A Taste Of Paris: LGBTQ

The LGBTQ Scene: Few cities can boast as open of a community as “Gay Paree” where the lines between the gay and straight parts of the city are more than blurred. The Marais in the 3rd Arrondissement, particularly the streets of Rues St-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie, des Archives, and Vieille-du-Temple, have been the bustling epicenter of gay and lesbian nightlife for the past few decades. There are additional bars and cafes around the Boulevard de Sébastopol acting as designated meeting spots for anyone seeking like-minded folks, but generally all clubs and bars welcome people of any sexual orientation.

Condoms = préservatifs en français. They can be picked up from any pharmacy or from dispensers outside the majority of pharmacies outside of opening hours.

Feel free to be affectionate: Hug, kiss and hold hands in the City of Love without anyone batting an eyelid.

LGBTQ-friendly Mosque: Europe’s first gay-friendly mosque was opened in 2012 by a gay Islamic scholar who wanted to provide a safe space to worship to those that needed it. It signaled the city’s remarkable acceptance of those of varying sexual and religious orientations.

Les Mots à la Bouche: Paris’ oldest and best stocked gay bookstore threw open its doors back in 1980 and remains the best place to purchase dedicated LGBTQ literature, magazines and films.

Cimetière du Père Lachaise: Pay your respects to the one of the most beloved queer writers with a lipstick kiss to Oscar Wilde’s angel tomb.

Hungry in the Marais: Head to Broken Arm for fresh juices and salads. TATA Burger satisfies for a bite out of a penis-shaped double cheeseburger and a side of queer kitsch and friendly gay waiters. Try traditional French tartare with pommes frites at L’Estaminet, which is run by two lesbians or go all out with the wine menu at Le Gai Moulin, open since 1981.

Cave party: Head to Le Cud if you’re looking for a dirty, late-night dance party. This typical Parisian cave bar caters to those looking to get up close and personal with the young, male Parisian set. Drinks are pricey and the dancefloor is small but the locals are friendly and the music is pumping into the wee hours of the morning.

Go-Go boys: If it’s eye candy you’re after for the evening, Banana Cafe delivers with their bevvy of go-go boys and drag queen antics. There’s a heavy rotation of themed nights and a crowd that loves to glitter and have fun.

Chill & Chat: For a more lowkey affair, grab a drink at Duplex, the Marais’ oldest gay bar. The close quarters here concoct the perfect formula for making friends with locals and tourists from afar.

Where the girls at? La Champmeslé has been courting the lesbian bar scene since its opening in the 70’s. Expect a warm and friendly atmosphere with parties going well into the morning.

For the women: Les Jacasses is small and completely unpretentious with a clientele scaling towards the older spectrum. Across the street you’ll find the younger, clubby 3W Kafé with its neon lights and pop music blaring among the sweaty bodies.

Paris Pride: This annual event is typically held the first weekend in July. Beginning at the Montparnasse-Bienvenue Metro station on the Left Bank, the procession of revelers dances across the Seine, finishing up at Place de la République where the dance party begins, spilling over and around to the streets of the Marais.

These are our top LGBTQ+ friendly picks for where to stay in Paris.