The Ultimate LGBTQ+ Travel Guide To Paris

The capital of France, Paris is one of the most romantic cities to visit in Europe and the perfect place to visit as a couple (or a solo traveller looking for love).

A cultural hub with a long history, the city is home to a diverse range of architecture and beauty throughout, with incredible sights and world-famous landmarks at every turn.

Is Paris LGBTQ+ Friendly?

Often referred to as ‘gay Paree’, the city of Paris has long been regarded as LGBTQ+ friendly.

So much so that unlike other cities around the world, you’ll find less of a defined LGBTQ+ scene here and more of a general sense of openness to all.

This progressive openness towards the LGBTQ+ community has been illustrated with Paris being the first European capital to vote in an openly gay mayor when Bertrand Delanoë was elected in 2001 and when France became the 13th country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2013.

Polls show that the vast majority of French citizens support same-sex marriage.

Therefore it’s unsurprising to find that during our multiple trips to the city of love, Helen and I have experienced no discrimination and have felt more than comfortable holding hands in the street or checking into a double room in a hotel together.

Annual LGBTQ+ Events In Paris

Paris’s LGBTQ+ annual events calendar seems to expand year on year with incredible celebrations throughout the city.

However, if you miss the key dates, don’t worry as you’ll often find additional one-off events often taking place during the year too.

The combination of one-off and annual events means that regardless of exactly when you travel to Paris, there should be an LGBTQ+ experience during your trip.

Gay Pride Day

Paris Pride, also known as Gay Pride Day, is the largest annual LGBTQ+ event in Paris and takes place every year towards the end of June.

The parade begins at Champs-Élysées and ends along the banks of the River Seine. Along the way, you’ll find incredible parties, artistic performances and world-class entertainment.

Given the size and popularity of the event, hotels in the city often sell out months in advance, so it’s essential to book accommodation a couple of months prior (at least) to avoid disappointment.

We often choose to book accommodation along the River Seine over Gay Pride Day, as here you’ll find several incredible hotels with a view of the Eiffel Tower and be within walking distance of all the action.

Disney LGBT Pride

If like us, you love Disney and are an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community then Disneyland Paris Pride is a unique and highly inclusive event and experience that’s well worth attending.

The event takes place in the evening (traditionally from 8pm until 2am) inside the Walt Disney Studios park and includes live music alongside all the magic you’d usually experience when visiting the Disney parks.

Tickets can be purchased roughly six months in advance of the event which takes place annually in June.

Chéries-Chéris 

Europe’s first gay and lesbian film festival, the Chéries-Chéris Film Festival, was first held in Paris back in 1986.

It takes place twice a year (in February and October) at different cinemas throughout the city. It showcases the work of LGBTQ+ filmmakers from all over the world, intending to promote tolerance and acceptance.

The festival also offers awards for best feature, best director, best actor/actress, as well as ‘just love’, which is given to films that present a message of hope or show a significant moment in LGBTQ+ history.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Neighbourhoods

Paris is a city of diverse neighbourhoods, each with unique character and charm.

However, a few neighbourhoods are particularly LGBTQ+ friendly and hold most of the city’s most popular queer venues and attractions.

Marais

Marais is one of Paris’s most popular LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods due to its laid back atmosphere and affordable accommodation options.

Stretching from the Centre Pompidou to Place des Vosges, this neighbourhood holds multiple LGBTQ+ venues, including Paris’ oldest gay bar, Le Mary C.

La Butte Chaumont

This beautiful green hill providing perspective views over Paris hosts some great outdoor activities for all visitors throughout the year.  

However, during the summer months (May-September), it’s dedicated to hosting a range of LGBTQ+ parties and events with incredible music and entertainment.

Bastille

Located just north of the Marais, Bastille is close to many public transport links and well situated for access to attractions throughout Paris.

The area is also home to the iconic Gaité Lyrique, which hosts many LGBTQ+ parties throughout the year.

Montmartre

Located northeast of central Paris, the bohemian neighbourhood of Montmartre is well known for its vibrant nightlife and gay community.

Although it’s a small district, there are plenty of gay bars and clubs to choose from, so you should be able to find something that fits your tastes.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Hotels In Paris

Paris has an extensive range of accommodation options available which cater to every budget.

Almost all hotels across Paris are LGBTQ+ friendly too, which makes the decision on where to say during a trip almost impossible.

However, we do have a couple of personal favourites;

Le Cinq Codet

Located in the 7th district of Paris, just a 15-minute stroll from the Eiffel Tower, you have the Le Cinq Codet.

This contemporary five-star hotel includes a patio, a spa and wellness centre with a hot tub and hammam, as well as complimentary bike rental.

All Le Cinq Codet rooms are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a coffee machine and even a Mac Mini.

The majority of suites also have a private terrace with a view over the Invalides Dome.

Book Le Cinq Codet

Hôtel Jules & Jim

Located in the heart of the Marais quarter in central Paris, this modern 3-star hotel is surrounded by two paved courtyards and has views of the roofs of Paris.

The hotel offers 23 compact yet modern rooms that include air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and a large flat-screen TV.

Buffet breakfast at the hotel is complimentary and is served in the chic dining area between 7:00am to 11:30am during the week and from 7:30am to 12:30 pm during weekends.

Book Hôtel Jules & Jim

Hotel Elixir

Nestled in the heart of Paris, just a ten-minute walk from the Louvre, and a one-minute stroll from the nearest Metro is the three-star Hotel Elixir.

This incredible hotel provides modern comfort inside an old typical Parisian building, perfect for those who want to experience Parisian culture without compromising quality service and amenities.

A highlight of a stay at Hotel Elixir is the incredible breakfast buffet in the hotel’s basement, which has a 16th century vaulted ceiling and exposed stonework.

Book Hotel Elixir

citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées

Situated conveniently in the 8th arr. District of Paris, citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées is a fantastic budget-friendly hotel popular with the LGBTQ+ community.

The hotel has an incredible roof-top terrace bar from which you’ll be able to see the roofs of Paris as the sunsets.

Meanwhile, inside rooms at the citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées, you’ll find amenities including; mood lighting, complimentary Wi-Fi, a wide-screen TV, complimentary toiletries and an XL King Size bed.

Book citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées

LGBTQ+ Nightlife In Paris

The LGBTQ+ nightlife in Paris is some of the best in the world, with bars and clubs for all tastes. Some of our favourites to visit when in the city include;

Freedj

Freedj is the perfect place for an all-night dance party. Set over two floors, you’ll find everything from a bar, smoking room, disco and even a foosball table here.

Freedj is undoubtedly one of the friendliness gay bars in Paris for tourists, and you can be sure that the resident DJs never disappoint playing incredible music from 5pm until 3am daily.

Le CUD

Le Cud is one of the leading gay clubs in Paris and is so popular that you may have to queue to get inside.

Situated in the Marais district, you’ll find clientele of all ages and all styles meet here to party from opening (11pm) until dawn (7am).

OPEN Café

OPEN Café is a fantastic LGBTQ+ friendly café and bar serving delicious salads, sandwiches, steaks and burgers.

If you’re looking for a budget night out in Paris, then be sure to head down to OPEN Café for Happy Hour, which runs from 6pm until 10pm daily.