Still looking for ideas for New Year's Eve in Paris? The city is full of bars, clubs, brasseries, restaurants, pubs, concerts, parties…Phew. It can be overwhelming at the best of times, never mind on December 31st. Luckily, we’re here to help! Whatever your idea of a good night out, there should be something in this round-up to help you see 2012 out with a bang!
The obvious place to check out is the Champs-Elysées and environs, and for good reason. The soirées seem steeply priced but tend to include more than one free drink, a buffet and a huge dancefloor to try out your moves on.
Regine’s is always worth a visit and their New Year’s party promises to be extra special – a masked ball! Don’t worry if you’re not armed with your own mask as they provide them at the door. Entry is from 50€ and participants are encouraged to soak up the atmosphere of the Venetian Carnival (or Eyes Wide Shut, if you prefer…).
Most of the big nights will include a good mix of ages, but for those who want something a little more exclusive, Chez Papillon are offering a specifically over-30s New Year which promises to be chic and refined – remember to dress to the nines!
For something a bit more playful, try Operation Seduction at Les Planches. Revellers don’t just get breakfast and streamers, but also a wristband color-coded as to their relationship status! Could be the easiest way to find a partner to kiss at midnight…
Of course, the big nights aren’t limited to the Champs-Elysées. A trip out past the Chateau de Vincennes could well be worth it in the historically listed building Le Chalet de la Porte Jaune, opening especially for the night of the 31st and offering two different evenings. Salle Belvedere will host Royal New Year , the only night in Paris offering a private firework display! For something a little sexier in the same beautiful location, the Playboy Party could be for you – DJ Stanley Winter will be playing House, R’n’B, Electro and more while Playboys and Playmates keep you entertained.
La Machine du Moulin Rouge is also offering two unique evenings depending on your music taste – the best of up-and-coming electro at their Electronic Music night at the bargain price of 29€ (although no drinks included), or a Disco night with 30 years of the biggest disco hits for those in a nostalgic mood.
Nostalgia seems to be a big theme of many of the club nights, which is surely a natural way to commemorate the passing of time. The Bellevilloise are presenting their successful Boogie Night for a second time. The fee of 45€ will buy you entry, two free drinks and three separate dance floors – one with 30 years of hits, one with the funkiest Latino beats and another channelling the spirit of Studio 54.
Djoon will be the place to be for those with a love of Motown – their Soulful Club is hosting All U Can Dance, a hotly anticipated New Year’s night featuring hot soul and even hotter moves. Get practicing now!
InFunkWeTrust also intend to keep the party going from the 70s until now with their night at New Morning, including not only DJs but also live funk band ‘Monkey Business’ performing the biggest hits of the decades.
Bus Palladium have instead opted for the 80s as their New Year’s theme and their playlist promises some of the biggest hits of the decade (including some French 80s classics!). Dig out your coolest retro gear and reserve in advance for the special rate or 49€ including three free drinks.
Players edges even further towards the present day with their big evening promising an even mix between 80s and 90s hits, all with their classic videos mixed and projected on 30 giant screens. If you’ve thrown away all your fluorescent memorabilia, don’t worry – they have stocks to keep you going to midnight and beyond.
If you can’t decide on a particular decade Le Bal du Bataclan may be for you – DJ Marc Ryan will be playing 30s years of hits for an expected 1200 partygoers. Guests are encouraged (but not obliged) to attend in fancy dress if the mood so takes them…
For something completely different, head over to La Java for a Gypsy-Themed New Year. In its 10th year now, the celebration includes a wide range of live acts followed by a set by DJ Tagada, playing everything from gypsy punk to klezmer hip-hop.
One of the hippest places to be will be the Alimentation Generale, where you can enter for just 20€ including a free cocktail or glass of champagne and enjoy ‘Le Best of 2012’, including everything from cumbia, reggae, electronica, hiphop, afrobeat and more.
Last but not least, the veritable Parisian classic Caveau de la Huchette will welcome the Drew Davies Swing Party channelling the vibes of the Cotton Club for the crowds packed into the historic jazz cellar. Comfortable dancing shoes are a must whatever your age – don’t expect to stop dancing til dawn!
And as almost every nighlife venue in Paris is having some sort of special soirée for New Year's Eve, here are a few extra quick links to some of the city's best-known venues:
Le VIP Room (1st)
Le Showcase (8th)
Point Ephémère (10th)
Le Batofar (13th)
La Dame de Canton (13th)
L'Arc de Paris (16th)
Le Cabaret Sauvage (19th)
Whatever you do and wherever you go, the team here at Secrets of Paris wish you a bonne année!