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➡️ New Year's Eve In Paris 2023 - From Paris Insiders Guide: This is a guide to experiences found in Paris this New Year’s Eve, including Seine River cruises with French dinners and views, festive meals at the Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie, vibrant cabaret shows, classical music concerts in historic venues, and activities around the Champs Elysées.

➡️ 10 ideas for a festive New Year’s Eve - A few more ideas for things to do in Paris this New Year’s Eve from Paris je T’aime: “Outstanding dinners, highly colorful shows, theatre, humor, cruises or bus trips… Get our ideas for fun things to do to make sure you enjoy a truly memorable New Year's Eve 2023!”

➡️ Watch Paris Ring In The New Year - For those interested in watching France's New Year's Eve show, Le Réveillon, it will be available for live streaming internationally on France 24 with English commentary.

SPECIAL FEATURE
Illuminating the New Year: The Champs-Elysées Fireworks Spectacle

For New Year's Eve 2023, the Champs-Elysées in Paris will host a spectacular celebration featuring a festive sound and light show at the Arc de Triomphe. Beginning at 11:59 pm, a countdown will lead into the New Year. At midnight, an eight-minute fireworks display will launch, featuring 3,386 fireworks set to music by French artists like Juliette Armanet and Clara Luciani. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience on one of the world's most beautiful avenues.

CAFÉ CULTURE
Toasting Traditions: Réveillon Revelries at Paris's Cherished Cafés

As the calendar approaches its grand turnover, Parisian cafés, those cultural cornerstones of the City of Light, don their festive best to welcome the New Year. This year, we spotlight Café Louise and La Mère Catherine, two establishments that offer an experience steeped in Parisian tradition and cheer.

Café Louise — The Saint-Germain Gem
Nestled in the literary bosom of Saint-Germain-des-Près, Café Louise is already known for its elegant atmosphere and continuous service, a beacon for the diverse clientele that flows through its doors. Come Réveillon (New Year’s Eve), the café transforms into a scene from a Parisian fairytale. Here, the New Year’s Eve dinner is an affair to remember, a gourmet indulgence that marries the coziness of a café with the excitement of a soirée. The night is a symphony of refined flavors and melodies, building up to the crescendo of midnight confetti and a DJ spinning tracks until the dawn of the New Year.

La Mère Catherine — A Montmartre Tradition
Just a stone's throw from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, La Mère Catherine, established in 1793, is a Montmartre icon. On New Year’s Eve, they welcome guests to an evening enriched with French gastronomic artistry. The evening begins at 8:00 pm with a singer and pianist duo, setting a cheerful atmosphere. Guests will enjoy an exquisite menu, and as the night progresses, party favors will be distributed for an unforgettable celebration lasting until dawn. This is an opportunity to indulge in Montmartre's historic charm and culinary excellence.

In these venues, the spirit of Paris is palpable, as alive in the clinking of glasses as in the laughter and conversation that fills the room. Whether you’re raising a toast at Café Louise or savoring the gastronomic delights at La Mère Catherine, you’re partaking in a ritual beyond the mere act of dining. You’re weaving yourself into the very fabric of Parisian culture as it celebrates another year of history, romance, and the joie de vivre that makes this city timeless.

HIDDEN GEMS
Hidden Gems: The Secret Lanterns of Paris - New Year's Eve in Secluded Splendor

When the grand boulevards of Paris buzz with New Year's Eve excitement, a select few seek solace in the city's secret lanterns—those tucked-away spots that glow with an intimate allure. In this issue, we illuminate two of Paris's best-kept secrets, where New Year's Eve is a hushed whisper of elegance and tradition.

L’Écurie – The Quaint Relic
Hidden in the embrace of the Latin Quarter, L’Écurie is a restaurant and bar with walls echoing with tales dating back to 1798. Once a horse stable, it now serves as a retreat for those in the know. Here, New Year's Eve is a quiet ode to the past, with rustic stone walls and wooden beams framing a night of gastronomic heritage. The menu is a discreet nod to classic French fare, accompanied by a selection of wines as rich in history as the surroundings.

Le Coupe-Chou – A Journey Back in Time
Another gem, Le Coupe-Chou, sits like a time capsule amidst the ancient streets surrounding the Sorbonne. Its labyrinthine rooms and fireplaces offer a New Year's Eve experience reminiscent of a Paris long past. The flicker of candlelight dances across antique furnishings, casting shadows that tell of the centuries-old romance. It's an escape where the present New Year's revelry is gently cradled in the arms of history.

These establishments don't clamor for attention; they don’t need to. Their allure lies in their subtlety and the stories they guard. To celebrate New Year's Eve in such places is to be part of a serene, almost secret society of Parisians and in-the-know visitors who value the quiet heartbeat of the city.

ART & LITERATURE
New Year’s Eve at the Moulin Rouge: A Spectacle of Parisian Grandeur

This New Year's Eve, let's step into the Moulin Rouge, the temple of French Cancan, a Parisian cabaret that has enchanted the world since 1889. Located at the foot of Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge is not just a venue; it's a living story, a celebration of Parisian art and culture.

A Night of Féerie and Festivities
As the clock winds down on December 31st, the Moulin Rouge unveils its "Soirée Plaisir" – an evening that promises to be a highlight of Parisian life. The night begins with a dinner dance set to the tunes of the Moulin Rouge orchestra, setting the stage for an evening of elegance and excitement. At 10:00 p.m., the curtain rises for the famous show "Féerie," a revue that captivates with a troupe of 100 artists, including the 60 Doriss Girls. This show is a visual feast, with 1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins.

Midnight Magic and Beyond
As midnight strikes, guests are treated to New Year wishes and the chance to dance the night away with a DJ and party novelties. The Moulin Rouge offers a unique experience where the atmosphere of a grand Parisian party is palpable. Here, every moment is a celebration – of art, of history, of life in Paris.

Gastronomic Delights
The gourmet dinner is an integral part of the experience, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared by the Moulin Rouge’s Chef. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey that complements the visual spectacle, making the evening a treat for all senses.

The Essence of Parisian Cabaret
The Moulin Rouge on New Year's Eve is more than just a party; it symbolizes Paris's enduring love affair with art and entertainment. It represents the city's ability to embrace tradition while continually reinventing itself. This cabaret is a character in the narrative of Paris, a narrative that weaves together stories of artists, writers, and performers who have all played a part in shaping the city’s cultural heritage.

A PEEK INTO HISTORY
A Peek into History: The Evolution of Réveillon in Paris

As we embrace the New Year, let's turn the pages back to explore how Parisians of yesteryears celebrated Réveillon, the traditional French New Year's Eve.

From Royal Banquets to Revolutionary Festivities
In the days of the monarchy, Réveillon was a grand affair, marked by lavish banquets hosted by the aristocracy. The opulent halls of Versailles witnessed extravagant celebrations where feasts, music, and dance lasted until dawn. However, the French Revolution brought a shift. Public squares became the center of festivities as Parisians sought to break away from royal traditions and celebrate in a more egalitarian spirit.

The Belle Époque and the Rise of Cabarets
Moving into the Belle Époque, Paris transformed into the City of Light, and with it, Réveillon celebrations became more public and inclusive. This era saw the rise of cabarets and music halls, like the Moulin Rouge, which opened its doors in 1889. These venues became the heart of Parisian nightlife, offering a blend of entertainment, dining, and dancing, a staple for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Wartime Réveillons and the Resilient Parisian Spirit
During the World Wars, Réveillon took a more subdued tone. Despite hardships, Parisians held onto their traditions as a symbol of resilience and hope. Families and friends gathered in bistros and homes to celebrate with whatever luxuries they could muster, proving that the spirit of Réveillon was not about grandeur but togetherness and hope.

Modern-Day Celebrations: A Reflection of History
Today, Réveillon in Paris is a vibrant blend of the past and present. The Champs-Élysées becomes a spectacle of lights, and fireworks by the Eiffel Tower create a mesmerizing display. Elegant dinners, street parties, and the continuation of cabaret shows echo the city's historical journey.

PARISIAN MUSINGS
Embracing the New Year with a Parisian Heart

As the festive lights twinkle along the Seine and the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower cuts a striking figure against the winter sky, Parisians and visitors prepare to welcome the New Year. In these moments, the city seems to pause, caught between the old and the new, reflecting on the year that has passed and anticipating the one to come.

The Quiet Contemplation of Winter in Paris
Winter in Paris has a unique charm. The brisk air is introspective, prompting us to slow down and savor the moment. Cafés become havens of warmth and reflection, where one can while away hours over a steaming cup of café, in meditative thought or the pages of a good book.

New Year's Resolutions à la Parisienne
New Year’s resolutions in Paris often transcend the typical. Here, they might involve embracing the art of flânerie - strolling the city with no purpose other than to experience it. Or they might be about seeking out new hidden gems, be it a small art gallery in Marais or an unexplored garden in Quartier Latin. Parisians understand that life's richness often lies in the journey, not just the destination.

The Shared Spirit of Réveillon
Réveillon in Paris is more than a night of celebration; it's a shared spirit that brings together families, friends, and strangers. Whether it's a grand soiree or a simple gathering, a sense of camaraderie permeates the air. It's a time when the city's heartbeat syncs with those celebrating, each beat a reminder of the collective joy and hope that ushers in the New Year.

As we step into the New Year, let's carry the lessons and experiences of the past year. Let's walk the cobbled streets of Paris with a renewed sense of wonder, ready to write new stories and create new memories. And as the fireworks illuminate the Parisian sky at midnight, let us remember that each spark symbolizes our hopes and dreams for the year ahead.

FRENCH SONG OF THE WEEK
“Les Champs-Elysees” by Joe Dassin

For our New Year's edition, we're embracing the joyful rhythms of "Les Champs-Elysées" by Joe Dassin. With its lively melody, this beloved tune is a perfect anthem for all who cherish Paris. It's a song that transports you straight to the city's bustling heart, capturing the essence of the famed avenue. As we step into the New Year, let this song remind us of Paris's timeless charm and vivacity, a city that continues to inspire and enchant us all.