Is it crazy to visit Paris over New Years?

Not really it depends where you go. I spent New Year's eve 2014 and 2015 there. It depends on where you go to spend the evening. It is dead New Year's day though. 2015 I went to St Malo in Brittany on New Year's day which turned out nice place to be on the coast.

If you're talking about the tourist sites in Paris those will be crowded

It’s never crazy to visit Paris

hey hey marty
go for it. how long will you stay, where and budget in euros? look at booking.com what's available. it is late but you will find something that suits your fancy. if i was your wife i'd be flabbergasted and say LET'S GO. you'll have a great time and enjoy it with memories to last a life time. we all have a bit of "nuts" in us. cheers
aloha

About 10 yrs ago we were there during new years week. it was not crazy, we had a little snow where we stayed nr Arc de Triomphe. Get your hotel reservations quickly, that may decide whether u go or not. Remember however many shops, restaurants etc maybe closed.

Was there over New Years while on the Rick Steves tour a few years ago. No, it’s not crazy. Beautiful time to visit! Some of us went to a church concert and dinner NYE. We did have restaurant reservations and if there’s something specific you want to do, I’d get tickets in advance. Having the Paris museum pass helped with moving faster thru some of the entrance lines. Do look up which museums are open or closed New Years Day itself. In short, It wasn’t crazy in a way that left me wishing I wasn’t there.

You don’t have to be anywhere near the Champs Elysée on NYE - Paris is a large city. It is not crazy to be in Paris during this time, Paris is always wonderful, always beautiful.

My husband and I arrived in Paris on December 31st 2016 (from the West Coast)... We knew that we would be jetlagged so we didn't have big plans for New Year's eve. We napped upon arrival and then ventured out for dinner and a late evening stroll. We stayed in the 1st - around 11 PM the energy on the street increased as people were heading toward the Champs-Élysées. At midnight we were cozied into our Airbnb and watch the festivities on the television. We were able to open our window and hear fireworks from afar.

Honestly, it was my favorite trip with my husband. I loved Paris in the off-season. It was quite cold but that didn't stop us from walking 10+ miles a day. We did a food tour and cooking class (La Cuisine Paris). I highly recommend the cooking class! We spent 5 nights in Paris and then took the train to Amsterdam for 3 nights before returning home (nonstop flight from AMS).

I hope you go and have a wonderful time!

Oh yes... one more thing
The New Year's Day church concert at L'église de la Madeleine was extraordinary!

I would jump at the chance to take this trip again!

Watching fireworks is a “blessing”?

As Cole Porter said:

I love Paris in the springtime
I love Paris in the fall
I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles
I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles
I love Paris every moment
Every moment of the year
I love Paris
Why, oh, why do I love Paris?
Because my love is near

I was at the airport 7 January 2015 for my return flight the day when Charlie Hebdo was happening.

There may be 'fireworks in the distance' but there is no big EiffelTower fire works display in Paris at new Years -- those pictures on brochures are either from 2000 or from July 14 celebrations.

I'll be there NYE and on the Elysee! I'll look for you!

Paris is always a good idea. I spent New Years in Paris 2013/ 2014. Attended the night mass @ Sacré Cœur, was magical. Go for it. Enjoy.

Sounds amazing! Do it!

Marty,
I trust you are aware that in a few days on December 5th a HUGE transportation strike will hit Paris and France. This strike may last 4 days or it may go a month per union leader threats. It will include trains, taxis, civic museum workers, Air France ground crews, air traffic controllers, truckers blocking roadways, etc.

Hopefully it will be over quickly (4 days or less).

Just be aware and plan accordingly.

Paris is always a great idea. In 2013, I attended midnight mass @ Sacre Coeur. Magnificant! I kept the bulletin and read it often. You must go to Paris for the New Years.

Personally ... we will be in Vienna. The trains run there.