New Year's in Paris

Paris is a town that knows how to celebrate. In fact, it's true that in a sense every day in Paris is something of a celebration.

New Year's Eve in Paris can take the form of family fun, a night out on the town, or one of the many wonderful events that Parisians and visitors use to ring in the New Year. We recommend looking for an apartment in Paris well in advance. But even if you don't, you may yet find something "last minute," and www.mykeystoparis.com has a wide selection of possibilities to explore.

If fine dining and sightseeing are your first love, it's an excellent time to book a Seine cruise. There are themes available for couples such as Romantic Night dinner cruises for two. Be sure to inquire in advance.

As in the rest of France, New Year's (also known as "St. Sylvestre") for many means flowing champagne, kisses on the cheek and joyful cries of "Bonne Annee!" It also may feature heated wine (much like warm cider) called "vin chaud," and apple cider itself, which has only a mild alcoholic content. Of course, non-alcoholic beverages are also plentiful in supply!

Some popular treats include chocolate and novelty candies that have wrappers that pop like firecrackers. Look for these in the many grocery stores in Paris. And of course, there are actual firecrackers, which are legal and enjoyed by many. You should be aware that part of the experience of being out on the town means fireworks, so use reasonable caution and try and get into the holiday spirit that fills the streets.

The Champs-Elysees is the equivalent of New York's Times Square, "the" place where people flock to have fun, although you may want to opt for a different evening if you dislike crowds. As always in Paris, there is the occasional danger of pickpockets, but the celebratory vibe is generally harmless. If you want a somewhat more sedate sendoff for the New Year, you may want to find a secluded spot somewhere in view of the Eiffel Tower, which hosts a dazzling display at midnight. The Pont d'Alma is a particularly wonderful place to stand, as it affords a great view and there are several cafés here offering both moderate and pricey menus to enjoy.

If you want a different sort of experience, the Sacre Coeur Cathedral in the Montmartre is a mix of peaceful, spiritual joy with a bit of revelry mixed in. As this is Paris' highest point, the view of the city here is spectacular (although nowhere near enough to see the Eiffel Tower). There are also many clubs and bars to enjoy here at a leisurely pace, but be aware there may be a bit of climbing on these ancient, hilltop streets. The Montmartre was featured in the movie "Amelie" and is, for many, one of Paris' most special places.

If you love live performance, this may be one of the best times of the year to book that visit to the Moulin Rouge cabaret or at the Lido. Located in the quirky, fading red-light district of Pigalle, the Lido is just south of the Montmartre.

Obviously restaurants all over Paris go "all out" on this special day and night, offering once-a-year menus from the economical to the luxurious. While there may be more formal dress codes at certain restaurants (be sure to check in advance, as well as take out an advance reservation when you can), feel free to hit the town otherwise in jeans and enjoy the casualness of the citywide good times.

One thing's for certain: you'll have fun during these celebrations, and find that just being in Paris means you have plenty to celebrate about. Bonne Annee!