Story by Tory Hoen, Haven in Paris CorrespondentWhat are you doing for New Year’s Eve? This recurring question inevitably divides the population into two camps: those who want to hit the streets and party ‘til the break of dawn, and those who would prefer to hibernate at home until the mayhem subsides. Happily, there are plenty of options for both the revelers and the hibernators (and for those who fall somewhere in between). If you’re lucky enough to be ringing in 2010 in Paris, we have some ideas for you!
When it comes to navigating any big city on New Year’s Eve, a little planning goes a long way. Like many cities, Paris gets crowded and can be difficult to navigate if you don’t have a game plan. Even if you’re in a “see where the night takes you” kind of mood, it’s a good idea to—at the very least—have a sense of where you would like to be at the stroke of midnight. (Unless you’re cool with getting stuck celebrating on the Metro, in which case, go with the flow!)
No matter what your New Year’s style, here are a few ideas to consider:
Festive Night In—If you’re not crazy about the idea of braving the crowds, do as many real Parisians do and celebrate chez vous. Most markets and grocery stores are open on December 31 to accommodate revelers who are stocking up on champagne, foie gras, fresh oysters, and desserts to be enjoyed at home that evening. If you want oysters, try to order them a few days ahead of time to ensure that they will be available for the big night. Shop at your local open-air market, or head to the Grande Epicerie at the Bon Marché for an exquisite (if a bit expensive) culinary experience. Once you’re stocked up, kick back for a relaxing night in.
Wining and Dining—Many restaurants offer special menus for New Year’s Eve. Be wary of many of them—they tend to be pricey and geared towards tourists. But there are a few that may be worth the splurge for foodies looking for an experience. Hipsters will undoubtedly flock to Paris’ new Philippe Starck-designed hotel, Mama Shelter, which is offering a prix fixe (149 € for adults, 59 € for children under 12) that includes oysters, smoked salmon, truffled capon, scallops, sumptuous desserts, champagne and wine. The dinner goes from 9pm-midnight, after which DJs will spin until 3:30am. To reserve, contact restaurant@mamashelter.com.
If price is no object and the idea of dining in the Eiffel Tower makes you swoon, check out Jules Verne’s NYE menu. The 9-courseprix fixe (580 € just dinner, 770 € with drinks) includes chestnut soup, seared scallops, langoustines, turbot, venison, a cheese course, a chestnut-blackcurrant dome and various sorbets. A selection of champagne and wines are included f you elect to go with the more expensive menu option. For big spenders who want to take in a view of the city at night, you can’t beat this restaurant’s view. To reserve, email reservation.jv@lejulesverne-paris.com.
Join the Crowd—If you want to cut to the chase and party with the masses, the Champs Elysées is the place to be. Bundle up, bring your own champagne (and glasses) and prepare to make friends… and lots of them. This is one of the biggest block parties of the year. While you can join the fun anywhere along Paris’ grandest boulevard, taking the metro to “Franklin D. Roosevelt” (Lines 1 and 9) will put you in the center of the action.
For a slightly less insane (but still convivial) experience, head to Sacré Coeur in Montmartre. (Metro Abbesses, Line 12 or Anvers, Line 2). From the hilltop, you’ll have a sublime view of Paris at night. Make sure to keep your eye on the Eiffel tower around midnight.
Bridges of Paris & Eiffel Tower View—If it’s not too cold, consider grabbing a bottle of bubbly and heading to any of Paris’ bridges (particularly Pont Neuf or Pont des Arts). Tons of people will be hanging out, chatting each other up and waiting for the Eiffel Tower’s light show at the stroke of midnight.
Kitschy Traditions—If you’re looking for quintessential Parisian kitsch, try catching a show at cabaret institutions like the Moulin Rouge or Lido. The NYE menus include caviar, lobster, champagne, and a whole lot of bedazzled dancers. While you’re not likely to meet a lot of Frenchies in the crowd, you will experience enough glitz-and-glam to last you through the new year (and beyond). For reservations, book directly through their websites.
Family-Friendly Fun—If you’re in town with young kids, you may want to hunker down before midnight rolls around. But early in the evening, browse the holiday market on the Champs-Elysées and then make your way to the illuminated ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde (Metro: Concorde, Lines 1 and 12). Open ’til midnight, it’s a great way to view the city lights from up high before heading home to curl up by the fire.
Written by Tory Hoen for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris. Top photo of Revelers on the Champs Elysees courtesy of watoday.com.au. Home page photo courtesy of arras-france.com.
