Late October in Paris: NFL Weekend, Salon du Chocolat and Games Week
Paris in late October is full of surprises. The autumn leaves are changing, café terraces become a little cozier, and the city’s cultural calendar offers plenty of reasons to explore beyond the usual landmarks. In 2026, the final weeks of October bring together three very different experiences: Paris Games Week, the NFL’s first regular-season game in France, and the much-loved Salon du Chocolat.
Whether you are visiting for gaming, American football, chocolate, or simply a few autumn days in Paris, this is a particularly exciting time to discover the city. Here is what to know, how to plan around the main events, and where to walk between them.
Paris Games Week: October 22–25, 2026
If gaming is your thing, Paris Games Week is one of the biggest events to look out for this October. Taking place from October 22 to 25 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the event brings together video games, esports, cosplay, pop culture, and gaming communities under one roof.
The 2026 edition marks the event’s 15th anniversary, with a special “Playground Edition” theme. Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere filled with gaming experiences, industry showcases, and opportunities to discover what is happening across the gaming world.
The exhibition is scheduled to run from 9:30 AM to 7 PM each day. There are also special evening events planned at the Dôme de Paris, including Curieux.exe on October 22 and Games of Roles on October 23. If you are interested in attending, check the official programme for the latest details and ticket information.
What to do around Porte de Versailles
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles is located in the southwest of Paris, away from the historic city centre. If you are spending most of your day at the event, consider exploring the surrounding area before or after your visit rather than trying to squeeze in too many distant attractions. You could take a walk through the nearby streets, stop at a local café, or use the metro to head towards central Paris for an evening stroll. The key is to plan your day around the event and leave enough time for transport, especially during busy exhibition hours.
The NFL Paris Game: October 25, 2026
American football is coming to Paris in a historic moment for the sport. On October 25, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The game will also feature Burna Boy as the halftime performer.
This is the first regular-season NFL game to be held in France, making it a major event for American football fans and an exciting addition to Paris’s international sporting calendar.
The Stade de France is located north of central Paris, in Saint-Denis. If you are attending, plan your journey in advance and allow extra time for crowds around the stadium. Check the official NFL event information for updates on tickets, entry arrangements, transport, and event timings.
Making a day of it in Saint-Denis
If you have extra time before the game, Saint-Denis offers an opportunity to see a different side of the Paris area. The Basilica of Saint-Denis, known for its remarkable Gothic architecture and royal tombs, is one of the area's most notable historical landmarks.
However, on game day, it is worth prioritising your stadium plans. Large sporting events can mean crowded transport and longer queues, so leave enough time to reach the venue without rushing.
Salon du Chocolat: October 28–November 1, 2026
A few days after the NFL game, Paris turns its attention to chocolate. The Salon du Chocolat & de la Pâtisserie returns from October 28 to November 1 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, in Pavilion 5.
The event celebrates chocolate, pastry, and the people behind them. Visitors can discover creations from chocolatiers and pastry chefs, watch demonstrations, attend talks, and explore workshops dedicated to sweet craftsmanship. Some workshops may require separate bookings or additional fees, so check the programme before your visit.
The exhibition is scheduled to open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. A special opening evening is also planned for October 27, from 7 PM to 10 PM, with separate access arrangements. Find all information you need here.
For anyone who loves French pastry, this is an excellent opportunity to experience Paris’s culinary culture beyond its traditional bakeries and cafés. Book your tickets now!
What to explore after the chocolate fair
Since the Salon du Chocolat takes place at Porte de Versailles, you can use the event as a starting point for exploring the southwest of Paris. Depending on your schedule, head towards Montparnasse for cafés and neighbourhood restaurants, or travel into the centre for a walk along the Seine.
If you have a sweet tooth, make time for a traditional Parisian pâtisserie as well. The fair offers a concentrated look at the world of chocolate and pastry, while the city's neighbourhood bakeries let you experience these traditions at a slower pace.
How to Plan Your Late-October Paris Trip
With three major events taking place within a short period, planning your transport and daily schedule can make a significant difference.
Paris Games Week and the Salon du Chocolat both take place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, which makes it easier to combine them if your dates allow. The NFL game, on the other hand, takes place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, so it requires a separate journey.
Avoid assuming that all three events are within walking distance of one another. Paris is a walkable city, but these venues are spread across different areas. Use the metro and other public transport for longer journeys, then explore each neighbourhood on foot.
It is also worth booking event tickets in advance and checking official websites for any changes to opening hours, access, or programming. For the NFL game in particular, plan your arrival carefully and follow the stadium's travel guidance.
Where to Walk Between Events
One of the best ways to experience Paris in late October is to balance busy event days with slower walks through the city's historic neighbourhoods.
The Seine and Historic Paris
A walk along the Seine offers a classic Paris experience, especially in autumn. You can admire the bridges, browse the riverside bookstalls where they are open, and take in views of some of the city's most recognisable landmarks.
The area around Île de la Cité is particularly rewarding for visitors interested in the history of Paris. Its narrow streets and historic architecture provide a contrast to the large exhibition halls and stadium crowds. Join our Île de la Cité walking tour in Paris to experience it from the perspective of a local!
Montmartre
Montmartre is ideal for a slower morning or afternoon. Wander through its winding streets, discover small squares, and enjoy views across the rooftops from the hill near Sacré-Cœur. The neighbourhood is popular, so visiting earlier in the day can help you enjoy a calmer atmosphere. Take your time exploring beyond the busiest streets, where cafés, local shops, and quieter corners reveal a different side of the area. If you feel up for a walking tour, you can also book our Exploring Montmartre walking tour now!
The Latin Quarter
For a walk filled with history and everyday Parisian life, head to the Latin Quarter. Its bookshops, historic streets, cafés, and lively student atmosphere make it an excellent place to explore at your own pace.
You can combine a walk here with a visit to the Panthéon or continue towards the Seine. It is also a good neighbourhood for a relaxed lunch or coffee break between sightseeing plans.
Final Thoughts
Late October 2026 offers a varied mix of experiences in Paris. Paris Games Week brings gaming and pop culture to the city, the NFL Paris Game makes sporting history at the Stade de France, and the Salon du Chocolat celebrates the craft of chocolate and pastry. With a little planning, you can enjoy these events without missing the quieter pleasures of Paris: autumn walks, neighbourhood cafés, historic streets, and the stories that make the city unique. Plan around your main events, leave room for spontaneous discoveries, and remember that some of the best Paris moments happen when you slow down and explore on foot.
