Spending New Year’s Eve in Paris was one of those magical experiences that everyone should do if they can. For me, this was actually the second time in my life when I celebrated the New Year in The City of Light. The first time was when I was a senior in college, living in Paris through a study abroad program. I remember my parents came to visit me and we celebrated together as the city erupted with glee and the Eiffel Tower sparkled with bright lights.
This year’s celebration was completely different. Firstly, I’m not a student living in a tiny apartment in the 14th arrondissement on the outskirts of the city. Secondly, my parents were not with me this time, as they have both recently passed away.
But I digress…back to ringing in 2022 in Paris with the love of my life. For those of you who aren’t already aware, I got married in October of last year. Right after Christmas, my husband and I hopped on a plane to spend a week in my favorite city in the world.
As we all know, it’s the era of COVID, so flying to Paris is a bit more complicated than in years past. That being said, taking a trip to the City of Light/Love is 100% feasible, as long as you make sure you take proper measures before heading to the airport.
Here are some tips and what you can expect as of January 1, 2022:
- You must be vaccinated or you cannot fly.
- You must have documentation of a negative PCR test within 24-72 hours before your departure (make sure you check the exact number of hours since some airlines/countries have different rules).
- If you go to Paris, you will need to get a Health Pass at a local pharmacy. You can acquire one at a local pharmacy upon arrival with your passport and vaccination card. In return, you receive an email and/or paper copy with a QR code that will give you easy access to restaurants, museums and shops.
- On January 1, 2022, masks became mandatory for everyone to wear outside (they were and remain mandatory to wear inside establishments as well).
- For you shoppers, be prepared for long lines outside designer stores. There is a limit to the number of people allowed inside; each individual, couple or family who enters will be helped by one employee who stays with you as you shop.
- If you’re a big time shopper, expect low inventory (yes, just like everywhere in the world, items are not as readily available as in years past due to the disruption in the supply chain).
- The Christmas markets were not as vast this year due to COVID and there were no outdoor ice rinks. They usually have a large rink at the Grand Palais, but this year, just like the last, there was no patinage. As a former figure skater, I’m crossing my fingers things will change next year!
Despite the new constraints, Paris was amazing. It was all dressed up for the holidays, the Champs Elysées was bright with red lights, the Arc du Triomphe and the Tour d’Eiffel sparkled in blue, and everyone was in good spirits. While it was cold and rained the first couple of days, our last few days were filled with blue skies and lots of sunshine.
Paris, je t’aime! A bientôt! 💋
Btw — If you’re looking for transportation in Paris, we just discovered a Ohana Transport. They have reasonable prices, a nice fleet of cars and a kind staff. We will definitely be calling them again!
Some of my fave pics from Paris during the holidays:
