Every year, individuals in France find themselves uncertain about how to properly celebrate the arrival of the new year. However, one thing that can be guaranteed is that the French New Year encompasses a delightful array of food and drink. In France, the 31st of December holds a significant designation as it is recognized as la Saint Sylvestre, a day devoted to the feast of Saint Sylvestre. The special New Year’s Eve feast is also commonly referred to as le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. Traditionally, the festivities begin with a toast of champagne and indulgence in foie gras. Additionally, each region in France showcases its own local delicacies.

In the charming town of Fontevraud, for instance, locals typically relish in a delectable feast composed of oysters or moules à la marinière (mussels). To raise a glass and welcome the French New Year, the beverage of choice is often Crement de Loire or one of the delightful sparkling wines from the esteemed caves of Gratien et Meyer, Vouvray, or Ackermans of Saumur. The range of French New Year celebrations varies greatly from intimate dinners shared among close friends to larger-scale events such as "une soirée dansante" in the form of une Grande ball.

Our local hotel hosts a special New Year's Eve party in France that is truly a gastronomic delight. Picture yourself in a sophisticated Parisian restaurant, where a small jazz band provides a delightful ambiance. As the clock approaches midnight, paper hats and confetti are distributed, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Together, everyone counts down to the New Year, sharing in the joyous moment as France welcomes the new chapter.

But the festivities don't end there. As the clock strikes midnight, be prepared for a heartwarming tradition. In the room filled with cheery guests, hats are playfully exchanged, and kisses and best wishes are shared by all, as they greet each other with a heartfelt "Bonne Année," or Happy New Year. It is a time of celebration and unity, as millions of French people join in this tradition, both dining out on New Year's Eve and continuing the festivities into the next day.

The culinary experience during this time is nothing short of splendid. Elaborate feasts featuring up to 15 courses are not uncommon, although an eight-course menu is more frequently enjoyed. Our past parties have showcased carefully crafted dishes, such as a delectable fish supper with sandre (perch fish) or crab from La Rochelle. The sandre, when prepared simply and accompanied by a perfectly ripe Chenin Blanc or Muscadet wine, provides a heavenly culinary experience.

To add a touch of fun and merriment, we always keep Christmas crackers nearby, which we joyfully pull during our French New Year's dinner. As the evening progresses, and the excitement builds, everyone shares this delightful tradition of small surprises and laughter.

As the clock ticks towards midnight, another cherished custom comes into play. Underneath a sprig of mistletoe, known as "gui" in French, couples share a special kiss and exchange best wishes for the coming year. It is important to note that this lovely tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is reserved specifically for New Year's Eve in France, creating an enchanting and romantic atmosphere.

So, if you're looking for an unforgettable New Year's Eve experience in France, our local hotel's party is the perfect choice. With its delectable cuisine, lively atmosphere, and cherished traditions, it promises to be a magical evening filled with joy, laughter, and wonderful memories.

In France, it is a customary practice to conclude the New Year festivities by setting off fireworks in the garden. Additionally, on New Year's Day, it is a common tradition to share our resolutions with one another. Contrary to our customs, it is not typical for us to exchange gifts or cards during the New Year celebrations, whereas in France, it is more likely for you to receive a New Year's card expressing well wishes (Bonne Année) rather than a Christmas card from a French friend.

According to Clement A Miles, who wrote a book in 1912 on New Year traditions in France, this day is characterized by the giving of presents, family gatherings, and paying visits. In France, children often start their day by finding their stockings filled with gifts, after which they eagerly rush to offer good wishes to their parents. In the afternoon, younger individuals make visits to their older relatives, and in the evening, everyone gathers for a family dinner hosted at the home of the family's senior member. While not all families continue this specific New Year tradition, it is still observed by some. However, with changing times, it is becoming more common for our French friends to exchange presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

During our New Year celebration in France, it has become a cherished tradition to embark on an annual leisurely stroll along the beautiful riverbanks at Chouzé sur Loire, following a delectable and extravagant meal. Additionally, on 6th January, in honour of the Epiphany, when the Three Kings visited baby Jesus, it is customary to partake in the sharing of La Galette des Rois, or French King cake, with family, friends, or neighbours.

La Galette des Rois is a sumptuous puff-pastry dessert filled with a delightful almond cream paste. If you are fortunate, you may discover a small china treasure, known as a "feve," hidden within the cake. If you find the feve, it entitles you to wear the golden crown typically attached to the cake and be crowned the King or Queen of the gathering. As the designated monarch, you have the privilege of selecting someone to also be a king or queen and lead a traditional dance.

During this time of year, French supermarkets are brimming with an abundance of kits to make these delightful galettes. However, if you wish to try your hand at making one from scratch, here is a recipe for a delectable King cake:

Ingredients:

• Almonds
• Sugar
• Egg white
• Puff pastry
• Apricot jam

Directions:

1. Combine the almonds and sugar, and while diligently working the mixture, add the egg white.
2. Continuously mix until the paste becomes firm and smooth.
3. Spread a generous layer of apricot jam on one side of the puff pastry, creating a sandwich effect.

By following these steps, you can create your own homemade Galette des Rois, providing a delightful addition to your New Year festivities.

First, repeat the process with the almond paste on the second round of pastry. Place one round on top of the other and brush them with beaten egg yolk. Sprinkle them with sugar. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 15 minutes, or until they have turned a rich golden brown color.

When making a French King cake, one advantage is that you can insert your own special "fève" or token. Traditionally, French King cakes are served with a plain top, but you can also decorate them with candied fruits or fill them with a chocolate paste if you prefer a different flavor from the Frangipane mentioned earlier.

If you'd like to enhance the festive spirit, you can create your own crown using materials such as card, foil, stickers, faux jewels, or glitter. This can be a fun activity, especially for children, and can be part of a mini workshop dedicated to the theme of Epiphany in France and La Gallette de Roi. Feel free to let your imagination express itself. And don't worry about the tidying up – you can turn it into a game by carefully taking down the decorations and putting them away for next year.

To give you some inspiration for your New Year's menu in Paris, here are some examples of the types of French food that are typically enjoyed on this occasion.

Sir Walter Scott once expressed that every age has considered the fresh start of a new year as the perfect moment for joyous celebrations. Taking inspiration from his words, it is evident that New Year traditions in France, observed on both December 31st and January 1st, can even surpass the festive spirit of Christmas. In France, the celebration of the New Year, known as "Bonne Année," is regarded as a joyous occasion filled with exuberance and merriment.