France
📍 48.8738, 2.2950
Head-on view of the Arc mapping and fireworks; arrive very early as the top of the avenue fills first.
Sightline: Directly beneath/facing the projection surface and the launch point.
⚠️ Extreme density near the Arc; nearest metro stations shut early.
📍 48.8699, 2.3073
Clear perspective up the avenue toward the Arc with side areas to step out of the crush.
Sightline: Look west/northwest along the avenue to the Arc.
⚠️ Filtering points and bag checks; travel light.
📍 48.8867, 2.3431
Elevated, more romantic and less crowded alternative for a citywide skyline view rather than the Arc close-up.
Sightline: Panoramic over the city; the Arc show itself is distant.
⚠️ You will not see the Arc mapping detail from here; the Tourist Office advises Trocadéro/Eiffel be avoided if you want the full Arc show.
19:00 — Champs-Élysées opens to pedestrians; some years feature early-evening concerts
23:50 — Video-mapping projection on the Arc de Triomphe before the countdown
Celebration elements: Fireworks Light projection video mapping Countdown ceremony Concert
Medium risk — Cold, wind and dense crowds; smoke can drift; layers essential
Secure fenced perimeter with bag checks; glass, takeaway alcohol, personal fireworks and drones are banned. Dedicated reduced-mobility areas provided.
In recent years public transport across Île-de-France was free from ~17:00 on 31 Dec; several metro/RER lines run all night; stations nearest the Arc close progressively from afternoon — use George V, Miromesnil, Madeleine, Alma-Marceau and walk.
Glass bottles and takeaway alcohol prohibited inside the Champs-Élysées perimeter.
Transit returns to reduced holiday service on 1 Jan; walk outside the perimeter before boarding to avoid post-show crush.
Other cities celebrating New Year's Eve