What to do for New Year’s Eve on December 31st? Resolution No. 1: Head to France. Resolution No. 2: Choose your city! To help you decide, here’s our selection of five New Year’s Eve getaways with spectacular views over Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, and Lyon. It’s the perfect way to get a fresh perspective on these cities before the New Year. Whether perched on a hill or overlooking the water, you’re guaranteed to make a splash!
In a Florentine villa in Lyon
Villa Florentine, Montée Saint-Barthélémy, Lyon, France
Head for Lyon's Fourvière hill, where La Villa Florentine hosts an exceptional New Year's Eve party every year. Nestling high above the city, this former Renaissance convent boasts a breathtaking view over its gardens and the entire city of Lyon. Comfortably seated at the table of the Michelin-starred restaurant ‘Les terrasses de Lyon’, gourmets will delight in a menu based on the finest products (oysters with champagne, pan-fried foie gras, langoustine soufflé, etc.) while enjoying spectacular views over Lyon.
In the old Marseille hospital
InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, Place Daviel, Marseille, France
Luxury, calm and voluptuousness: these are the watchwords for the New Year's Eve party at the Intercontinental hotel in Marseille. In the elegant and refined atmosphere of the Michelin-starred Alcyone restaurant, or in the peace and quiet of one of the suites overlooking Notre-Dame de la Garde, lovers of Provence will enjoy an unforgettable evening in this restored former Marseille hospital. And don't worry about those who prefer an electric atmosphere: the Capian Bar, on the 1st floor of the hotel, is organising a special evening with cocktails, a menu of snacks to share, a live band and a DJ to keep you dancing until the early hours of the New Year. So many options for an unforgettable evening on the Mediterranean!
On the river in Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France
What better occasion than New Year's Eve to take a trip down the Garonne to discover Bordeaux? Aboard the Le Sicambre restaurant boat, passengers will be able to admire the lights of Bordeaux and the surrounding region in an elegant and tasty jazz atmosphere. It's the perfect 3-hour cruise to sample local produce, while admiring the impressive Pont d'Aquitaine, the Cité du Vin and Château Grattequina from the river. Unforgettable!
Perched on the Eiffel Tower in Paris
On the Seine, in a Parisian cabaret, in a club or a rooftop, Paris is home to a host of evenings that are as majestic as they are unusual for New Year's Eve. This year, we're opting for a chic, gourmet ride on a double-decker bus. From the Champs-Elysées to the Pont Alexandre III, via the Grand Palais, the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has just been reopened to visitors, the Bustronome offers a 3-hour dinner with 6 seasonal dishes and a breathtaking view of Paris illuminated.
A magical history in Strasbourg
Maison Kammerzell, Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg, France
Maison Kammerzell, a landmark of Alsatian architecture and gastronomy, needs no introduction! For New Year's Eve, this not-to-be-missed Strasbourg brasserie is organising an ‘à la carte’ event. You can choose between a festive evening with a dance floor, live band and large tables, or the calm of a candlelit dinner in a cosy atmosphere... It doesn't matter! All those lucky enough to be present for this evening will enjoy a delicious menu and a breathtaking view of Strasbourg cathedral. A magical evening!
Tips and recommendations
Celebrating New Year's Eve in a major French city, decked out in all its finery for the occasion, can be magical! However, these cities are among the favourite destinations for many visitors to celebrate the New Year. So make sure you book your stay well in advance. It's also a good idea to travel by train, which offers cleaner, smoother mobility and is ideal for these destinations. You'll reduce the impact of your trip on the environment and enjoy a more relaxing journey at the same time. Have a wonderful New Year's Eve!
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
