Are you thinking it might be fun to head to Europe after the travails of a busy Christmas with family and friends? Leave the cooker behind, leave the fairy lights and the endless turkey sandwiches and enjoy New Year’s Eve on the continent. It could not be easier with Voyages-sncf.com. Sit back, relax and let the train whisk you to where you will find the best New Year celebrations.
The first place that is a must for that a venture into Europe for the celebrations of 31st December is Paris, whether it is fireworks in Montmartre, the lighting up of the Eiffel Tower or a romantic cruise on the Seine there is nothing like it. Do not miss the Grande Parade on New Year’s Day!
When changing trains in Paris or before leaving the capital why not try the new restaurant at the Gard du Nord from two-star Michelin chef Thierry Marx L’étoile du Nord which has only been open since November this year? Simple, delicious and affordable dishes that will complement your memories of the capital. Fares from London to Paris start from £58 standard class return per person.
Famous for the extraordinary celebrations is Berlin where more than a million people congregate annually to see in the New Year. The famous Party Mile extends from the Bradenburg gate to the Victory Column. If you feel enthusiastic why not join in the Pancake Run either on the 31st or New Year’s Day – just four kilometres - known as the Silversterluf. Fares from London to Berlin start from £30 standard class return per person.
All too much? Then maybe Barcelona would suit you better for what they call Nochevieja? The Montjuic Magic Fountains have been hosting fantastic firework displays since 2013 and have already gained notoriety. At midnight it is the tradition in Spain to eat a grape for every chime of the twelve bells ringing out the Old Year. Fares from London to Barcelona start from £130 standard class return per person.
If you do not have a place reserved at the famous New Year’s Eve Vienna Grand Ball at the Hofburg Palace then do not fret as there are other delights in this most pretty of winter venues. At 2pm on New Year’s Eve the party starts with the Christmas markets turning into Christmas Fairs celebrating the coming year and making a New Year Trail through the Old Town. On New year’s Day itself the Vienna Philharmonic Concerts are transmitted over the city by big screens. Fares from London to Vienna start from £324 standard class return per person.
BRAND NEW for New Year’s Eve 2016, apart from the traditional festivities in Amsterdam, your visit would not now be complete without a trip (just 56 minutes on the train) to s’Hertogenbosch and the Het Noordbrabants Museum which has recently acquired The Garden of the Vicarage at Nuenen by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890). The work of October-November 1885 is the last known watercolour Van Gogh produced in Nuenen. This acquisition, from a private collection – is the most important purchase ever made by Het Noordbrabants Museum. It will only be on display this time around until 27th March 2017. Fares from London to Amsterdam start from £110 standard class return per person.
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Note to Editors:
About Voyages-sncf.com: Voyages-sncf.com is a subsidiary of the French National Railway Company SNCF and an expert in railway travel to Europe and French destinations. It is a key player in the European tourism industry employing up to 1,000 people across its European business. In 2015, the group sold 83 million tickets with annual sales revenue of € 4.32 billion, across more than 30 countries. Voyages-sncf.com comprises 15 websites in 8 languages, mobile sites and apps and a fully integrated call centre service throughout Europe.
About SNCF: Present in 120 countries, SNCF is a world leader in mobility and logistics. Its total workforce of 250,000 generated revenue of €31.4 billion in 2015, with 33% of revenue from markets outside France. A public sector group dedicated to public service, SNCF builds on its foundations in rail to offer a broad range of services, delivering seamless door-to-door mobility for transport and logistics operators, passengers and the regional and local governments that are its organizing authorities. www.sncf.com