The capital will be buzzing this Saturday as the clock ticks towards 6 PM, the moment Paris Saint-Germain begins its quest for a second consecutive Champions League title. To witness this potential triumph, numerous venues throughout Paris and its surrounding areas are preparing to host enthusiastic fans with giant screens, televisions, and powerful sound systems. Here’s a curated, though not exhaustive, list of places to join the excitement.

First, temper expectations for a massive official fan zone in Paris. A proposed project, championed by Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, ultimately did not materialize. This was due to an already packed schedule of major events on the same day, including concerts by Aya Nakamura at Stade de France and Damso at Paris La Défense Arena, alongside the ongoing Roland-Garros tournament and a Stade Français rugby match earlier that afternoon at Jean-Bouin.

bars: arrive early for the best spots

While a central fan zone might be absent, the celebratory atmosphere will be palpable across the city. Many bars throughout Paris will be showing the highly anticipated match against the reigning English champions. Interestingly, some establishments not typically known for football screenings are making special arrangements. A crucial tip: most venues do not take reservations, so plan to arrive early, ideally by 4 PM, to secure a good viewing spot.

Among the well-known hotspots, you’ll find perennial favorites like Hall’s Beer Tavern in Châtelet (1st arrondissement), Café Oz at Grands Boulevards (9th), and O’Sullivans in Pigalle (18th). Don’t forget the Belushi’s locations near Gare du Nord (10th) and along the Canal de la Villette (19th), renowned for their impressive giant screens. Each venue typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though some might offer paid reservations which are often quickly snapped up and rarely free.

Beyond the usual suspects, several other venues are altering their schedules for this special occasion. In the 13th arrondissement, Wanderlust will broadcast the match, followed by a lively evening extending until 6 AM. Northern Paris welcomes the brand-new Central Chapelle (18th), opening its doors at 4 PM, with an entry fee of 18.99 euros covering both the match and the after-party.

In the 19th arrondissement, the Boom Boom Villette commercial center will transform with PSG colors, offering tickets at 20 euros. Meanwhile, in central Paris, the historic Grand Rex cinema will also screen the final. While currently fully booked, hopeful fans can still register on a waiting list.

For a different vibe, the rooftop Sama in the 5th arrondissement offers free reservations. Sacré (2nd) will feature four giant screens spread across two rooms. Near Bastille (11th), the Japanese restaurant Yoru has various pricing options ranging from 11 to 21 euros. And close to Gare de l’Est, Café A continues its tradition of screening major matches, a practice it has maintained since the quarter-finals against Liverpool.

the 17th arrondissement town hall is full

Additional locations setting up giant screens include Cabaret Sauvage (19th), the Longchamp Hippodrome (16th), Virage (17th), Canal Barboteur (Bobigny), and La Clairière (16th). Notably, the Town Hall of the 17th arrondissement will host 600 spectators, though this particular event is currently fully booked.

Beyond the Périphérique, the passion for PSG will be just as strong. Many establishments in the wider Île-de-France region will broadcast the match, with several towns planning giant screen events. These include Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and Le Perray-sur-Yvelines. In Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the match will be shown at the historic Camp des Loges, just as it was last year, with doors opening at 3:30 PM.

drancy, saint-ouen, l’île-saint-denis, and more

In Noisy-le-Grand (Seine-Saint-Denis), the Town Hall gardens will transform into a dedicated fan zone, while the athletics stadium in Neuilly-sur-Marne has been commandeered for the occasion. Fans can also head to Sand Fabrik in Pantin, the Stade Pierre Lacans in Villepinte, or Drancy, where Parc de Ladoucette will open its gates at 4 PM. Saint-Ouen will buzz with excitement at La Communale, and the Théâtre Jean-Vilar in L’Île-Saint-Denis will project the match for local supporters.

Conversely, some venues have explicitly stated they will *not* be showing the match, catering to those seeking a football-free end to their afternoon. This includes Trinquet Village in the 16th arrondissement, which will remain open despite the game, and Ground Control (12th), which has long scheduled the grand finale of the Paris Beer Festival. The question remains: will patrons at these spots resist the urge to follow the match on their phones? We’ll find out this Saturday.