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.
Our friends The Two Gay Expats did a fab video on all things gay Paris
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. As the sun sets, start with cocktails at a queer-friendly bar, then enjoy a romantic, movie-like dinner. 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.
And There’s More
- 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. Drift past the iconic Louvre, Notre Dame, and Musée d’Orsay as you hold your love close on a magical Seine River cruise. Watch the sky melt into shades of pink and purple while the city lights begin to sparkle. Many cruises include dinner or wine, so you can toast to romance as Paris glows around you.
- 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
Paris feels most romantic after sunset, when the nightlife comes alive with electrifying energy. Dress up, hold hands, and dance the night away at a top LGBTQ+ spot. 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.
Budgeting and Accommodations
Airbnb or apartment rentals let you save money by cooking some meals instead of dining out. Paris offers amazing bakeries, cheese shops, and markets for a budget-friendly, romantic picnic. Many top attractions, like scenic neighborhoods, parks, historic churches, and Eiffel Tower views, are completely free to enjoy.. 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.
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!
