Paris, the City of Love, is a dream destination for lovers from all over the globe. And yet, you may not have realized that it is also one of the friendliest and most entertaining places for LGBTQ+ couples to travel. From gorgeous architecture and top notches cuisine to a brilliant queer culture and a nightlife scene, gay and lesbian couples will discover infinite ways of loving the magic of Paris as a couple. We will dive into what makes Paris so unique and uncover how couples of LGBTQ can benefit the most from their romantic escapade in Paris.
Celebrating LGBTQ Culture and Community
Paris has always been a center of the LGBTQ culture and struggle. The city’s LGBTQ+ community is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, and most visible in Europe. Every year, the Pride Parade in Paris takes place and welcomes hundreds of thousands of people. In Marais, the historic Paris gay neighborhood, energy is always bursting out, full of LGBTQ-owned shops, cafes, pubs, and nightclubs. Spending time here is the perfect way to have an exciting and comforting adventure for queer couples and a welcoming experience in a lively community.
Another significant queer event is La Queer Week, a festival held each November that commemorates LGBTQI art and culture with parties, shows, forums, and so on. Each time you come here, Paris gives you the possibility to engage with the LGBTQ community at ease.
Romantic Things to Do in the City of Love
- Steal a Kiss at the Eiffel Tower
A trip to Paris is not considered complete without paying a visit to the globally-recognized Eiffel Tower. Jump on the lift (or climb up the stairs) to enjoy the view at the top of the city. As you look across the Seine and the skyline spanning ahead, give a kiss to your beloved. Take a few pictures of yourselves in front of the iconic metal structure with the cityscape behind you. For a little extra romance, come at sunset and witness the sky turn pink, purple, and other shades, or arrive after dark when the tower is illuminated with thousands of lights.
- Get Lost in the Charm of Le Marais
Le Marais is the very heart and soul of the Paris LGBTQ community. This fashionable neighborhood is clearly scattered with narrow streets, nice cafes, stylish boutiques, and gay bars. Discovering new places with your partner, holding your hands. Why don’t you go ahead and drink coffee while you observe people from an outdoor table? Hunt for one-of-a-kind souvenirs in the various boutique shops and galleries. The sun is going to set, so first, let’s have a cocktail at a place that is friendly to queers and then have a romantic dinner at a restaurant that looks like a scene from a movie. The romance between you and your loved one will become something magical when you are in Le Marais.
- Picnic in the Park
No other location is more romantic than a Paris picnic. Purchase a fresh baguette, luxurious cheeses, juicy fruit, and a bottle of wine from a darling Parisian market. After that take a stroll to one of the city’s beautiful green spaces. Discover the shade of a tree in a quiet place in the Luxembourg Gardens. Sprawl down on the grassy lawns near the Champs de Mars and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower. Stray away from the chaotic center and head to the shady Bois de Boulogne on the city’s edge. Spread your picnic blanket, pop a bottle of wine, nibble on your market results and indulge in al fresco dining with your armor in the Parisian sunshine.
- Take a Sunset Seine Cruise
Paris is a fairy tale, as seen from the banks of the Seine River. Set sail with your partner in the evening hours of the day on a delightful sunset cruise. Glide by the famous Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Musée d’Orsay as you see these landmarks drift past while you are held close to your loved one. Enjoy the view of the sky turning different shades of pink and purple and the city glowing as the night falls. The Seine River cruises often include dinner or wine, so you can raise your glasses and share this moment with your beloved. With the charming melody of the water softly tapping against the boat and the lights of Paris lighting up the city, love here is unavoidable.
- Learn the Art of French Cooking
The threat of a global pandemic can have devastating implications for both individual health and global economies. Slip on your apron, stand next to your loved one, and learn to bake the perfect baguette, make a superb beef bourguignon, or build a tower of croquembouche. Chortle as your hands get smeared with flour, sneak kisses over pots of boiling sauces, and be delighted with the tasty meal that the two of you have cooked together. A private cooking class can be designed to be in accordance with your particular preference. These will be the treasured memories and recipes you will pull out during family gatherings!
- Dance the Night Away
The romantic atmosphere of Paris is at its best when the sun goes down, and the nightlife comes alive with an electrifying energy that makes it just perfect for a romantic evening. Dress in your fancy clothes, take the hand of your partner, go to a top spot for LGBTQ in the city, and spend the night dancing. Jam to the beats of pop hits with the super club Le Depot, which boasts two separate levels. Rock your dancing shoes in the presence of the disco ball at La Boîte à Frissons. At Sly Bar, a smaller queer bar, you can also get lost in the music and connect with others. Engage in a typical Parisian experience by securing one’s tickets to a cabaret show like Moulin Rouge. From the vibrant Pigalle Quarter to the sophisticated Rue des Archives, the city has lots of places to spend the night with your beloved, dancing till morning.
When to Visit
Paris is famous as an all-year destination, though spring (April- June) and fall (September- November) are the best months to come to enjoy warm weather, low inhabitants, and affordable prices. Summer is the busiest time when temperatures go high, and it takes a long time to move in the queue. Even though December is cold, you can still enjoy the view of the capital of France which is completely covered in holiday decorations.
For LGBTQ couples, June will be an optimum period for visits as you will definitely not want to miss the largest event of the year. The Marais will be full of life and a great location to be all month. Yet the city of Paris, to the contrary, greets the gay and lesbian guests all year round.
Budgeting and Accommodations
You will be able to save on your meals as you can cook on your own or a couple of your meals instead of having to eat out at restaurants if you use Airbnb or an apartment rental instead of a hotel. Paris is a paradise of bakeries, cheese shops, wine shops, and markets where you can buy all sorts of French gourmet goodies to create a really cheap romantic picnic.
Fortunately, many of Paris’ main attractions, such as strolling through a few beautiful neighborhoods and parks, visiting the best churches and cemeteries, and even seeing those views of the Eiffel Tower for free. For example, if you are going to a paid attraction like a museum, you can have discounted passes. Also, with Metro traveling, you get the cheapest mode of transport.
Delicious Dining
Paris is a foodie’s dream-land, offering from high-end gastronomic restaurants to cheap street food. For a romantic show-off, get dressed up and treat yourselves to an upscale meal with wine selections at well-known restaurants like Frenchie or Septime. Even more relaxed LGBTQ couples will feel right at home at queer-friendly coffee shops throughout the Marais, such as Whose, which is a well-known gay brunch spot, or Chez Louisette, which is a laid-back lesbian bar with yummy crepes.
You ought to give a try to traditional French dishes including steak frites, croque monsieur, boeuf bourguignon, and escargot. Let me start with my passion for espresso. I always try new espresso places. Sipping espresso at a sidewalk cafe while people-watching is also a must. It is almost impossible to make a mistake when it comes to desserts. You can select macarons, crème brûlée or just a warm, flaky croissant from the local bakery.
Making Memories
Whether you choose to enjoy your time in Paris as a couple or with LGBTQ friends, it is undoubtedly a city where every couple can be themselves and express their love without any hesitations. In a little while, you will know why the name of the city is ‘the City of Love’ and why it is highly rated as a queer travel destination.
Take lots of photos together in front of iconic sights to commemorate your trip. But also, be sure to put the itinerary and cameras away sometimes and simply savor the romance of exploring this beautiful city with your partner by your side. Get lost together, linger in bed with coffee and croissants, and don’t be afraid to engage in plenty of gratuitous PDA – it’s the Parisian way! Most importantly, focus on using this special time to connect with your loved one and express your affection. That’s what will make this a trip you’ll remember forever.
You have a warm welcome. With a little bit of planning and a lot of adventure in your spirit, LGBTQ couples will get the romantic getaway of their dreams in this City of wonders. Bon voyage, lovebirds!
