When I researched this, everyone said, avoid Champs Elysees for New Years Eve. Eiffel Tower does not do fireworks, just a light show, so the next recommendation was to go to Montmartre, and enjoy the view over Paris from that elevated site.
Then weather happened. a dense fog settled in for a couple of days, making the view from Montmartre pointless.
So I thought, I will catch a movie along the Champs Elysees, finishing around 10pm, and if I come out to a huge crowd, I will make my way out of there; otherwise, hang around till midnight.
Movie finished (Passengers in English with French sub-titles), stepped outside into the cold, and it wasn’t that crowded. Also, between the buildings, the fog was not so bad, providing a view from the wheel at Concorde, to Arc de Triomphe. So I slowly made my way along Champs Elysees towards Arc de Triomphe until I got to where the crowd was more dense (about Cartier location). Settled in, and over the next 2 hours, the crowd swelled.
At no time did it feel unsafe, just the usual round of ignorant people trying to ride on shoulders blocking many peoples view; and don’t start me about selfie sticks and smartphones. Its one of those occasions where current age reality spoils expectation.
Anyway, saw the new year in, no carry on of drunken kissing (too cold for that at about zero deg C) Fireworks done, and everyone starts heading alone the Champs to make their way home. Public transport was closed along the Champs, so it was just a long walk.
