New Year's Eve Parties in Paris for 2007

Nestled against the River Seine, Paris is by many considered to be the ultimate tourist destination. Home of the Eiffel Tower, the city is known by its alternate moniker La Ville-lumière and every New Years Eve it strives to live up to this nickname.

Braving temperatures close to 40° F and even keeping a stiff upper lip in light of the consistent threat of rain showers, year after years tens of thousands visit the City of Lights to attend New Year's Eve festivities and parties. 2007 turning into 2008 will be no different, and already the city is preparing for its onslaught of visitors.

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées which runs from the Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle is already decked out in its spectacular Christmas light displays and even though no formal celebration is ever scheduled in this venue, by no apparent mutual consent crowds gather early on New Year's Eve and partake of the spectacular sightseeing, street vendor delicacies in keeping with the season, and eventually congregate to watch the fireworks displays held on an annual basis. Street performers take the initiative on this day and will perform for the crowds - much to the enjoyment of the kids and younger set present. The magic hour for arrival appears to be 10:30 PM, although crowds will begin building with the end of the lunch hour. Do not be surprised to see copious amounts of champagne and other spirits - France does not have the same public alcohol consumption laws that America currently embraces.