See the light and sound show at the Arc De Triomphe during the New Year’s Eve

Paris certainly knows how to celebrate and the spectacle that is the Arc De Triomphe, especially on December 31st, is a great illustration of that fact. Everything from fireworks to elaborate light and sound displays grace the monument and outline the glorious history and culture of Paris. A few moments before midnight, a countdown plays on the façade of the Arc De Triomphe followed by fantastic lights and sparklers that seem to envelop the sky. Despite the freezing weather, thousands of people can be seen reveling on the streets and the energy is absolutely infectious. The icing on the cake is that public transport (the metro/RER) around the city is totally free on the night of December 31. The downside, however, is the deployment of thousands of policemen in order to prevent instances of violence. But then, you really are in safe hands

The celebrations were greatly toned down in 2015 owing to the ghastly terror attacks that shook Paris the same year. There were no fireworks and the show was mostly focused on the issue of climate change. However, it is impossible to mar the spirit of the city and the grandeur definitely will be restored in the years to come. Also, if you are in the mood for more celebration, Champs Elysees hosts a parade on January 1, replete with marching bands from an array of countries and the avenue is closed to traffic for this event.