France has always been intrigued by unconventional lifestyles. So when it came time to recognize LGBTQ+ people, the country was leagues ahead of its European neighbours. Paris has been a queer mecca since the ‘70s, if not earlier. And more miniature scenes exist in every major city, including Lyon and Marseille. Overall, the country is very LGBTQ+ welcoming and has strong anti-discrimination laws. Same-sex marriage and adoption are legal while changing your gender doesn’t require surgery.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Paris claims to have one of Europe’s largest and most robust queer scenes, only matched by cities such as Madrid and London. And while we j’adore Paris’s Le Marais district, it’s not the only district in the country featuring guys who like guys and gals who like gals. Marseille and Lyon both have excellent LGBTQ+ scenes worth indulging in. Nice—the country’s famous summer escape—has not one, not two, not three, but four popular gay beaches. With multiple annual Prides, plenty of bars and clubs, a sex-positive culture, and even several lesbian-centric institutions, France are one of our favourite queer destinations worldwide.
Gay Villages in France
Paris: Le Marais district
Lyon: Primarily around Quais de Saône, the Terreaux, and Bellecour Square
Pride and Gay Events in France:
Marche des Fiertés LGBT Paris: Annually in June
Pride Marseille: Annually in July
Lyon Queer Film Festival: Annually in March
Lyon Pride: Annually in June
Best Gay Bars in France:
Paris: CUD (Young crowd. Club)
Paris: Le Raidd Paris (Mixed Crowd. Club with strippers.)
Paris: Les Souffleurs (Hip gay bar)
Paris: Club Banana Café (Younger crowd. Go-go dancers, drag, parties)
Paris: FreeDJ (Mixed Crowd. Dance bar)
Paris: COX (Rough-and-Tough crowd)
Marseille: Play Bar (Casual. Mixed-Crowd)
Marseille: Le 5.5 (Karaoke)
Marseille: New CanCan (Club)
Lyon: La Ruche (Mixed Crowd)
Lyon: XS Bar (Bear Bar)
Lyon: La Chapelle Café (Mixed Crowd. Cocktail Bar)
Lyon: It Bar (Mixed/Younger Crowd. Late-night 80s club)
Best Lesbian Bars and Events in France:
Paris: La Champmeslé
Paris: Rosa Bonheur
Paris: Le 3W Kafé
Marseille: AUX3
Best Gay Beaches in France:
Marseille: Mont Rose Beach
Nice: Castel Plage
Nice: Coco Beach
Berck: Terminus Beach
Biville: Biville Gay Beach
Erquy: Le Lortuaise
Nantes: La Palmyre Beach
5. Meaux
A charming, picture-perfect town known for its world-famous white mould cheese.
4. Château de Versailles
Few palaces exude the opulence, grandeur, and zeitgeist of the Renaissance, like Versaille.
3. Nice
France’s summer playground. Expect gorgeous beaches, a surprising art scene, and some of the best seafood in the world.
2. Champagne
No wonder this gorgeous swath of French countryside produces the world’s most romantic beverage ever corked.
1. Paris
Paris is many things to many people. A romantic honeymoon destination where couples can pop champagne on the bank of the Seine. A grungy European capital with real city grit. A historic center brimming with monuments, museums, and cathedrals. A leader in food and wine, overflowing with patisseries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and neighbourhood bistros. Like many have said before, “Paris, nous t’aimons.”
Best Time to Visit: May to July and September to October are the best times to visit France. August is also excellent; however, many smaller cafes and restaurants may be shut down while their employees enjoy a month off.
Electricity: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type E sockets. Visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/france/ for more information.
Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (GMT +2)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on France’s entry requirements, no other vaccinations are needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: A visa is not required for American, Australian, British, and Canadian citizens travelling to France for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the traveller’s responsibility.
Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
