If exploring new places on a budget is high on your list for 2027, why not start the year as you mean to go on and celebrate New Year's Eve in France?
The best places to celebrate New Year's Eve in France are Paris for the fireworks on the Champs-Élysées, Annecy for a countdown by the lake in the Alps, Marseille, Montpellier and Nice for a Mediterranean night out, Toulouse for the party on Place du Capitole, Strasbourg for a winter night in Alsace, and Mont Saint-Michel if you would rather keep things quiet. In France the night is called la Saint-Sylvestre, and it revolves around a long dinner known as le Réveillon.
Whether you're planning to celebrate with friends, family or your partner, this guide covers where to go, what to book and how the French welcome the new year. And if you'd rather stay closer to home, we've also rounded up New Year's Eve getaways in the UK.
Where to go for New Year's Eve in France
Your Introduction to New Year in France
Why you should spend New Year's Eve in France
New Year's Eve in France combines traditions you won't find at home, like la bise and a Réveillon dinner that lasts for hours, with excellent food, big fireworks displays in the cities, street parties at night and plenty of history to explore by day. The choice of destinations is wide too, from Paris and the Alps to the Mediterranean coast of Marseille, so there's somewhere for every kind of celebration.
How do they celebrate the New Year in France?
The French call New Year's Eve la Saint-Sylvestre, after the saint whose feast day falls on 31 December. The centrepiece of the night is the Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre, a long dinner with family or friends that often runs from the evening right through to midnight. Seafood such as oysters, foie gras and plenty of champagne are classic choices.
- A kiss at midnight: When the clock strikes twelve, it's tradition to kiss under the mistletoe and greet everyone with la bise.
- Bonne année, bonne santé: The French wish each other a happy new year and good health in the same breath.
- Le Jour de l'An: 1 January is a public holiday in France, so expect a slow, lazy day with many shops closed.
- New year wishes all January: It's normal to keep sending vœux (new year wishes) to friends and colleagues throughout January.
- Galette des Rois: Once New Year is over, bakeries fill up with the Galette des Rois (King's Cake) for Epiphany in early January. Whoever finds the hidden charm in their slice is crowned king or queen for the day.
How do you say Happy New Year in French?
If you're spending New Year in France, you'll need to know how to say it. "Bonne année" means Happy New Year, and you'll often hear it followed by "bonne santé" (good health). Don't forget to shout it with excitement at midnight!
Where to Go for New Year's Eve in France
Celebrating the New Year in France adds a real dash of French flair to the start of your year. Here are the eight best places to spend New Year's Eve in France, from big-city fireworks to quiet nights by the sea.
1. New Year's Eve in Paris
Celebrating New Year's Eve in Paris is a true bucket-list experience, up there with the best New Year destinations worldwide including New York and Amsterdam. You can feel the buzz building all evening, and there are plenty of ways to join in:
- Watch the fireworks on the Champs-Élysées: The main public celebration in Paris has in recent years taken place on the Champs-Élysées, with fireworks over the Arc de Triomphe and a light show projected onto the monument. It gets extremely busy, so arrive by 9pm to find a good spot. Check the Paris tourist office nearer the date for this year's programme.
- See the Eiffel Tower sparkle at midnight: For a slightly calmer view, find a spot with a view of the Eiffel Tower, such as the Trocadéro or the banks of the Seine, and watch the tower light up as the new year arrives.
- Seine River Cruise: Book a New Year's Eve dinner cruise on the Seine for a gourmet meal, live music and views of the illuminated Parisian landmarks.
- Montmartre Celebration: Head to Montmartre and the Place du Tertre to celebrate with locals, enjoy street performers and look out over the city from the hill.
- Lido or Moulin Rouge Cabaret Shows: Treat yourself to a glamorous evening at one of Paris's famous cabaret shows, with dinner and a performance as you welcome the New Year.
- Dine at a Michelin Star Restaurant: Paris has dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants, and many serve a special Réveillon menu. See our pick of the best Michelin star restaurants in Paris.
- Private Parties and Nightclubs: Paris has a vibrant nightlife scene, and many nightclubs and bars host New Year's Eve parties so you can dance until the early hours.
- Visit a Local Bistro: If you prefer a more intimate evening, enjoy a cosy meal at a traditional Parisian bistro and savour authentic French cooking.
Practical tips for New Year's Eve in Paris
- Book dinners, cruises and cabaret shows weeks in advance, as the best tables sell out early.
- Expect security checks and closed roads around the Champs-Élysées. Restrictions on bringing glass bottles and alcohol into the viewing area are common, so check the official rules before you pack the champagne.
- Check the RATP website for metro and RER opening hours on the night, as some stations near the Champs-Élysées may close.
Planning a trip around one of the busiest nights of the year takes some organising. To make things easier, consider an AI travel planner that books flight and hotel. However you choose to celebrate, ringing in the New Year in Paris is a dream come true for many.
2. New Year's Eve in Montpellier
How about a New Year's Eve in the South of France? Montpellier is a lively student city that welcomes plenty of young people ready to party. If you're feeling brave, you can even start the new year with a dip in the Mediterranean, though the water will be cold. With a rich food scene, local traditions and a vibrant nightlife, Montpellier is a great place to ring in 2027 in the south of France:
- Place de la Comédie: The heart of Montpellier, Place de la Comédie, comes alive on New Year's Eve with music, street performers and a festive atmosphere. Join the locals in the square to count down to midnight together.
- Party in the Old Town: Montpellier's historic old town is full of charming squares and cosy bars. Explore the winding streets, visit local bars and pubs, and celebrate with friends and fellow revellers.
- Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Book a table at one of Montpellier's restaurants for a special New Year's Eve dinner, and savour Mediterranean cooking with local wines.
3. New Year's Eve in Mont Saint Michel
One of the most beautiful sights in France, Mont Saint-Michel is special at any time of year, and even more so on New Year's Eve. Take a walk along the bay and end your evening on the island rising above the waters of the Atlantic. It's the place to choose if you want a calm, romantic New Year rather than a big party.
Other must-do Mont Saint-Michel activities over New Year include:
- Exploring the Abbey: Walk through the medieval halls of Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, climb to the top for panoramic views and learn about the island's long history.
- Take a Guided Tour: A guided tour of the abbey or the island brings its history and unusual architecture to life.
- Stroll Through the Village: Wander the cobbled streets of the village, lined with shops, cafés and small boutiques. It's a good place to pick up souvenirs.
- Enjoy a Coastal Walk: Take a walk along the shores of the bay. The tides change the landscape constantly, and the views of the abbey from a distance are spectacular. Always check tide times before walking on the sands.
4. New Year's Eve in Marseille
On the Mediterranean coast, Marseille and the nearby Calanques are great places either to party or to relax. Dance the night away in one of the city's many clubs and bars, or head to the Calanques for a quiet, romantic New Year's Eve with your partner.
For more ideas, read our complete guide to Marseille.
5. New Year's Eve in Toulouse
If you're planning a New Year holiday in France, consider Toulouse. The city's central square, the Place du Capitole, is the focal point of the celebrations, and it has hosted fireworks at midnight in previous years. Locals gather to share the moment, exchanging kisses and good wishes, while live music and street parties keep the atmosphere going late into the night. Toulouse's mix of history, warm hospitality and lively celebrations makes it a great place to start 2027.
6. New Year's Eve in Annecy
We all love Annecy for its charm. This small French town with its lake and mountain views shines on New Year's Eve, and it's perfect for starting the new year with a dose of fresh Alpine air.
Our recommendations for celebrating New Year's Eve in Annecy include:
- Dinner in Annecy's Old Town: Start your evening with a romantic dinner in the old town. Many restaurants offer special New Year's Eve menus, so you can try Savoyard cooking in a cosy setting.
- Taking a Lake Annecy Cruise: Consider booking a New Year's Eve cruise on Lake Annecy, with dinner, music and views of the lake and the snow-covered Alps.
- Fireworks by the Lake: Annecy has celebrated with fireworks over the lake at midnight in previous years. Check the town's programme for this year, then join the locals at the lakeside to watch the reflections on the water.
- Countdown in Old Town Square: Head to the Place Notre-Dame in the old town for the countdown to midnight, where you can celebrate with locals and visitors alike.
- Live Music and Entertainment: Check local listings for live music at bars and venues around Annecy. Some host New Year's Eve parties with DJs and performers.
- Fireworks at Semnoz: If you're up for a short drive, the nearby Semnoz mountain offers a high vantage point over Lake Annecy. Check locally whether a fireworks show is planned for this year.
- New Year's skiing: Winter sports fans can spend New Year's Eve in the mountains: ski during the day, then enjoy a Savoyard fondue and go dancing at night.
7. New Year's Eve in Nice
For a New Year's Eve with a sea view, head to Nice on the French Riviera. Winter days here are often mild and sunny, which makes a walk along the Promenade des Anglais on 31 December a real treat. Spend the evening over dinner in the old town, Vieux Nice, then join the crowds by the seafront as midnight approaches. Check the city's official events programme for this year's celebrations. On New Year's Day, walk up Castle Hill for a view over the Baie des Anges to start the year.
8. New Year's Eve in Strasbourg and Alsace
If you love a proper winter atmosphere, spend New Year in Alsace. Strasbourg's old town, the Grande Île, with its cathedral and half-timbered houses, is beautiful when lit up for the festive season, and the city's cosy winstubs serve hearty Alsatian dishes for a New Year's Eve dinner. For something smaller, the wine villages around Colmar make a charming base. As Alsace sits right on the German border, the New Year celebrations here have a flavour all of their own.
If you're travelling earlier in December, see our guide to celebrating Christmas in France too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place in France for New Year's Eve?
Paris is the best choice for big fireworks and nightlife, with the main celebrations on the Champs-Élysées. For a smaller, more scenic New Year, Annecy in the Alps and Nice on the Riviera are great options, while Toulouse, Marseille and Montpellier offer lively street parties in the south.
What is New Year's Eve called in France?
New Year's Eve is called la Saint-Sylvestre in France, and the celebratory dinner is called le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre. New Year's Day is le Jour de l'An.
Is New Year's Day a public holiday in France?
Yes. 1 January is a public holiday in France, so many shops, banks and museums are closed. Restaurants and some attractions in tourist areas stay open, but it's worth checking opening hours before you go.
What time should you arrive for the Paris New Year's Eve fireworks?
Aim to arrive on the Champs-Élysées by around 9pm. The area fills up quickly and access points can close once it reaches capacity, so the earlier you arrive, the better your view will be.
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Still deciding where to go? See our guide to the best New Year destinations beyond France.