PSG-Arsenal: where to experience the champions league final in Paris and île-de-France

At 6 PM this Saturday, the whistle will blow, commencing a match that could see Paris Saint-Germain lift their second consecutive Champions League trophy. To witness this potential historic triumph for the Parisians, numerous venues across the capital and its surrounding areas are preparing to broadcast the event on giant screens, televisions, and powerful sound systems. Here is a curated, though not exhaustive, list of places to catch the action.

First, it’s important to note that a large-scale fan zone in Paris will not be available. The ambitious project, initially championed by Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, ultimately did not materialize due to a packed schedule of other major events on the same day. These include concerts by Aya Nakamura at the Stade de France and Damso at Paris La Défense Arena, alongside the ongoing Roland-Garros tournament and a Stade Français rugby match at Jean-Bouin earlier in the afternoon.

Bars: arrive early for prime spots

While a dedicated fan zone is off the cards, the celebratory atmosphere will certainly thrive. Across Paris, a plethora of bars will be televising the highly anticipated final against the reigning English champions. Many establishments, some not typically known for football broadcasts, are making special arrangements to show the match. A crucial tip: most venues do not accept reservations, so plan to arrive early – even as early as 4 PM – to secure your spot.

Among the well-known hotspots are classic venues 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 Canal de la Villette (19th), renowned for their massive screens. Each venue operates with its own system: some require advance reservations, often with a fee, while others function on a “first come, first served” basis, making early arrival essential. Finding free reservations, especially, will be a challenge.

Many other venues are altering their usual programming for this special occasion. In the 13th arrondissement, Wanderlust will screen the match, followed by a lively evening extending until 6 AM. In northern Paris, the newly opened Central Chapelle (18th) will welcome guests from 4 PM, with an entry fee of 18.99 euros covering both the match viewing and the subsequent party.

Boom Boom Villette in the 19th arrondissement will be decked out in PSG colors, offering tickets at 20 euros. In central Paris, the historic Grand Rex cinema will also broadcast the final. While the event is currently sold out, a waiting list remains an option for hopeful fans.

For a different vibe, the Sama rooftop in the 5th arrondissement offers free reservations, while Sacré (2nd) will feature four giant screens across two distinct rooms. Near Bastille (11th), the Japanese restaurant Yoru presents various pricing options ranging from 11 to 21 euros. Close to Gare de l’Est, Café A will join the excitement, continuing its tradition of showing matches since the quarter-finals against Liverpool.

Mairie du XVIIe arrondissement fully booked

Other notable locations setting up giant screens include Cabaret Sauvage (19th), the Hippodrome de Longchamp (16th), Virage (17th), Canal Barboteur (Bobigny), and La Clairière (16th). It’s worth noting that the Mairie du XVIIe arrondissement will host 600 spectators for the match, but tickets are currently fully booked.

Beyond the Périphérique, the passion for PSG will resonate throughout the Île-de-France region. Numerous establishments will broadcast the final, and several towns have arranged for giant public screens. Among these are Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and Le Perray-sur-Yvelines. In Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the match will be shown at the 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), a dedicated fan zone will be set up in the gardens of the Hôtel de Ville. The athletics stadium in Neuilly-sur-Marne will also be utilized 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. In Saint-Ouen, La Communale will be buzzing with energy, while the Théâtre Jean-Vilar in L’Île-Saint-Denis will project the match.

Conversely, for those seeking to avoid the football frenzy this Saturday afternoon, some locations have explicitly announced they will *not* be broadcasting the match. This includes Trinquet Village in the 16th arrondissement, which confirms it will remain open, and Ground Control (12th), where the grand finale of the Paris Beer Festival has been long scheduled. The ultimate question remains: will patrons at these venues be able to resist the temptation to follow the match on their phones? We’ll find out on Saturday.