Paris Gay Guide / LGBT Guide

Paris has been considered an important culture centre for a very long time, which even led to the nickname ‘The City of Light’ being bestowed upon it, due to the significant role the city played during the Age of Enlightenment. Today, Paris continues to attract millions of visitors because of its natural beauty, with the River Seine designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its history and culture, with fashion, cuisine, art and architecture all contributing to a unique Parisian identity. Indeed, a trip to Paris would be incomplete if you didn’t pay a visit to the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

If you’re looking for a gay scene in Paris, you will most likely find it in the Marais area of the city, as since the 1980s this is where many members of the LGBT have decided to settle. Consequently, there are gay bars, clubs, restaurants, cafés and bathhouses aplenty, meaning that there is no shortage of opportunities to meet other gay men, if that is your inclination! Plus, the city also plays host to a number of events where you can lap up gay French culture, with the largest and most famous being Paris Pride. There is, of course, a parade which takes you through Paris and numerous parties, balls and activities to enjoy. Other gay-oriented events in the city include the Paris Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival.

Paris is a huge city and has a rich history, so it’s unlikely you will ever run out of things to do or see whilst there. Obviously, there are a considerable number of notable landmarks that have already been mentioned worth visiting, such as the Eiffel Tower. There are also many museums and art galleries in the city, including The Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Rodin Museum, the Picasso Museum, Les Invalides, Le Musee des Arts Decoratifs and the Mémorial de la Shoah. Paris also plays host to a range of famous events, including the finale of the Tour de France, the French Tennis Open, Rock en Seine – a famous music festival, and Cinema en Plein Air – an outdoor cinema event, amongst others. Clearly, then, Paris is a must-see destination!

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