New Years Eve - Paris

The best New Year's Eve we ever had was in Paris, in 1999. The weather was mild and we spent the whole of the evening outdoors on the Champs Elysées, watching people celebrate with their bottles of champagne in hand, doing the conga , singing German, French & English songs and just being joyful. We sat on the sidewalk (all the benches were occupied by elderly Parisians who had claimed their places, I presume, early in the day) and we drank wine and just had the best time. I should add there were hundreds of Gendarmes keeping a watchful but indulgent eye on the celebration, so we never felt unsafe. It is one of my best memories of Paris, of which I have many.

Does anyone know how late public transporation (metro or buses) runs on New Years Eve? I would hate to be too far from where we are staying (Latin Quarter) and find out we don't have any way back! I had already thought about Norma's suggestion (thanks Norma), but would like a backup plan in case of bad weather.

The best New Year I've ever had was in Paris, in '95.
Any restaurant you go, you will have good time.You can't go wrong in Paris.
French people know how to celebrate and in my opinion they are the best. I spent that New Year in a small, not fancy restaurant with great food and wine. After 12 we continued with champagne on the street for a while, then wine again in a small bar.
You also can watch the fireworks from the steps of Sacre-Coeur on Montmartre.

Hi Andrea,

During a (non-holiday) day, the last subway runs at 12:30am. On New Years' Eve...hmmm, not sure.

Have you thought about going to the Ballet at the Garnier Opera House? Remonda is playing and it should be great. I think you can get some less expensive tickets in the balcony. I will be there. Happy New Year.