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Paris by Night 2025: forget a taxi, bring a Bugatti
What are so many people, walking or in Ubers, doing on the Champs-Élysées at four o’clock in the morning? That question was casually put to us. But perhaps a better one is: what are some thirty pre-war cars doing there on a winter’s night, in exactly that place? That question went unasked, because to us it felt entirely logical. The ‘Ville Lumière’ continues to exert its pull.
After a successful first edition of Paris by Night last year, we decided to repeat the adventure. With a group of friends, we set off early on the evening of Saturday 13 December towards Place Vauban, the designated meeting point. Along the way, we caught a glimpse of the illuminated Eiffel Tower, its summit mysteriously disappearing into the mist. Paris did what Paris always does: it enchanted.
The event is deliberately informal and accessible. Cars are parked along the kerb, or even on the pavement. A glass is raised, something is eaten, stories are exchanged. And then we drive. Well — almost.
A German participant, for instance, discovered with her recently acquired Bugatti Type 35 that Parisian traffic is not only romantic, but also warm in a rather different way: the radiator began to steam. The electric fan had failed. Jackets came off, sleeves were rolled up. Right there on the pavement outside the restaurant, the wiring was reconfigured. The owner tirelessly walked back and forth to the bar — not for a glass of wine, as one might expect in Paris, but to fill a watering can with water for cooling.
Several British crews were also present. They had driven over from London in their Bentley, only to discover an oil leak beneath the dashboard as early as Calais. With ingenuity and improvisation, they just made it in time for dinner. During the drive, multiple fuses gave up, with the inevitable result: no horn — oh, and no lights either, but who needs those in the middle of the night? Their dog, impeccably dressed in a tuxedo, seemed perfectly content with it all.
From Germany came an imposing Mercedes 630, driven all the way from the Technik Museum Sinsheim. Preparation appeared unnecessary, although the car had consumed ten litres of oil en route, without any spare onboard. Petrol, too, proved less than guaranteed: not all filling stations are open at night. The drive ended on a sombre note; the Mercedes struggled increasingly to keep pace and eventually reached the hotel in fits and starts.
Another German team consisted of two sisters — twins. They had plenty of experience with vintage cars, but hardly any with their father’s Frazer Nash. “We had ten minutes of instruction,” they said, “and then our father felt confident it would be fine.” And it was.
Many cars were decorated: Christmas trees tied to luggage racks, strings of festive lights draped along bodywork, wreaths attached — even a large candy cane made an appearance. It gave the night an almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
The event is organised by, among others, Antoine and Felix: a young group of enthusiasts with a big heart for early automobiles. They understand the essence of this hobby better than most. It’s about enjoyment — of the cars, of each other, and of a special place. No unnecessary frills, no pretence, just pure driving pleasure. For that, we gladly tip our hats. Or, given the time of year, our warm woollen caps.
Words: Laurens Klein
Published:
Monday December 15th, 2025
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Comments
Fred
22 December 2025, 09:07
Joe Moch
21 December 2025, 20:21
Please put me on your notifications list for next year.
I have a 1928 Bentley 4.5 I’d love to enter.
Merry Christmas
Best wishes
Joe Moch
Read more
I have a 1928 Bentley 4.5 I’d love to enter.
Merry Christmas
Best wishes
Joe Moch
David Haywood
21 December 2025, 11:44
Bravo to our French cousins; a wonderful idea, in the City Of Light. The best pictures of any posted this year. I would love to join you next year.
Read more
Dufour
17 December 2025, 20:13
Good evening
I am the owner of a 1934 Lagonda 16/80 and would like to get in touch with the organisers of the Paris by Night event.
Could you put me in touch with them?
Kind regards
Mr Dufour
Cartis Classic Car Experience
---
Bonsoir
Je suis propriétaire d une Lagonda 16/80 de 1934 et je souhaiterais rentrer avec les organisateurs de l évènement Paris by night.
Pourriez-vous me mettre en relation ?
Cordialement
Mr Dufour
Cartis Classic Car Experience
Read more
I am the owner of a 1934 Lagonda 16/80 and would like to get in touch with the organisers of the Paris by Night event.
Could you put me in touch with them?
Kind regards
Mr Dufour
Cartis Classic Car Experience
---
Bonsoir
Je suis propriétaire d une Lagonda 16/80 de 1934 et je souhaiterais rentrer avec les organisateurs de l évènement Paris by night.
Pourriez-vous me mettre en relation ?
Cordialement
Mr Dufour
Cartis Classic Car Experience
As driver of pre-war cars I would like to point out that the pleasure of driving pre-war cars lies beyond braking down and on-site repairs - an aspect which has been exaggerted a bit in the article - in my opinion.
Happy to see also young people sitting in prewar cars - fabulous
Merry Christmas all - in Paris and elsewhere