How New Year celebrated in France? Colorful and fun! The holidays leave neither the residents of the country nor its guests indifferent thanks to the amazing decorations, bright events and a long-remembered atmosphere of celebration that reigns in every city.
The French sacredly honor their traditions. For them it's special days , full of pleasant emotions and festive rituals.
New Year holidays in France - photos
Most French people love red days more than other days on the calendar. They believe that the richer and more varied the New Year's menu, the more well-being they are promised the next 365 days. Therefore, they try to set a table rich in treats and culinary masterpieces.
When is it celebrated?
According to the Gregorian calendar New Year's greetings the French start accepting at midnight - December 31. The celebration lasts until January 5, and smoothly transitions into the day of Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6. Christmas - main holiday It is customary to meet Catholics and Protestants 25.
In some areas of the country, Christmas celebrations begin on a different date - December 6, when the feast of St. Nicholas begins.
New Year's rituals
The traditions are somewhat similar to the generally accepted New Year rituals of other countries and peoples - lush feasts with an abundance of delicious dishes, colorful fireworks and many reasons for fun, but there are only French rituals, which are repeated by the residents of France from year to year:
- The holiday is symbolized by a composition of Jesus manger. It is installed in every city on the central square. Christmas trees are also decorated, but they are of secondary importance. It is customary to place figurines of saints made of wood or clay near decorated trees;
- Children are preparing on New Year's Eve shoes for gifts, which are left by the fireplace;
- French adults 1 exchange gifts. They give each other cards, toys, jewelry, books;
- After burning the Christmas log, its ashes keep for a whole year, believing in its miraculous power and ability to protect against failure.
Jewelry and fancy dress
The bright atmosphere of celebration in France is created thanks to the abundance of New Year's paraphernalia in homes and on the streets. Citizens paint snowflakes on their windows and decorate the walls with flashing lights. They love very much flowers. Bouquets and flower arrangements everywhere - in homes, offices, shops.
There must be mistletoe at home, which, according to the French, symbolizes prosperity.
On the street the French appear in beautiful carnival costumes . The image of Pere Noel is especially popular. By appearance it reminds me of the same red suit, belted with a belt. Dressed up residents attract the attention of passers-by and try to cheer them up.
Features of table setting
The French have developed certain traditions in serving dishes for a festive dinner for New Year or Christmas. They observe them religiously:
- The baked bird is served seasoned spices, along with chestnuts, apples, pears;
- They do it with meat salad from fresh vegetables and greenery;
- Oysters are a must hot;
- Black caviar served with pancakes, and truffles– with meat and fish dishes;
- Cheeses count a separate treat. They are served with wine. First they eat soft varieties, and then hard ones;
- Wine is selected for each dish. Oysters are eaten with white wine, and meat with red wine. Champagne opens at midnight;
- At the end they drink morning coffee with cognac.
French New Year's table plentiful and satisfying, so it can be difficult to get to dessert. It is usually eaten within 2-3 days after the celebration.
New Year's in France - great opportunity not only get acquainted with local traditions, but also examine the fabulously decorated buildings at this time.
Watch a video about celebrating Christmas and New Year in Paris:
What could be better than a trip to Paris? Just a trip to New Year's Paris, sparkling with festive lights, filled with the spicy aroma of hot mulled wine, the smell of roasted chestnuts and the anticipation of the most important night of the year!
Winter in Paris
Winter Paris
Without a doubt, make your dream come true and go to fabulous Paris - good idea at any time of the year. But in winter, Paris makes a very special impression! Therefore, despite the relatively cold weather, I am very glad that we saw the capital of France exactly like this - winter and festive.
Winter Champs Elysees, Paris
The streets of the city and the most popular attractions are decorated with Christmas trees, New Year's garlands and lights, and the atmosphere of a real holiday is clearly felt everywhere.
Christmas tree in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
On many windows and walls of Parisian houses you can see Père Noël (French Santa Claus) climbing the stairs, securely holding a bag of gifts behind his shoulders. The halls of Parisian cafes and restaurants, hotel lobbies and shop windows and souvenir shops look no less festive.
Père-Noël - French Father Christmas, Paris
By the pond in the Tuileries Gardens, even in winter, there are chairs for those who want to sit and contemplate the surrounding beauty.
Chairs by the pond in the Tuileries Gardens, Paris
The fountain in front of the Louvre Palace does not freeze in winter, which cannot be said about the line of tourists standing in line at one of the most visited museums in the world.
Fountain in front of the Louvre, Paris
In addition to its world-famous exhibits, the Louvre is also remarkable for its history. It all started with a 12th-century fortress, which they began to rebuild into a royal palace in the 16th century. At the end of the 17th century, the “Sun King” Louis XIV came to the conclusion that Versailles was more suitable for the royal residence, and everyone forgot about the Louvre for a while. Then the Napoleons also had a hand in the construction of the palace. And today the Louvre is very beautiful! We didn’t want to go to the museum, but the palace is simply impossible not to see.
In France winter holidays originate from the celebration of St. Nicholas Day, which is usually celebrated on December 6th. A truly festive feeling is given by the friendly French people in fancy dress, which will cheer up anyone and give unforgettable memories and pleasant emotions. And the New Year in France, as elsewhere, is one of the brightest, most interesting and happy holidays countries.
The French celebrate New Year on December 31st. On the eve of the holiday, the city takes on an unsurpassed festive look, thanks to the bright and unusual jewelry, bright illumination that covers all entertainment venues and most homes. And New Year's Eve in France is unforgettable and filled with an enchanting mood. It is customary to sprinkle candies and confetti on each other.
Christmas and New Year in France are unforgettable! For 3 weeks, a festive atmosphere reigns on the city streets. Decorated Christmas trees, bouquets of flowers, various compositions, and decorations give a festive mood.
The French prefer to celebrate this holiday in a cheerful atmosphere of cafes or restaurants with loved ones and friends.
These days there are many performances and concerts.
New Year in France: history
The history of the French New Year dates back to the 12th century, when traditionally the whole family burned the Christmas log Bouches de Noel. The log was placed in the fireplace, the head of the family poured oil and cognac on it, and other family members, usually children, brought a piece of wood. It was believed that the ashes should be kept for the entire next year; they were a talisman for the family, protected the house from losses and adversity, and brought good luck to the family. In our time, this tradition has been preserved, only now the log is not burned, but a cake is baked in the shape of a log and placed on the table as a symbol of prosperity and comfort in the house.
New Year in France: traditions
French New Year traditions are many and varied. One of the most interesting traditions are the Christmas manger - the manger of little Jesus - "kresh", nativity scene, as well as mistletoe - a symbol of prosperity and reliability.
Instead of our Father Frost, Pere Noel comes to the children, who arrives on a donkey, wearing wooden shoes and with various gifts in a basket behind his back. It enters the house through the chimney, so right next to the fireplace, diligent children who have obeyed their parents throughout the year leave their shoes, where gifts and sweets are laid out for them. 
Also one of the traditions is the preparation of festive New Year's dishes. Different regions of France have their own unspoken traditions of food. In some it is a must-have homemade aromatic pastry, in others it is exquisite game dishes, and in others it is dishes with the addition of beans (lentils, peas, beans). The sorting of dishes for the New Year in France is interesting; they try to lay them out in the form of a Christmas log.
Sacred nativity scene.
Friendly donkey and his rider
Pere Noel! French babies scream when they call their Grandfather Frost. They probably have to repeat their invitation several times, since, unlike his Russian relative, he gets to the holiday not on a reindeer sled, but on a cute donkey. But he is so kind that he visits his little admirers not once, but twice a year. This happens on St. Nicholas Day and Christmas. But if the child was disobedient, did not want to brush his teeth, was capricious and greedy, then instead of a gift in the shoe he will receive a rod. After all, grandfather is not only kind, but also fair.
At the family hearth
Another touching New Year's tradition in France is lighting the fireplace. All relatives gather near the hearth, the head of the family pours cognac and oil on the previously prepared field, and then sets it on fire. When the fire goes out you need to grab some coals. They should be put in a bag and stored for a whole year. This will certainly bring good luck!
But on January 1st comes the most pleasant part of the celebration. Everyone starts exchanging gifts. And you can get what you have been dreaming about for so long for 12 months. Usually these are books, cards, toys and decorations. The tradition dates back to the times of the Roman Empire, but to be honest, in those days gifts were somewhat different.
Coronation
January 6 new year holidays are coming to an end. It is on this day that the Catholic Epiphany takes place. On festive table the hostess serves a pie, but not a simple one, but a surprise. Previously, it was an ordinary bean, but now it has been replaced by a miniature figurine. If you are lucky and you get a piece of the pie as a surprise, then you will become the king. Not a country, of course, but a holiday. And the crown will not be made of gold, but of cardboard, but this in no way diminishes the importance of the lord of fun. In addition, the largest piece of the pie will also be intended for you. Well, what could be better?
Fireworks rain
IN New Year's Eve the sky over France seems to be blooming. Thousands and thousands of colorful fireworks rise up, captivating the eye and bewitching with their unearthly beauty. The streets are filled with spectators, among whom you can find many magicians, musicians, clowns and actors. Laughter and fun can be heard everywhere and this continues for two whole days.
Grape tradition
But residents of the southeastern part have no less extravagant entertainment. They light torches and head in a friendly procession to the vineyards. Exactly at midnight you need to pick a bunch of grapes, then the whole year will be successful.
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The French celebrate New Year with pleasure, and they begin to do so in early December. From December 6th, Père-Noël (the local Santa) begins bringing sweets to children, while adults decorate cities and houses and stock up on gifts. So you can catch the festive mood in this country 3 weeks before New Year’s Eve.
The weather in France on New Year's Day depends on the region. In Paris and its surroundings - +8...+9 °С, on the Cote d'Azur - +10...+15 °С, and in the mountains - -1...-3 °С. Although it is the coldest on the ski slopes, the weather there is the most pleasant for a winter holiday: sunny and calm. In other areas, including the coast, it is quite cloudy and rainy at times.
Traditions
As in all Catholic countries, the main holiday in France is Christmas. It is traditionally celebrated at the table with family, and New Year is an occasion for a party with friends and noisy night festivities around the city. The French go for walks in fancy dress of Sylvester Claus, since December 31 is St. Sylvester's Day. They dine in cafes, drink champagne in bars, sprinkle confetti on each other, and later in the night they go to discos.
Winemakers have their own new year tradition. The owner goes down to the wine cellar, clinks glasses with a barrel and wishes himself and her a good harvest in the coming year.
What to do on New Year's Eve in France
New Year's Eve in Paris is a classic of the genre. The most popular place for public festivities is the Champs Elysees, where cafes and bars are open until the morning and everyone walks with champagne and congratulates passers-by. A romantic option is a cruise on the Seine, and for families with children, go to Disneyland, where during the New Year holidays you can see a special holiday entertainment program.
It's worth spending a little time shopping in Paris: Christmas sales start on December 25th.
It’s beautiful and warm (up to +15 °C) for the New Year in Provence along the entire Cote d’Azur. True, it’s expensive: New Year’s dinners and parties in Monaco and other cities are aimed primarily at wealthy audiences.
Ski resorts have been open for skiers and snowboarders since November: Midi Pyrenees with its medieval towns, the famous Courchevel, Chamonix, located near Switzerland, etc. Local hotels always host festive parties for the New Year.
In the small town of Vielle on the border with Spain, December 31 is a special day, it is the day of the last grape harvest. After the evening service, all local residents with torches go out into the vineyards and collect the last, already frozen, harvest of the year.
