2024 Unforgettable fireworks on the Champs-Elysées in Paris

by Wen France

I love visiting Paris! It is a fantastic city that has something for everyone. The Champs-Élysées remains the place to be to celebrate New Year's Eve 2024. It’s a popular spot, over 300,000 people visit it every day and yes it’s crowded day and night. We heard there might be over a million people gather on Champs-Élysées in Paris to see fireworks this year. It is recommended to stay somewhere walking distance to the Champs-Élysées. If you want to see the new year's eve fireworks on the Champs-Elysées in person, you’ll have to arrive early (no later than 9pm) to snag the best spots. Also, from 5pm onwards, you should expect stations to close so be sure to get there early.

When the clock strikes 12 in the evening, splashes of bright colors shoot from the foot of the picturesque Arc de Triomphe. The fireworks show lasts for about 10 minutes. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or first time in Paris, experiencing New Year's Eve in Paris is an unforgettable adventure! This could be a fun ideas on your bucket list. 🙂

建議要來跨年倒數, 最好是訂在Champs-Élysées附近走路能抵達的酒店, 因為除夕當天很多條線路的地鐵到了下午5點前就停止營運, 然後路上很多地區主幹道又封路, 蠻混亂的, 如果太早進來, 可能只能在街上閒逛或者坐在餐廳裡等, 很多店也都蠻早關的, 我們是在酒店待到差不多9點左右再出去.

大約是5點左右的Champs-Élysées已經有許多人潮, 附近街道已有佈置防護柵欄, 我們下午5點多進去附近超市買東西, 因為元旦很多店都沒開, 5點半左右出來, 看到許多警車和警方人員抵達維持秩序, 已經進不去原先可以進去Champs-Élysées的街道, 警方要我們繞道而行, 如果一定要通過柵欄, 就必須出示酒店或者餐廳的預約.

我們9點出來酒店的時候, 街道上全都是大批人潮, 大家都在想辦法要進入Champs-Élysées, 每個街道的關卡都被警方用柵欄圍住, 這時連出示餐廳的預約警方都不給進, 超級frustrated, 因為人潮太多根本看不到前方, 來回走了差不多四、五條街後才發現, 原來有一個街口是可以進去的, 必須需要通過安檢, 但是因為入口街道完全沒有告示, 前面又擠了大批人潮根本看不到哪裡才能進去, 警方也不會和你說, 只是一味地讓我們走到最後面街道去, 等走到了最後面, 那裡的警察又說不能進入, 叫我們去前面

Au Crocodile

by Wen France

We went to Au Crocodile for Christmas Eve dinner. Good location in the center of Strasbourg ( the restaurant is located on a pedestrian only street). This is one of the two best known restaurants of Strasbourg. Since lots restaurants closed during the Christmas holidays season, we came prepared. We made reservations several weeks in advance and were seated at a nice table in the main dining room with a beautiful Christmas tree in the center. When we entered the restaurant, the first impressions were great! Fine modern French decor with great paintings and carpet. The place is a refined mix of traditional and contemporary elegance. Unlike other popular restaurants, Au Crocodile has plenty of space per table. The tasting menu for Christmas was delicious throughout and beautifully presented. When the amuse bouché started to arrive, they were all beautifully balanced in texture taste and delightful to look at. The waiting staff explained every dish including where the ingredients were sourced. I was instantly inspired by the creative and colorful food coming out from the amazing kitchen. The chef successfully created delicious elaborations of the traditional Alsatian cuisine through highly innovative and the flavor combinations and effort in each course was phenomenal. We speak no French but were looked after so well by the staff. The service was formal and flawless. The staff went out of their way to make use feel special from the moment we arrived until the moment we departed. They somehow managed to do it in a professional, friendly, warm, and welcoming way. What a fantastic Christmas dinner! I highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to coming back. 🙂

Strasbourg Christmas Market

by Wen Christmas Market France

Alsace is well known for it’s beautiful Christmas Markets. The Strasbourg Christmas Market is the oldest Christmas market in France. Way back in 1570 at Place Broglie. The Christmas Market takes place every year around the end of November to the end of December. The best way to avoid crowds is to come on weekdays in the first half of December. The last week before Christmas is when you’ll see the biggest crowds.

To visit the entire market requires a lot of walking. The entire city center is ornately decorated. You will find Christmas lights illuminate every street. I just can’t stop taking pictures everywhere I go! This is just winter-wonderland overload.

The Strasbourg Christmas market is very widespread throughout the public squares of the central island. The best attraction would be the large Christmas tree in the town square (Place Kléber). Place Kléber is the largest open square in Strasbourg. It is full of historic buildings and fine architecture.

We walked by Place Kléber numerous times during our 2 night stay in Strasbourg. The tree was decorated with blinking lights and stars. The surrounding buildings with lighting looked spectacular too. It is beautiful in the evening when all the lights are on. Spectacular at night for photos.

1741, Strasbourg

by Wen France

We dined at 1741 just a few days before Christmas. It was directly opposite the Palais Rohan. From the outside it was beautiful decorated for Christmas, inside we were seated on the top floor in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Our table for two felt very spacious and private. Their staff were very friendly and professional. Since we don’t speak French and all the staff were trying their best to explain the dishes to us in English. I loved every single dish, they were so refined and elegant. Every course was truly delicious. I’d love to come back to 1741 on my next visit to Strasbourg.

A Day Trip to the Medieval Village of Eze

by Wen France

Things to Do & See in Eze

Eze is located between Nice and Monaco. It is a 1000+ years old village on a high cliff (1,401 feet above sea level). Looks like we will have some uphill walking/climbing today.

We rent a car and drive from Toulon and it takes about 2 hours. We arrive almost around noon. The tourist information office is excellent providing assistance in many languages, maps and time tables of the buses and trains. Hence, we book a walking tour from the tourist information center. I’d suggest that you arrive early because you cannot drive up with your own car and parking in the tourist parking lot is limited. It takes us quite a while to find the parking space.

Lunch at Le Pinocchio
We have lunch at “Le Pinocchio” at the base of the old village. Afterwards we take a leisurely climb up the winding street to the old village.

Upon entering I feel transported back to the Medieval period while walking up the uneven stone streets through narrow passages. Beautiful old town hanging on a cliff side overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with fabulous views.

1. VIEUX EZE

The village is very well preserved and chic. It’s full of winding medieval cobblestone streets with quaint little shops and cafes. Many of the old residences have been converted into jewelry shops, art galleries, souvenir shops, and boutiques.

Church of the Penitents of the White Brotherhood
The construction of the chapel dates from the year 1306.

2. LE JARDIN EXOTIQUE D’EZE

The garden has an interesting collection of exotic cactus. Quite a climb but worth it for the views. Go there and be wowed!

Panoramic view over the coast!

A breathtaking view!

3. Eglise Notre Dame de l’Assomption

Located at the foot of the Village. The inside is an explosion of Baroque colors and dramatic design.

Easy Day Trips in Toulon

by Wen France

Toulon is located in the southern of France between Marseille and Nice. It is not a major tourist destination like other cities in France. We are visiting Toulon mostly because our friend’s mother-in-law lives here and she is on a vacation to somewhere else. We are lucky to stay at her place and have our friend Zoe tour us around Toulon.

Things to Do & See

1. COURS LAFAYETTE

Typical french market with huge selection of fruits, cheese, vegetables, and various merchandise. It’s the heart of the old town near the harbor. The market stretches for many blocks. We bought some food and went home made our own lunch. Closed around 1pm.

Breakfast at La Cade
Our friend Zoe said she must get the baked chickpea pancake each time she visits Toulon. It tastes really good and unique!

Lunch
We bought fruits, olives, cheeses, veggies, meats, and breads from the market. Made ourselves a great meal!

2. TELEPHERIQUE DU MONT FARON

Fun gondola ride to the top of Mt. Faron. You will need to take the bus to the lift. We purchased the ticket at the tourism office near the Cours Lafayette market. The top of Mt. Faron is a pleasant stroll for an hour or so.

3. RADE DE TOULON

The Rade de Toulon is the largest French naval port in the south of France and the Mediterranean. If you want to get on the water there are various tourist boat tours. We took the boat to Porquerolles. It’s very enjoyable!

4. PORQUEROLLES

Porquerolles is the largest and most westerly of the 3 islands in the Îles d’Hyères. Day trip to Porquerolles was a lot of fun. Rent a bike when you arrive. It’s the best way to visit different beaches, shores and vineyards.

Lunch at Il Pescatore

Dinner at La Flambee

Dinner at Au Point Gorumand

Lille

by Wen France

Things to Do & See

1. LA GRAND PLACE

We visited Lille for the Christmas Market. The atmosphere was really festive with an illuminated Ferris wheel and enormous Christmas tree. Great to walk round with a warm glass of mulled wine or hot apple cider.

2. LE VIEUX-LILLE

Lunch at A l’Huîtrière

Paul

3. LA VIEILLE BOURSE (OLD STOCK EXCHANGE)

The stock exchange is a striking building in the center of Lille. Inside courtyard was a small antiques fair used by traders selling second hand books, antiques, and records.

4. LE TRIPOSTAL

Always fun checking out the cool modern art in a new town. The museum is big and inviting. Plenty of space to walk round. The exhibits are so varied, that there’s something for everyone.

5. PORTE DE PARIS

It is a commemorative monument for the victories of Louis XVI. It served as the town gates as well as an Arc de Triomphe.

Dinner at La Menara

Paris

by Wen France

Things to Do & See

1. EIFFEL TOWER | 2003

2. MUSEE DU LOUVRE | 2003

3. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL | 2003

4. BASILICA DU SACRE-COEUR DE MONTMARTRE | 2003

5. SAINTE CHAPELLE | 2003

6. VERSAILLES PALACE | 2003

7. CENTRE POMPIDOU | 2003

8. PONT ALEXANDRE III | 2003

6. LUXEMBOURG GARDENS | 2003

9. GALERIES LAFAYETTE | 2003

10. PRINTEMPS | 2003

11. PALAIS GARNIER | 2003

11. PALAIS GARNIER | 2012

12. ARC DE TRIOMPHE | 2012

13. RIVER SEINE | 2012

Pierre Hermé| 2012

Lunch at Le Procope | 2012

Lunch at L’entracte Opera | 2012

Dinner at Zoe’s | 2003

Dinner at Zoe’s | 2012

Ronchamp

by Wen France

Things to Do & See

CHAPELLE NOTRE DAME DU HAUT

This chapel is designed by Le Corbusier and completed in 1954. It must have been the most amazing modern building in those days. This place has a calm and timeless atmosphere. Not crowded, allow time to thoroughly explore it.

Photos cannot supply the perspective that actually being there in person presents. See the dim and how’s the light shining through the different sized, colored, and shaped windows.

Dinner at Au Bureau

Belfort

by Wen France

Things to Do & See

BELFORT CITADEL & THE LION OF BELFORT

The citadel is very large, though much of it has been destroyed during the war. The huge lion was created to mark the city’s brave fight during the German siege under the French-Prussian war.

From the platform there is a brilliant view over the city and the landscape. Worth the walk to the very top to see the perspective of the town.

Mulhouse

by Wen France

Things to Do & See

1. CITE DE L’AUTOMOBILE

We spent several hours at this museum. The car collection is huge and really impressive. The exhibition focus on European cars, especially Bugatti and a host of early French manufacturers. A superb history of the car, well presented from the very earliest days to latest technology.

2. MULHOUSE OLD TOWN

Mulhouse was nearly totally destroyed during War World II so therefore it has been rebuilt. We stopped by the old town after visited the automobile museum. There happened to be a summer concert and it was a lot of fun. Great to have a beer and watch the world go by!

The pink city hall and the cathedral are the main attractions at the main square.

Colmar

by Wen France

Things to Do & See

1. LITTLE VENICE

The river flowing through gives it a very slight resemblance to Venice. We enjoyed our day trip to Colmar, especially the 30 minutes boat ride on the canal. The first part of the trip takes you out of little Venice and upstream for a little way. The water is so clear, you can see fish inside!

2. OLD TOWN

Colmar is one of several beautiful old Alsace towns. An interesting combination of German and French influences. Wonderful cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, canals and the flower-decked bridges. We took the little train for a mini tour of Colmar.

3. MERCHE COUVERT

I always like strolling around local food markets to see what local products are being sold. Here you find the local cheeses, wines and sausages. Nice place to grab a snack and look around.

4. EGLISE ST-MARTIN

Lovely cathedral in the heart of old Colmar. A wonderful place to sit for a while and take in the beautiful architecture and windows.

Lunch at Cave Wolfberger

Celebrating on Champs Elysees Avenue

Champs-Élysées around 5pm

Crowd control barriers were set up everywhere

Champs-Elysées around 5pm

Champs-Elysées around 9pm

Crowds made their way into the event

From 9pm onwards the crowds began to pour in

France gets the party started | Huge crowds expected for Paris’s New Year’s Eve fireworks

Great fireworks show of the Arc de Triomphe 煙火秀

Chaos to leave

Bread & Butter

Amuse Bouche

Ballottine de caille et foie gras

Lotte confite, Petits legumes au Caviar Imperial, Coulis de Crustaces

Noisette de cerf dorée, Sauce a l'infusion de feve de Tonka, Mousseline de Celeri et Poire pochee aux Airelles

Brie de Meaux aux Morilles et Marjolaine

Boule de neige aux saveurs Exotique Coco

Strasbourg Christmas Market in Alsace

Christmas Tree in Place Kleber

The Carré d’Or Market

Very Festive Atmosphere

Batorama Boat Tour

Discover Strasbourg on a boat trip

Petite France, Strasbourg

1741

Bread

Foie Gras from Lucien Doriath Farm

Royal Langoustine

Char fish from Heimbach spring

Egg cooked at 64

Chocolate and Pear

Petit Four

Things to Do & See in Eze

1. VIEUX EZE

2. LE JARDIN EXOTIQUE D’EZE

3. Eglise Notre Dame de l’Assomption

Things to Do & See

1. COURS LAFAYETTE

2. TELEPHERIQUE DU MONT FARON

3. RADE DE TOULON

4. PORQUEROLLES

Things to Do & See

1. LA GRAND PLACE

2. LE VIEUX-LILLE

3. LA VIEILLE BOURSE (OLD STOCK EXCHANGE)

4. LE TRIPOSTAL

5. PORTE DE PARIS

Things to Do & See

1. EIFFEL TOWER | 2003

2. MUSEE DU LOUVRE | 2003

3. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL | 2003

4. BASILICA DU SACRE-COEUR DE MONTMARTRE | 2003

5. SAINTE CHAPELLE | 2003

6. VERSAILLES PALACE | 2003

7. CENTRE POMPIDOU | 2003

8. PONT ALEXANDRE III | 2003

6. LUXEMBOURG GARDENS | 2003

9. GALERIES LAFAYETTE | 2003

10. PRINTEMPS | 2003

11. PALAIS GARNIER | 2003

11. PALAIS GARNIER | 2012

12. ARC DE TRIOMPHE | 2012

13. RIVER SEINE | 2012

Things to Do & See

CHAPELLE NOTRE DAME DU HAUT

Things to Do & See

BELFORT CITADEL & THE LION OF BELFORT

Things to Do & See

1. CITE DE L’AUTOMOBILE

2. MULHOUSE OLD TOWN

Things to Do & See

1. LITTLE VENICE

2. OLD TOWN

3. MERCHE COUVERT

4. EGLISE ST-MARTIN