 Poster: A snowHead
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Bad planning on the work front means we'll be driving back from Flaine on New Years Eve.
Rather than drive straight through, we were wondering whether to stopover en route and enjoy the festivities.
Having only spent French New Year in resort, is this a good idea or worthwhile?
If so, what can we expect?
Also, any suggestions on good places to stay within range of Calais?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Not done a New Year in France but would expect anywhere near Reims would be OK as it is around 2.5 hours to Calais, after a 5-6 hour drive from Flaine, which is our usual stopover returning from Les Carroz. Many of the budget hotels tend to be out of town on retail parks or similar so may be a bit dull. Could be a good idea to find a B&B in a village when most people would be in their local and perhaps more welcoming.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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4 years ago we spent new years eve in Albertville and, with the exception of an Indian restaurant, found every bar and restaurant closed! 
We were horrified and stumbled across the Indian after we had just about given up on finding anything to eat!
I'm not sure if that was typical of France but I'm sure someone will be along soon to comment.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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janner, there's the Bristol Hotel in the centre of Reims which would be right in the middle of the festivities.Reasonably priced rooms.
Not sure what would be open though, and you would probably need to book things that were. I suspect Chambre d'Hotes to be closed.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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We are staying near Calais on new year, and taking food with us as we have been told that there is no repas at the b and b.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Most French spend NY with family - you probably won't find the same sort of festivities you would find in the UK
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Might be best to get an early night ready for the drive the next day....  You might need to make your own festivities. I suspect New Year's Eve in most French towns and cities is very like it was in most English towns and cities 40 years ago - very, very, quiet. NYE as a big noisy drunken bash is a pretty recent invention in England (though not, of course, in Scotland.....).
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janner, if you book into a hotel with a nice restaurant they may be doing a special meal.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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janner,NYE: We always have celebrations in Samoens which are fun, but hardly a stop off on the way home and although Geneva will be even busier, once again it's very close. Have you considered Dijon? Restaurants and night life there are pretty good with a few excellent bands that play locally.
You will need to book well ahead if you plan to eat a semi-decent meal.
Alternatively enjoy the celebration in Geneva sans beers – and then simply hit the motorway around 02:00?
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I'd recommend stopping in Reims. Stay in the area near Rue D'Erlon where there are plenty of decent restaurants. However check in advance that restaurants will be open that evening.
Reims is 2 1/2 hrs from the channel tunnel so you would not have far to go the next day.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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We are New Zealanders running a B and B in a gorgeous old farmhouse 'Aupres de l'eglise' in Champagne 3 hours from Calais, 30 mins from Epernay, 1 hour south of Reims...if you ever fancy a Stopover on the way to the Alps we come with a good reputation for great large stylish comfortable rooms with the option of lovely home cooked evening meals by the open fire accompanied by a glass of Champagne! As popular with families as we are with couples...also listed with Sawdays Special Places to Stay...an option at any time of the year as we are open although the Ski season. We have many clients from Samoens and hope to build our Ski Stopover reputation. Contact us, Mike and Glenis, via our website www.champagnevilla.com
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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aupresdeleglise, Looks lovely..have made a note for when I want somewhere to stay on my way to Switz. 
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janner, You are likely to find everything either closed or fully booked. If you do it, try city centre (eg Reims), book a restaurant well in advance and be prepared to pay a lot for festive New Year meal.
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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We spent last NY in pas de calais, went for a meal out , and did not see a soul outside all evening in 2 town centers. Patch was right, they all spend time with family.
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Poster: A snowHead
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janner, give France a miss and go to Austria. 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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In case anyone was wondering, we found a great deal for a 4* hotel just outside Saint Quentin. Unfortunately we found out why it was cheap - the restaurant was closed on New Year!
After searching around for somewhere to eat (even McDonalds was closed) we ended up at the only place open - a takeaway friterie in the town square.
Not what we thought but in hindsight it was fun sitting eating chips with the kids in the deserted town square
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FAQ
Thread revival from 2011 I see.