New Year’s Eve, or “Nouvel An” in French, is a festive occasion celebrated on January 1st in France. It is a time for people to come together with family and friends to mark the start of a new year and to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and challenges.
One of the most common ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in France is by attending a “réveillon,” a traditional meal held either at home or in a restaurant or café. These meals often consist of several courses, with wine or champagne served throughout the evening.
As midnight approaches, many people gather on the Champs-Elysées or in front of the Eiffel Tower, where they wait with their bottles of champagne for the clock to strike twelve. This is when the iconic “bise du Nouvel An” takes place, which is the exchange of kisses on the cheek between friends and family as they wish each other happiness and good health for the new year.
In recent years, many French people have also started to celebrate New Year’s Eve by attending parties or events held in nightclubs and other venues. These celebrations often include music, dancing, and fireworks displays.