On the French Riviera, the end-of-year celebrations often happen away from home: a Christmas Eve dinner in a restaurant on the Croisette, a party in a villa in the hills above Cannes or Mougins, New Year’s Eve in Monaco. At the end of the night, the same question always comes up: who is driving?
This guide brings together what you need to know to plan your journeys on 24 and 31 December: the dates, the French drink-driving rules and the simplest way to get home without having to think about it.
The 2026 holiday dates
In 2026, 24 and 31 December both fall on a Thursday. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, public holidays in France, fall on a Friday: each celebration opens a three-day weekend.
Two moments matter for your journeys: the evening itself, and the ride home, often well after midnight. Plan those first.
Drink-driving: what French law says
In France, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g per litre or more, which equals 0.25 mg per litre of exhaled air. For holders of a probationary licence, the limit drops to 0.2 g/l (0.10 mg/l of exhaled air).
- Between 0.5 and 0.8 g/l: a fixed fine of €135, 6 points off the licence and a possible licence suspension.
- From 0.8 g/l: a criminal offence, punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a €9,000 fine, with 6 points off the licence and suspension or cancellation of the licence.
These are the rules published by Service-Public, the official website of the French administration. On a festive night, the simplest option is not to drive at all.
Why book early
On New Year’s Eve, many guests try to leave at the same time, shortly after midnight. Taxis are in heavy demand, and ride-hailing apps may apply surge pricing when demand outstrips supply: the price goes up and so does the wait.
With a chauffeur booked in advance, the pick-up time and the price are set before the evening. Nothing to negotiate at one in the morning.
Book as soon as the place and time of your celebration are confirmed. A time is easy to change; a car that is no longer available is not.
Return trip or hourly hire
Two options cover most evenings, whether you are dining on the Croisette, in Mougins, on Cap d’Antibes or in Monaco.
- Scheduled return trip. Your chauffeur drops you off at the agreed time, then comes back for you at the time set for the return. If the evening runs late, let them know as soon as possible.
- Hourly hire. Your chauffeur stays with you for a number of hours agreed in advance. It is the most flexible option for a dinner followed by a party, or for taking several guests home to different addresses.
For a family or a group, the Mercedes V-Class seats up to 7 passengers. Child seats are provided on request: give the children’s ages when you book.
A night supplement of €15 per transfer applies between 10 pm and 7 am. The total price is confirmed in writing before you book.
Celebrating on the French Riviera?
Send us the address, the time and the number of passengers: we confirm a fixed price before the evening.
Book my chauffeur →Our tips for a relaxed evening
- Give the exact address, with the villa’s name or the gate code: some properties are hard to find at night.
- Set a realistic return time, and tell your chauffeur as soon as it changes.
- On New Year’s Eve, allow a margin after midnight: departures from restaurants and parties often bunch into the same half hour.
- Keep your chauffeur’s number and a charged phone.
- Think about the next day: a ride to Nice Airport on 25 December or 1 January is booked like any other day, 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should we book for New Year’s Eve?
As soon as your plans are known. The number of cars available on the night of 31 December is limited: the earlier you book, the more choice you have of times and vehicles.
What if the evening ends later than planned?
Tell your chauffeur as soon as you know. With hourly hire, your chauffeur waits for you; for a return trip, we adjust the return time according to availability.
Does the night supplement apply?
Yes: €15 per transfer between 10 pm and 7 am. The total price is confirmed in writing before you book.
Can you take several guests home to different addresses?
Yes. Send us the addresses in advance: we plan the order of the stops, or several vehicles if the addresses are too far apart.
Official source
Plan your holiday journeys
Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, airport transfers: send us your plans and we confirm a fixed price.
Book my chauffeur → +33 9 71 18 53 08
