PARIS, Dec 23 ― For the first time, one of the most famous boulevards in the world, the Champs-Elysées, will close the streets off to cars and project a 3D mapping light show against the Arc de Triomphe for New Year’s Eve revellers.

Beginning at 11.45pm, a light show themed after “la vie en rose” and the art of being a Parisian will be projected against the 50-metre-tall monument.

Likewise, the show will also feature an environmental theme to represent the important role Paris will play in 2015, when the city plays host to a major climate conference next year.

The spectacle will end with a countdown to midnight and lights shift skywards to mark the moment 2014 ends and 2015 begins.

The Champs-Elysées has been one of the most popular gathering places for New Year’s revelers, even though no organised festivities have taken place.

This year marks the first time the Champs will put on a show.

The next day, the boulevard will remain closed to host a parade with bands and floats.

Elsewhere in Paris, the Eiffel Tower also marks the New Year with a special light show, flashing a rainbow of colors and erupting in its signature sparkles. ― AFP-Relaxnews