“Paris, France: A Gay Traveler’s exploration of the City of Love”
Certainly! Paris, the city of love and also happens to be the the capital city of France. This is a city that has captured the hearts of many travelers. It’s a city that is known for its romantic ambiance, rich history, and stunning architecture. The city has been the subject of many books, movies, and songs, and it is easy to see why. So let’s explore Paris through the eyes of a gay traveler. We will take a closer look at the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, its history, and its many attractions. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we’ll provide you with a gay guide to the City of Love.
Let’s begin our exploration of the city’s many gay-friendly resorts/hotels, bars and clubs, and restaurants. Here are some of my top recommendations:
Gay-Friendly Resorts/Hotels:
Here are some of the top gay-friendly hotels in Paris, France:
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel: This 4-star hotel offers contemporary guest rooms with panoramic views of Paris, some with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower or the garden. The hotel is located in the heart of Paris and is close to many of the city’s best attractions. The hotel’s restaurant, Frame, serves Californian-style cuisine with French flavors. The hotel also has a fitness room with cardio equipment that is open 24 hours a day.
Hotel Le Six: This luxurious boutique hotel is located in the heart of Paris and offers a fitness center, spa with hammam, contemporary rooms with luxury products, and a lounge bar with a large cocktail menu. The hotel is close to many of the city’s best attractions and is a popular choice for gay travelers.
Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers: This eco-friendly, mid-range hotel is located on the outskirts of the Marais and is well-located for exploring Paris. The hotel has a classic Parisian elegance, with the bar and restaurant looking out onto the courtyard. The rooms provide great views of Rue Rambuteau and Saint Nicholas des Champs. Gay nightlife spots are closeby in the Marais area, popular bars like RAIDD and COX are under a 15-minute walk away.
Little Palace Hotel: This hotel is set within a 1920’s building on Blvd de Sébastopol and is located 10-15 minutes’ walk from Le Marais gay bars. Sun City sauna and Le Dépôt cruise club are even closer. The contemporary, air-conditioned guest rooms (some with a private terrace or balcony overlooking the hotels garden) feature free WiFi, satellite TV and a minibar.
Hôtel Duo: This hotel is located in the heart of the Marais district and is close to many of the city’s best attractions. The hotel has a modern design and features a fitness center, sauna, and hammam. The hotel’s restaurant, O’Kari, serves traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Hôtel Fabric: This hotel is located in the Oberkampf district and is close to many of the city’s best attractions. The hotel has a modern design and features a fitness center, sauna, and hammam. The hotel’s restaurant, O’Kari, serves traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Hôtel Providence: This hotel is located in the heart of the Marais district and is close to many of the city’s best attractions. The hotel has a modern design and features a fitness center, sauna, and hammam. The hotel’s restaurant, O’Kari, serves traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Hôtel Les Bains Paris: This hotel is located in the heart of the Marais district and is close to many of the city’s best attractions. The hotel has a modern design and features a fitness center, sauna, and hammam. The hotel’s restaurant, O’Kari, serves traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Hôtel de Nell: This hotel is located in the 9th arrondissement and is close to many of the city’s best attractions. The hotel has a modern design and features a fitness center, sauna, and hammam. The hotel’s restaurant, O’Kari, serves traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Hôtel de la Porte Dorée: This hotel is located in the 12th arrondissement and is close to many of the city’s best attractions. The hotel has a modern design and features a fitness center, sauna, and hammam. The hotel’s restaurant, O’Kari, serves traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs:
Here are some of the top gay-friendly bars and clubs in Paris, France:
Le Duplex: This club is located in the heart of the Marais district and is known for its lively atmosphere and great music. The club has two floors, with a dance floor and bar on each floor. The club is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Le Dépôt: This club is located in the 4th arrondissement and is known for its dark rooms and cruising areas. The club is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for those looking for a more adventurous night out.
Raidd Bar: This bar is located in the heart of the Marais district and is known for its shower shows and lively atmosphere. The bar is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Banana Café: This bar is located in the Les Halles neighborhood and is known for its friendly atmosphere and great cocktails. The bar is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
CUD: This club is located in the 10th arrondissement and is known for its dark rooms and cruising areas. The club is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for those looking for a more adventurous night out.
Gibus Club: This club is located in the 11th arrondissement and is known for its great music and lively atmosphere. The club is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
COX: This bar is located in the heart of the Marais district and is known for its friendly atmosphere and great music. The bar is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Les Souffleurs: This bar is located in the heart of the Marais district and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and great cocktails. The bar is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Bear’s Den: This bar is located in the heart of the Marais district and is known for its friendly atmosphere and great music. The bar is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Café Moustache: This bar is located in the 10th arrondissement and is known for its friendly atmosphere and great cocktails. The bar is open every day of the week and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Gay-Friendly Restaurants:
Le Gai Moulin: This restaurant is located in the Marais district of Paris and is known for its traditional French cuisine. The restaurant is open every day from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm.
Chez Papa: This restaurant is located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris and is known for its southwestern French cuisine. The restaurant is open every day from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm.
Le Marais: This restaurant is located in the Marais district of Paris and is known for its modern French cuisine. The restaurant is open every day from 12 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm.
Alcazar: Located in the famous Saint Germain de Près district near the School of Fine Arts, this restaurant and bar offers a very traditional French ambience. The eclectic menu features primarily French cuisine, with produce such as Smoked Salmon or the House Foie Gras, not to mention the original Raspberry and Liquorice Vacherin dessert. A more contemporary atmosphere can be found on the mezzanine floor overlooking the restaurant, where you can sample the extensive cocktail list whilst listening to a diverse selection of house music from some of the best Parisian DJs
Kong: This restaurant offers a relaxed and elegant atmosphere, chic and entertaining, invigorating and smiling.
Le Christine: This restaurant is ideally located between Saint-Michel and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The cuisine of Chef Mehdi Bencheikh, trained in Michelin starred restaurants, is a lively cuisine that draws its technique from the classics of French gastronomy while remaining resolutely rooted in its time.
Dans le Noir ? Paris: More than a restaurant, Dans le Noir ? is an international brand with a unique concept where patrons dine in complete darkness, guided and served by amazing and unexpected staff.
The Gay Village in Paris, France
Yes, there is a gay village in Paris. The Le Marais district, located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is widely considered the gay area in Paris 12. It has become very popular with both locals and tourists alike and is home to many gay-friendly bars, clubs, and restaurants. The narrow streets of Le Marais are not ideal for motor traffic, so it’s best to take advantage of public transport. You can reach Le Marais by getting off at the metro stops Saint-Paul, Hôtel de Ville, Rambuteau, or Arts et Métiers.
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What is the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in France?
France has a progressive history of LGBTQ+ rights. Although same-sex sexual activity was a capital crime that often resulted in the death penalty during the Ancien Régime, all sodomy laws were repealed in 1791 during the French Revolution. The age of consent for same-sex sexual activity was altered more than once before being equalized in 1982 under President François Mitterrand. After granting same-sex couples domestic partnership benefits known as the civil solidarity pact in 1999, France became the thirteenth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2013 1. Laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity were enacted in 1985 and 2012, respectively. In 2010, France became the first country in the world to declassify gender dysphoria as a mental illness. Additionally, since 2017, transgender people have been allowed to change their legal gender without undergoing surgery or receiving any medical diagnosis. I hope this information helps!
La Marche des Fiertés LGBTQ/Paris Gay Pride
Paris Gay Pride, also known as Marche des Fiertés LGBTQ, is a parade and festival held at the end of June each year in Paris, France to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their allies. The parade starts each year at Tour Montparnasse and ends at Place de la Bastille 56. The dates for the 2024 Paris Gay Pride are yet to be announced.
What is the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in France?
France has a progressive history of LGBTQ+ rights. Although same-sex sexual activity was a capital crime that often resulted in the death penalty during the Ancien Régime, all sodomy laws were repealed in 1791 during the French Revolution. The age of consent for same-sex sexual activity was altered more than once before being equalized in 1982 under President François Mitterrand.
After granting same-sex couples domestic partnership benefits known as the civil solidarity pact in 1999. France became the thirteenth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2013. Laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity were enacted in 1985 and 2012, respectively. In 2010, France became the first country in the world to declassify gender dysphoria as a mental illness. Additionally, since 2017, transgender people have been allowed to change their legal gender without undergoing surgery or receiving any medical diagnosis.
Paris, the city of love, is a vibrant and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. I hope this post helps you plan your next trip to Paris, France. Check out the available flights and Hotels below: