When initial reports started going around that the New Orleans Saints were going to play a game in Paris in 2026, I was dead set on going. It’ll be my first “proper” visit since I was only in the city for a few hours the last time I was there.
October 24
Our view from our home base in Montmartre. You can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Great view but we have to climb about 7 flights of stairs. There was a lift but it looks like it was only designed for 1 person. We packed in 3 people on a few occasions.
One of the things I love about Paris are the storefronts. The interiors are nice and cozy too.
Not sure if this was a wedding rolling through or not but they were definitely fashionable. The car is super rad also. This was in front of the Sacré-Cœur.
Strolling through the streets of Montmartre.
The entrance to Pierre Hermé, a pastry shop.
The streets are definitely a vibe. There was a building called “The Pink House” that I wanted to photograph but the overgrown greenery on it wasn’t as full as I wanted. Ah well.
The bronze bust of Dalida, a famous actress and singer. You can clearly see where people have been rubbing.
We spotted this very chic lady just chilling on the steps. Just one of many stylish people I’ve seen all weekend.
Inside the Cafe des Deux Moulins. Featured in the film, Amelie.
The Moulin Rouge in the day time. I had this hope that it would rain at night so I can go back and retake this photo.
A little shop tucked inside the Metro.
There was an NFL experience thing near the Eiffel Tower but we couldn’t figure out the ticketing process so we decided not to go. We went to the Butter Shop instead.
Get a load of these bricks of butter.
New Orléans Saints Bar. I had this place bookmarked when I was looking at places to check out and it turned out to be one of the meeting places for Saints fans.
Morris Bart (a well known lawyer in New Orleans) at the bar. He bought everyone shots.
We were invited to have dinner with a friend and her old classmates. One of us decided to call it early but I decided to continue on despite the lack of (quality) sleep. I get another drink and try to stay up but I keep dozing off as the night went on. So I personally call it and decide to walk back since our place isn’t too far away from the restaurant. It was still raining so why not take more photos? Plus, the Moulin Rouge was also nearby so it was a no-brainer. Conditions were perfect: Nighttime, steady light rain with no lightning.
I got the shot I wanted. I would’ve stayed out a little bit longer if I had an umbrella. This walk definitely woke me up.
It was a nice walk back. I’m glad I did it.
October 25 - Wake up, It’s Game Day
First stop: The Saints House. This event was supposed to happen on Saturday but it got rescheduled to Sunday.
“The Beer Man” Michael Lewis.
Jono Barnes.
The Lombardi Trophy up close. Didn’t see if they had the ring on display.
Boarded up storefronts due to recent protests in Paris.
Higuma for lunch. The gyoza was amazing.
Outside of Stade de France. Spirits were high.
Tyler Shough leads the huddle.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints opening ceremony at Stade de France. October 25, 2026. The French anthem was beautifully performed.
Alvin Kamara and Cam Jordan leads the Who Dat chant.
There were a few highlights but ultimately the Saints lost the game. I was disappointed but I had to keep reminding myself that we’re in Paris. Can’t be too mad. Side note: Apparently, food was sold out by the end of the first quarter but there were plenty of beer.
Outdoor urinals.
Dinner at Les Fondus de la Raclette.
This was another meet-up spot for Saints fans. The bar was full when we got there so we never got to check it out.
We ended up at The Frog instead.
We end the night with some pizza near our place. The honey pepper sauce was the bomb.
October 26
Now with the game out of the way, its time to do more exploring. First notable stop is Pink Mamma. There’s a lot going on inside. Seems like every inch of the place is occupied by a piece of artwork or plants. The food was good at least. Our waitress was awesome.
The top floor of the Pink Mamma. We were on the floor below this one.
The exterior of the Pink Mamma. I didn’t get a photo of it but there was a rug that said “Not a Strip Club” on it.
Didn’t get to try it since we already had lunch. Didn’t seem like they had any Vietnamese coffee either.
Stohrer, the oldest bakery in Paris. They ran out of croissants when we got there. We did get some macarons though.
Rear entrance of the Église Saint-Eustache.
Inside Bambino, one of the “listening bars” that I really wanted to check out. I thought the music would be loud but it was kept at a reasonable volume. Low enough to have a conversation. Great place. I really enjoyed the vibe.
Auberge Nicolas Flamel, a fine dining restaurant inside the oldest standing house in Paris. We had the 7 course tasting menu. Delicious but about 2 courses too many.
October 27
“Last full day in Paris Let’s make it count.”
Du Pain et Des Idées. One of the bakeries that I wanted to go to. It did not disappoint. The croissants were amazing. The coffee, however, was OK.
Canal Saint-Martin.
Notre-Dame in the distance.
Fontaine Saint-Michel.
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville.
Beef Tartar at Le Bouledouge.
Ha Noi 1988 Flowers and Archives. I finally get my Vietnamese Coffee here.
Some cheese shop. The smell in here was overpowering.
Didn’t get the shot I wanted of the fountains but I’ll take this one. There were stuff set up in the courtyard and I couldn’t a clean, wide shot.
Dinner at Billy Blue.
Steps leading up to the Sacré-Cœur. Also where the stairway fight scene was shot in John Wick 4.
One last look at the Sacré-Cœur.
Last shot of the trip. I fancy a cozy laundromat.
All in all, a very solid trip reinforced by good people. We’ll be back.
