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New Year Celebration In France: Traditions, Events & More.
Schengen countries, especially France, is preferred by travelers if they wish to celebrate the new year in a unique way. Imagine enjoying the fireworks behind the Eiffel Tower the moment the new year starts. Incredibly beautiful, right? If you have made up your mind to have the New Year celebration in France and want to find out the typical French traditions, revelries and foods, then this blog is for you.
Everything About New Year Celebrations In France
New Year’s Eve is all about leaving the negativities behind, making a new start, and beginning with positivity. The same is true in France, which follows the Gregorian calendar. As per traditions, 31st December is New Year’s Eve, and the following day 1st January, is the most awaited holiday.
What can be said in New Year rhymes,
That’s not been said a thousand times?
The new years come, the old years go,
We know we dream; we dream we know.
Rise up laughing with the light,
Lie down weeping with the night.
Hug the world until it stings,
Curse it then and sigh for wings.
Live, we love, we woo, we wed,
Wreathe our brides, we sheet our dead.
Laugh, we weep, we hope, we fear,
And that’s the burden of the year.
A Brief History of New year celebrations in France
Only a few people knew that the 1st of January is called Jour de l’An, and the actual day of New Year’s Eve is called “la Saint-Sylvestre” in French. This eve was named after the Catholic Pope Sylvestre I, who died on 31st December in 335 AD.
On this day, a feast is celebrated, hence this day is known as Saint Sylvester’s Day.
The interesting fact is during this time, the New year was around the end of March, which was then changed in 1564 when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. This designated 1st January as the start of the New Year.
But there is nothing like a religious celebration in France, as the country has its own distinctive traditions for the “St. Sylvestre.”
So, here we are, enlisting the unique traditions of the New Year celebration in France.
Unique New Year celebrations in France
Wishing “Bonne Annee”
The first time French people see each other in New Year, they greet people with a “Bonne Annee.” Whether it is the beginning or late January, they wish everyone with excitement. Along with wishing “Bonne Annee,” they also wish “Bonne Sante” meaning good health.
Oysters and champagne
One of the most famous French New Year traditions is to serve oysters as an appetizer. On this occasion, oysters are generally served with a glass of French champagne. Classic French dish, fresh oysters are usually not cooked but served fresh.
What makes serving oysters a bit hard is opening the top shell. Squeezing a bit of lemon and serving it to the visitors is really amazing. And yes, make sure you purchase oysters from reputed sellers or restaurants only because bad oysters can lead to allergies or health issues.
Celebrating together
For French people, getting together on New Year and beginning new things is important. They prefer to go to friends or family for parties rather than going to expensive dinners or clubs.
French people like to have apero-style drinks with their close ones late at night, which shows that house parties are more popular in France than club parties on New Year.
Fancy house parties
House parties are very popular on New Year’s Eve rather than going out to clubs or restaurants. And that’s the reason French people organize fancy dress parties to make their house parties interesting and festive.
During this occasion, people dress up differently in their favorite costumes and enjoy their drinks & food.
Buche de Nouvel An (cake)
Generally, Buche de Noel An is being served on New Year’s Eve. This is a traditional fresh cake which is served at during dessert time. The dish is served along with digestif.
This dish is a chocolate roll cake, which is also baken with other flavors. Locals use to serve such dishes during Christmas as well as Easter.
Cheek kisses
In France, when you greet someone you know, there is a tradition to greet with “cheek kisses” or bises. The same takes place on New Year’s night in France, when people go around each other and wish them cheek kisses.
Classical concert around the Eiffel Tower
On the Eve of the New Year, a concert takes place around the Eiffel Tower on the Champs de Mars, which is host by perennial host Stéphane Bern who is a renowned TV personality. Usually begins in the evening, when famous opera singers and musicians entertain the crowd at the Philharmonie de Paris. The concert runs for hours until the TV broadcast transfers over to the Avenue de Champs Elysees.
Late-night public transport
Another unique tradition in the New Year celebration in France is late-night public transport which is fully free of cost. In Paris as well as other cities in France, transport is open all night, giving an opportunity to explore on peaceful winter nights.
Sending cards
Sending cards is a warm gesture, right? This is what French people do by sending New Year’s wishes through greeting cards. People often meet their friends and families and travel this time, so they use to sending postcards or personalized cards to them.
January winter sales
A lot of travelers think that exciting activities are just for the New Year and nothing is left enjoyable after this, but there are many reasons to visit Paris after New Year too. During this time, the official winter sales period starts with 2nd week of January which runs for four weeks.
This tradition offers the opportunity to many French people who wish to purchase items with big offers. So, if you enjoy shopping, you will definitely like this period!!
Galette de Roi and Epiphany
A few days after the beginning of the New Year is the celebration of Epiphany in France. This three King’s Day is not an official public holiday, but it is a crucial occasion in the French calendar. On 6th January, French people pig out on a pastry from Brittany which is known as galette de roi.
These pastries are usually tiny, called feuve, which is hided with the galette. In this game, a person who find the pastries is given the title of King or Queen on the day.
New Year Celebrations In France
Even while we sing, he smiles his last,
And leaves our sphere behind.
The good old year is with the past;
Oh, be the new as kind!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One parting strain, and then away.
Paris
Can a New Year’s celebration in a “City of Lights” be disappointing? Of course, not! During this celebration, famous parades take place for two days in this city. The parade starts in nearby Chantilly and ends in the Trocadero on 1st January.
Seeing this parade is a vibrant experience as it includes thousands of singers, performers, dancers, and entertainers going through the streets. During this time, clubs and bars also organize parties, and people gather under the Eiffel Tower to watch the incredible fireworks.
Cruises
The cruise experience is just remarkable, right travelers? Cruises have become a famous way to enhance vacations or New Year celebrations in France.
Whether on a boat on the Seine, canals lacing the country, or the Mediterranean, these have become popular in the New Year. If you love these activities like sailing trips or cruise trips, then this period is best.
Southwestern France
In Southwestern France, it is a tradition to march to vineyards in a midnight mass, where travelers can enjoy vin chaud and begin the New Year.
Ski Towns
The snow-blanketed mountains always make up a serene view and add a different charm to these New Year festivities. If you wish to spend New Year in the Alps, then you can roam around different cities to enjoy stunning festive activities.
For example, in Chamonix, travelers ring in the New Year with Champagne.
Tips to Enjoy New Year Celebration in France
The year, whose hopes were high and strong,
Has now no hopes to wake;
Yet one hour more of jest and song
For his familiar sake.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One mirthful hour, and then away.
Undoubtedly, getting excited for the New Year is obvious. But if you are planning to spend this New Year in France, make sure to know some tips. Safety is definitely a key to celebrating your occasion stress-free. New Year’s Eve is full of crowds, so be mindful, especially while watching fireworks.
Also, if you love to try famous French wines, then make sure you know the rules. Here we are listing some things that you must know as a traveler while enjoying the New Year celebration in France.
- How to Wish a Happy New Year? Wishing a Happy New Year in French is easy yet meaningful. Just say “Bonne Année” for good wishes. This warm gesture is a great way to connect with locals and embrace French culture during your New Year celebrations.
- Accommodation and Travel bookings: Prior Planning is important for a hassle-free New Year experience. It is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance, as places fill up fast around the New Year celebrations. Also, make sure you know a bit about local transportation options to navigate the cities & locations easily.
- New Year Shopping: New Year is a great time for shopping. The winter sales generally begin in January, which also offers fantastic deals. From aesthetic fashion to antique local crafts, there’s something for every traveler to shop here.
- Popular New Year Traditions: Being here, you can experience the popular New Year traditions, which will level up your New Year experience. From the kissing under the Eiffel Tower to the exchange of small gifts, these customs add a special vibe to the festivities.
- French New Year’s Day: A Day of Celebration: New Year’s Day in France is often a day of relaxation, retreat, and rest. People spend the day with family, enjoying a luscious meal and reflecting on the year gone by. It’s a serene experince.
Wishing all my readers “Bonne Année”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, are you excited about the New Year celebration in France? The new year in this vibrant country is like an adventure which is full of traditions, joy, and moments.
Just embrace the cultural festivities, indulge in delicious food, and make memories with your loved ones. And yes, ensure your trip by applying for a France visa from the UK.
FAQ’s
Galette des Rois
Foie gras
Oysters
Champagne
Happy New Year is “Bonne Annee” in French.
Cities to visit for New Year celebration in France:
Paris
Lyon
Marseille
Bordeaux
Nice
French New Year’s Eve is popular as “Le Reveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre.” Le Reveillon” means “the awakening,” which denotes a night-time celebration, whereas “La Saint-Sylvestre” is the patron saint of the New Year.
