Where to Watch American Football in Paris

Recently I took a look at one of the statistics that WordPress provides its bloggers, which is to show you the search terms that bring people to your site. I noticed an interesting trend: Almost every day I have someone that lands here looking to find out where to watch NFL while in Paris.

Football fans are everywhere… even in France!

It’s no surprise that fans seeking football americain end up here, actually. After all, I have written posts talking about the sport and where I watch it here, and here. But given that the biggest game in the NFL is just around the corner, I wanted to do more than post about my favorite football hangout. So in an attempt to help the Americans that are searching for a site to catch the big game, I present you with several viewing options:

As noted in my posts, my favorite place to catch a football game in Paris is a little bar (and I mean little) called The Great Canadian–lovingly referred to as TGC by it’s patrons. Though the bar claims Canadian roots, is decorated with hockey gear and maple leafs, is often filled with foreigners and English speakers, and obediently serves poutine on its menu, there is a distinctly Parisian feel to the establishment. It could be because it’s relatively small (though with several TVs, you should have no problem seeing the game from anywhere inside), or it could be because the day of the week determines whether the manager will be rude or not. It’s my favorite because I’ve had a lot of great moments there, and made some great friendships. Plus the nachos and quesadillas are stellar and hit the spot for me at game time.

There’s a similarly oriented bar, called The Moose, not far from TGC that is equally Canadian, though a bit bigger and with a few more TV screens. You’ll notice the staff is friendlier, but… the food isn’t as tasty and it’s a bit more expensive. Overall, though, it’s definitely not a bad place to catch a game.

For the Super Bowl, ESPN America tends to throw parties all over Europe. This year, the Paris party is happening at a bar called Corcoran’s, in the 20th arrondissement (if you’re going to this shindig, make sure you go to the right one! there are Corcoran’s all over Paris, but only one with the ESPN party). I’ve never been to this particular bar (though I’ve been to other Corcoran’s) so I can’t tell you my thoughts. What I do know is that the website is incredibly outdated, and according to allomatch.com (a great resource for finding spots to watch any game in Paris), they only have 8 TVs. For a party of a few hundred people, I’m not sure how I feel about that ratio.

Finally, the bar where last year’s ESPN America party took place is where I will likely be viewing the big game. The bar is called Le Players Bar, and is centrally located in Paris. There is a huge viewing room with lots of TVs, the ability to reserve a table, and they’ll be serving food. As long as there’s beer and food, seeing a Super Bowl abroad doesn’t lose much of that good ol’ American vibe.

Expat friends: feel free to chime in with any other spots that are great for catching some NFL!

*One last piece of advice… definitely call the bar of your choice before the Super Bowl and try to reserve a spot if possible! Bars fill up fast, and you could be stuck in standing-room-only if you don’t have reservations. Also, be prepared to pay a cover!

See you at Le Players for the big game–I’ll be the girl wearing the Patriots tee despite the fact that they’re, uh, not actually in the Super Bowl (this year)!

Image source: New England Patriots