In Paris, New Year’s Eve is shaping up to be a true obstacle course for drivers. For the celebration on December 31, 2025, the Prefecture of Police has established a large security perimeter around the Champs-Élysées and the Charles de Gaulle Square. If you were hoping to celebrate the arrival of the new year by car, it’s time to rethink your plans!
Parking and Traffic Restrictions
For partygoers wishing to enjoy the Parisian festivities, it is imperative to keep in mind that strict restrictions will be enforced. Starting Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 10 PM, parking will be prohibited in a wide area encompassing Charles de Gaulle Square and the Champs-Élysées, as well as in adjacent avenues such as Marceau, Kléber, Victor-Hugo, Foch, Friedland, Wagram, or George-V. You understand, it’s better not to rely on your vehicle to access this very lively area.
Parking and closed streets: discover the traffic and parking restrictions planned in Paris around the 2025 New Year’s Eve festivities. © Yayimages
Traffic Ban on December 31 Starting in the Afternoon
The real traffic restrictions will begin on Tuesday, December 31, starting at 2 PM, with a gradual strengthening of measures from 3 PM until 4 AM on January 1. The Champs-Élysées will be completely closed to traffic, as will several roads around iconic squares such as the Étoile, Concorde, Trocadéro, and Alma. Even some normally open thoroughfares will be subject to restrictions, preventing access to the festive area.
In Paris, the fireworks will be launched from the Arc de Triomphe at midnight on December 31, 2025. © Newspress
Metro and RER: Adapted Service, but Closed Stations
To compensate for the absence of cars, many metro and RER lines will operate all night. However, several strategic stations will be closed starting at 2 PM, with trains passing without stopping. This includes the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, George-V, Franklin-D.-Roosevelt, Concorde, or Champs-Élysées – Clémenceau stations. The reopening of some stations will occur gradually starting at 1 AM, but access will still be heavily regulated.
Many metro lines will operate throughout the night of December 31. © Citroën
Unchanged Advice: Forget the Car
As with previous New Year’s Eves, the message is clear: the car is not the right choice to reach the Champs-Élysées on December 31. Between the parking bans, traffic closures, and increased controls, the entire area will be entirely dedicated to pedestrians. To enjoy the festivities without hassle, public transport, despite some closures, remains the simplest solution. If you plan to head to the area to celebrate the new year, it would be wise to check the details of the restrictions on the Paris City Hall website, or on the RATP website.
