Group of 12 ( ages 5/ 10 /17 / 21/ 24 and then 7of us over 50 ) , in Paris for New Years - we have the apartment confirmed . We have reviewed the open / close times for the museum's . Have only booked a 1 day tour in Normandy ( all day trip - surprisingly not too bad cost wise that time of year :))
Really just looking for some experienced advice for other possibilities for activities. In our group we have some WWII buffs , shoppers ,New Years Eve we plan on visiting the Eiffel Tower - other idea's or previous experiences ?
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
Assuming you arrive before New Years Day, the Christmas markets in Paris will still be open (the one on the Champs-Elysees usually runs on New Years Day as well). You'll have to look at the schedules closer to the time of your trip to see whether ice skating at the Hotel de Ville and/or Trocadero will be open. There's usually a special exhibition (or two or three) that time of year at the Port de Versailles, Grand Palais or one of the other big places. Keep in mind that there are no official fireworks on NYE in Paris. People are always disappointed by that. The lights will twinkle at the Eiffel Tower at midnight, and there will be a crowd to cheer, but it's nothing like what you see on TV at Times Square. The traditional French way a group with your ages would celebrate NYE is to share a giant meal with friends and family. I hope you get some decent weather for your day in Normandy. It's a risky time of year to try to see the D-Day sites. I have to admit I was surprised you even found a tour guide, as quite a few of them don't operate between November and March.
Posted by
OP
Mission, BC, Canada
19 posts
Thank you , I appreciate the information - we are very excited for our trip. I only contacted one tour guide in Normandy thinking as you stated most likely the wrong time of year - Dale Booth let us know the one day he was available so lets hope we don't get blown away
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10600 posts
We spent NYE in Paris a few years ago. At midnight we were on the Pont Neuf with a great view of the Eiffel Tower. People brought wine and champagne to toast with and they shot off their own fireworks. It was a lot of fun. The location put us near a metro station for an easy trip back to our apartment.
Posted by
arizona, usa
134 posts
I was in Paris on NYE on Debember 2012, if you are going to the Eiffel Tower, and want to go to the top, I recommend purchasing your tickets immediately. They sell out faster than you think. Personally I went to church at Sacre Coeur, although the service was entirely in french , it was simply beautiful. The area around the church is the highest point in Paris and provides a marvelous view. There are places to grab a hotdog and hot cider.
Be aware this location is a hot spot and lots of people attend the service in fact the church was packed so arrive early. Furthermore you don't have to stay for the entire service. Remember the metro will be packed with celebrants, shouting Bonne Annee (Happy New Year). Divine. Don't forget rain gear. Enjoy and have the time of your life.
Posted by
OP
Mission, BC, Canada
19 posts
Great tips and ideas for all ages - thanks Debbie and Andrea