Gay Paris: Your Guide to the Best LGBTQI+ Venues in the City of Love

Paris: the city of romance, chic fashion and exquisite cuisine. But beyond the charming boulevards and iconic landmarks, there's another side to the city – one that's rich in queer culture and history, with a thriving LGBTQI+ scene. The French capital has long been a haven for queer folks from around the globe, and its bars, clubs and cafés are no exception. Whether you're looking to sip cocktails, dance the night away or take a scenic stroll along the Seine, you'll find the city's LGBTQI+ community is diverse, dynamic and always welcoming. Here's our guide to the best LGBTQ+ venues in Paris.

Let’s kick off at the heart of the capital's queer scene: Le Marais. This historic district in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements is the most famous gay neighbourhood in Paris, and it’s full of trendy bars, cafés and clubs. Squeezed into the maze of medieval streets are quirky boutiques, art galleries and excellent museums, where you’ll find locals and visitors soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. By day, you can stop for a coffee and some people-watching at Café la Perle (a favourite haunt of fashion designer John Galliano), or browse the stylish shops at Le BHV Marais department store, known for its inclusive vibe, rooftop views and LGBTQI+ events. By night, dive into the district's legendary nightlife. Think drag shows at Les Souffleuses, late-night dancing under neon lights at CUD, wild shower shows at Le Raidd and relaxed cocktails at L'Imprévu Café.

• Good to know: Le Marais is the place to be during Paris Pride, with the parade passing right through the district. The area’s popularity means there’s always something going on, from special LGBTQI+ events to pop-up shows.

Founded in 1980, ​Les Mots à la Bouche is Paris's premier LGBTQI+ bookstore, offering an extensive selection of literature, magazines and films that celebrate queer culture. Beyond its diverse inventory, the bookstore is a cosy, welcoming space that serves as a cultural hub, hosting events and fostering community connections. Perfect for a quiet afternoon and a great place to soak up Parisian queer culture.

• 37 rue Saint-Ambroise, 75011
• Open daily 10:30 am–7:30 pm
• Nearest metro: Rue Saint-Maur

A low-key but lively spot to spend your evening, La Mutinerie is a staple of the LGBTQI+ scene. This self-proclaimed feminist queer bar offers a chill vibe, with a mix of people chatting over drinks and attending regular events like yoga classes, book clubs and spoken word performances. The events here aren’t just about partying – they’re about inclusivity and fostering conversations. Whether it’s a talk about LGBTQI+ activism or an indie film screening, there’s always something thought-provoking happening.

• 176-178 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003
• Open Monday to Saturday 5 pm–1:30 am, Sunday 3 pm–midnight
• Nearest metros: Rambuteau and Etienne Marcel

Moored along the Seine near Hôtel de Ville, this refurbished 1925 barge exudes old-school Parisian charm, with stunning views of Notre Dame and a cosy riverside terrace ideal for unwinding with a glass of Champagne. The live jazz performances create a sultry, atmospheric setting, making it a great thing for couples to do in Paris or a relaxed evening with friends. While it’s not specifically an LGBTQI+ venue, it's welcoming, diverse and inclusive, making it a great spot for queer visitors who want to enjoy Paris away from the typical gay bar scene.

• Port des Célestins, Quai de l'Hôtel de ville, 75004
• Open Wednesday to Saturday 6pm-midnight, Sunday noon-midnight
• Nearest metro: Pont Marie

For high-energy entertainment, the Gibus Club should definitely be on your list of LGBTQI+ venues to visit in Paris. Located right by Canal Saint-Martin, this is a long-standing concert hall and nightclub where the music never stops. The diverse crowds, cosy lounges and regular LGBTQI+ nights make it the perfect spot to let loose. Whether you're into rock, Afrobeats or electronic music, the DJs here keep the party going until the early hours.

• 18 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75011 Paris
• Open Friday-Sunday 11:45pm-6am
• Nearest metro: République

For a more chill vibe, WorkshoW is a friendly, unpretentious café where you can bring your laptop by day or socialise by night. The modern, industrial design features comfortable seating and an open layout that invites conversations. This creative space hosts regular LGBTQI+ events, from casual meet-ups to art shows, creating a sense of belonging and pride in the local queer community. It’s a gay-friendly venue where everyone can feel comfortable, regardless of their background or identity, making it an important part of Paris’s LGBTQI+ scene.

• 173 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003
• Open Tuesday to Saturday 5 pm–2 am
• Nearest metro: Etienne Marcel

Tucked away in the Pigalle district, Madame Arthur is a legendary gay venue in Paris and a cornerstone of Parisian drag culture that’s been dazzling audiences since 1946. Named after a 19th-century song by Yvette Guilbert, it attracts some of the country's top queer cabaret talent, and every night is a spectacle of French music and artistry. Expect feather boas, powerhouse vocals, drag royalty and theatrical flair that would make Moulin Rouge blush.

• 75 rue des Martyrs, 75018
• Open Thursday to Saturday 8pm-6am, Sunday 7pm-midnight
• Nearest metro: Pigalle

Affectionately known as "La Boîte à Frissons" ("The Box of Thrills"), Le Tango is a cherished gay venue in Paris's 3rd arrondissement. Set in a former town hall, evenings begin with tango classes (yes, really) and tea dances, before transforming into a lively LGBTQI+ club later in the night. The venue's old-fashioned charm and 1950s décor, with tables and seats all around, attracts an unpretentious crowd with a touch of hipster.

• 11-13 rue au Maire, 75003
• Open Wednesday 2pm-7pm, Friday and Saturday 10:30pm-5am, Sunday 6pm-11pm
• Nearest metro: Arts et Métiers

Equal parts riverside bar, dancefloor and picnic paradise, Rosa Bonheur is a collection of fabulous queer-friendly venues in Paris. The name roughly translates as "pink happiness" and refers to the 19th-century French painter and sculptor Rosa Bonheur, famous for her depictions of animals and her role in the early feminist movement. From the barge-based venue on the Seine to the tranquil terrace of a former dance hall in Buttes-Chaumont Park, you can expect a convivial atmosphere, inclusive energy and spontaneous dance breaks.

• Rosa Bonheur sur Seine, 37 quai Orsay, 75007. Nearest metro: Invalides
• Rosa Bonheur des Buttes Chaumont, 2 avenue de la Cascade, 75019. Nearest metro: Buttes Chaumont
• Rosa Bonheur à l’Est, Chalet de la Porte Jaune, 75012. RER: Nogent-sur-Marne
• Rosa Bonheur à l’Ouest, 20 quai du Dr Dervaux, Asnières-sur-Seine. Train: Asnières

If you can time your visit for late June, Pride Week in Paris is a must. Events kick off all around the city – from panel talks and film screenings to high-energy dance parties and drag brunches. The big event? The Pride Parade, known as La Marche des Fiertés, which brings tens of thousands people out into the streets. You’ll find satellite Pride events at classic Parisian LGBTQI+ friendly venues like Rosa Bonheur and Madame Arthur, and across the city's university campuses. Planning a trip across the continent? Find out everything you need to know about other Pride celebrations in Europe.

Looking to explore the queer stories behind the monuments and museums? Queer Tours France offers guided tours created by and for the LGBTQI+ community. From the backstreets of Montmartre to the royal halls of Versailles, these passionate guides bring queer history out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

From the lively clubs of Le Marais to the laid-back cafés of the 19th arrondissement, Paris is packed with queer venues where you can immerse yourself in the city’s queer culture. Whether you’re into a wild party or just want to sip a coffee and meet like-minded folk, you're sure to have a good time.

If you're looking for a five-star place to stay, consider booking a room at Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg for its chic vibe and prime central location, or the gorgeously fashionable SO/ PARIS Hotel, next to Le Marais. Novotel Paris Les Halles, which is also right where the action is, is another ideal base for your adventures. Prefer a quieter setting? Mercure Paris Centre Eiffel Tower Hotel and Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel offer the perfect mix of calm and convenience, while the budget-friendly ibis Styles Paris Meteor Avenue d'Italie is also well-placed for transport links to Pride events.

Ready to don your sequins and celebrate diversity?