Here’s what you should know about public transport on 31st December, what’s forbidden by law (you’d be surprised) and how to make sure the night is both fun and safe!

If you’re thinking of joining the traditional crowds on the Champs Elysées for the 31st December this year, keep in mind that the police forbid anyone to have a glass bottle there between 8pm and 5am the next morning.

And if you’re going to check out the fireworks at the Eiffel Tower… don’t. There aren’t any this year. In fact fireworks of any kind are banned during the Xmas holidays. Bah!

As for public transport, it’s free from 5pm on the 31st (and continues to be so until midday the 1st). The métro system will be functioning normally and in its entirety until 2.15am (like it does the night before any public holiday), after which a reduced all-night service kicks in (click here for a PDF of the full details, or here for just the métro/RER/trains). One extra thing: at Strasbourg – Saint-Denis métro station, only line 4 will be available (because of building work).

And of course, stay street smart like in any marge city: make sure your belongings are safe, bags and pockets are shut, and don’t wave your iPhone around, OK? Have a great night!