I thought it would be fun and interesting to put together a small compilation of information about the New Year's celebration in France! After reading and discovering what takes place in France for New Year's, I have definitely added this to my list of things yet to do and events to attend! Nouvelle Annee est a Paris! OUI!
In France, New Year's Eve (31 December) is called la Saint-Sylvestre and is usually celebrated with a feast, called le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. The feast tends to include special items like champagne and foie gras, and the accompanying party can range from an intimate dinner with friends to une soirée dansante (ball).
At midnight, everyone kisses under the mistletoe** and offers their best wishes for the new year. Interestingly, kissing under the mistletoe is a New Year's custom in France, rather than a Christmas custom, as in other countries.
On New Year's Day, le Jour de l'An, friends and family share their New Year's resolutions, and may also exchange cards and gifts.
The end of the holiday season is Epiphany, on 6 January, which in France includes a traditional cake called la galette des rois.
At midnight, everyone kisses under the mistletoe** and offers their best wishes for the new year. Interestingly, kissing under the mistletoe is a New Year's custom in France, rather than a Christmas custom, as in other countries.
On New Year's Day, le Jour de l'An, friends and family share their New Year's resolutions, and may also exchange cards and gifts.
The end of the holiday season is Epiphany, on 6 January, which in France includes a traditional cake called la galette des rois.
Paris was recently ranked as one of the Top 10 spots to celebrate New Year's Eve,and the entire country has grand celebrations in honor of the close of the year and the beginning of a new one.
New Year’s Eve is of course also celebrated with balls and parties (une soirée dansante). In Southwestern France, it is traditional to attend evening Mass the evening of Saint-Sylvestre followed by a torchlight procession into the vineyards, where mulled wine awaits revelers
New Year Celebrations Around France
Paris
New Year's celebrations in Paris, are of course the most boisterous. There is a large and famous parade that takes place for two days around New Years. The parade starts in nearby Chantilly (the birthplace of whipped cream) and ends near the Trocadero (under the Eiffel Tower) on January 1. The parade includes thousands of performers, singers, dancers, and street entertainers that wind their way through the streets of Paris. There are also parties at the local bars and clubs, and much like in New York’s Times Square, thousands gather under the Eiffel Tower to watch the fireworks at midnight.
New Year's celebrations in Paris, are of course the most boisterous. There is a large and famous parade that takes place for two days around New Years. The parade starts in nearby Chantilly (the birthplace of whipped cream) and ends near the Trocadero (under the Eiffel Tower) on January 1. The parade includes thousands of performers, singers, dancers, and street entertainers that wind their way through the streets of Paris. There are also parties at the local bars and clubs, and much like in New York’s Times Square, thousands gather under the Eiffel Tower to watch the fireworks at midnight.
Cruises
Cruises have also become popular ways to ring in the New Year around France. Whether on a boat on the Seine, the Mediterranean or on one of the canals that lace the country, ringing in the New Year on water has becoming increasingly popular. Barge tours, sailing trips and cruises often have special soirees for the occasion.
Cruises have also become popular ways to ring in the New Year around France. Whether on a boat on the Seine, the Mediterranean or on one of the canals that lace the country, ringing in the New Year on water has becoming increasingly popular. Barge tours, sailing trips and cruises often have special soirees for the occasion.
Castles
Ringing in the New Years the way French nobility once did has also become popular. Private events at Chateau in the Loire and all over France have celebrations. For example, the four-star Chateau de Fere near Reims (the Champagne capital of France) hosts a Saint-Sylvestre dinner, party and fireworks to ring in the New Year.
Ringing in the New Years the way French nobility once did has also become popular. Private events at Chateau in the Loire and all over France have celebrations. For example, the four-star Chateau de Fere near Reims (the Champagne capital of France) hosts a Saint-Sylvestre dinner, party and fireworks to ring in the New Year.
Southwestern France
In Southwestern France, it is traditional to march out to the vineyards by torchlight following the midnight mass where they enjoy vin chaud and ring in the New Year.
In Southwestern France, it is traditional to march out to the vineyards by torchlight following the midnight mass where they enjoy vin chaud and ring in the New Year.
Ski Towns
The snow blanketed mountains just seem to add to the festive spirit if you spend New Years in the Alps. In Chamonix, for example, revelers ring in the New Year with Champagne in the town square and fireworks.
The snow blanketed mountains just seem to add to the festive spirit if you spend New Years in the Alps. In Chamonix, for example, revelers ring in the New Year with Champagne in the town square and fireworks.
What to Wear
New Year’s Eve is typically a formal, dressy affair in France, and even celebrations among family tend to include fairly formal attire. Remember, that when it comes to casual, the French are usually stepped up a few notches over us Americans, so don’t hesitate to go all out in the wardrobe department, especially if you are going to a party or celebration in Paris.
The Weather
It will be pretty chilly throughout France over this holiday. In Paris, the average temperature around this time of year is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In the Alps, depending on elevation, temperatures will be in the 30s and along the Mediterranean you can expect temperatures in the low to mid 50s.
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