the Council of Europe and the European parliament, is also known for its beautiful architecture. Many people gather near the giant Christmas tree on Strasbourg's Place Kléber. Alsatian cuisine and plenty of champagne will help you celebrate in a unique way! Another good idea is to head to Epernay, the capital of champagne, located in two hours by train from Strasbourg.
French Riviera
The southeastern coast of France hosts some of the best NYE events and festivities. Nice is known for its New Year concerts in the opera, the philharmonics, and the Acropolis Convention Center. Before midnight, people gather on Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena to see New Year fireworks launched from boats. Many clubs and restaurants in Nice offer live concerts and gourmet dinners with signature French seafood dishes.
In Cannes, people gather on Promenade de la Croisette to see the pyrotechnic show and display over the Bay of Cannes. Le Suquet is another good area to see the fireworks. Cannes has three casinos, Croisette, Palm Beach, and Les Princes, which host special events for NYE. You can also head to neighboring Monaco to see some of the most extravagant New Year parties in Europe.
