Like us, you may have dreams of embarking on a romantic road trip through France. Filled with captivating landscapes, a rich history and world renowned cuisine, the country is the perfect place for a love and discovery journey. France’s beauty sprawls across Paris, the iconic streets, to Nice, the sun kissed beaches, yet there’s a place for everyone in terms of interests and preferences.
With this in mind, this article takes you on a journey of one of the most beautiful routes that mixes famous landmarks, hidden gems, and LGBTQ-friendly places. It’s a French adventure that, no matter if you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or searching for romance, will help you bond and make lasting memories.
Start in Paris: The City of Love
Start your romantic road trip in Paris, where there is no need to announce who you are and why you are there. On arrival in the French capital, you’ll be whisked away by its unique charm and lush energy. Start your Parisian journey by taking in the iconic Eiffel Tower and enjoying a kiss at the top of the Tower as you look out onto Paris’s beautiful view. And finally, we head north in a relaxed amble through the cosseting streets of Montmartre by his side, pausing to breathe in the work artists used to indulge in.
Missed our deep dive on Paris for gay couples? I wrote this article on how you can have a romantic adventure in this wonderful city
Le Marais is the gay part of Paris, the city’s buzzing LGBTQ+ district. This neighborhood is a stunning jumble of narrow streets, with trendy boutiques, art galleries and charming cafes. In the afternoon get lost in its hidden courtyards and snack on local patisseries. For a true hunger jones down your street, visit L’As du Fallafel with their famous stab at the falafel sandwich or be seduced by their gourmet French cuisine paired with a premier wine list at Les Fines Gueules.
Paris really comes to life for the LGBTQ+ visitor as the sun sets. Have a drink in the historic Café de Flore, a hangout of literary greats and one that gives welcome to same-sex couples. After that, dance the night away at Le Queen, one of the city’s favorite gay clubs, where you can celebrate your love surrounded by like-minded revelers from all around the world. Your romantic journey begins in Paris, where you’ll find everything you need to take your relationship to the next level with a little culture, a lot of cuisine, and plenty of queer-friendly experiences.
Drive to Champagne: Bubbles and Romance
After a visit to the bustling streets in Paris, get a short drive east to the Champagne region, where your next stop is most famous. A celebration and luxury destination, this picturesque area is a perfect place for a couple to visit and add some sparkle to their romantic getaway.
The first stop on your champagne adventure is a visit to some of the most prestigious champagne houses in the region. The tours of Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot in Épernay are fascinating, and you get to go through their historic cellars and finish with a tasting of their best cuvées. The guided experiences give a look into the process of champagne production and the history behind these iconic brands. To get the most intimate feeling and experience, look for the smaller, family-run vineyards that welcome LGBTQ+ explanations and incorporate custom visits and tests into their homes.
When it comes to dining, the area around the Champagne region doesn’t let you down. La Table Kobus in Épernay is a treat, where menu ideas are French classics with local champagne pairings. It presents the right ambiance for a romantic dinner and has an elegant atmosphere as well as attentive service. You’ll enjoy why there is more than just sparkling wine for which the Champagne region is famous—there’s great gastronomy, too.
Explore Lyon: Culinary Delights
Continuing on the south, stop in Lyon, a city with an unequaled mix of history and modernity: the gastronomic capital of France. While this vibrant metropolis is a feast for all the senses, it’s an essential couple’s destination for those who love fine food and culture. Let me guide you to start your uncovering the city of Lyon by strolling through the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hidden passageways called traboules here give you a peek at the city’s rich medieval and Renaissance past.
If you like food and wine inspired experiences, hold up a sec. I wrote an article to give you some amazing ideas for a culinary adventure holiday that you should check out.
If you’re in Lyon, you have to partake in the city’s renowned food scene. Take off on your culinary Adventure with Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, the vast indoor market filled with local specialties you can taste and gourmet souvenirs. La Mère Brazier is a Michelin-starred restaurant that’s been dishing out exquisite Lyonnaise cuisine for almost a century, and their dishes are so good you can’t afford to miss it for a truly memorable dining experience. If you like a more informal setting, find one of Lyon’s more traditional bouchons, Café des Fédérations, where you can slurp down local specialties in a rough and ready environment.
While Lyon’s LGBTQ scene may not be as large as that of Paris, it is absolutely as vibrant. Le Sucre, a top club and favorite of the LGBTQ+ community, hosts nightly parties, and it’s got a roof terrace that provides an incredible view of the city. L’XS Bar in the heart of Lyons is a friendly gay bar where you can mingle with locals, over reasonably priced drinks, for a more laid-back night out.
Head to Avignon: Historical Charm
After enjoying your romantic road trip, head on to Avignon, a city full of history and in the heart of sun-drenched Provence landscapes. The seat of the papacy in this medieval gem, an architectural gem, and a cultural gem. One of the most important medieval Gothic buildings in the entire Europe and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the magnificent Palace of the Popes, is the focal point of your trip to Avignon. So, as you walk the mighty halls and hidden byways (yes, there are hidden byways), you will transport yourselves back in time to imagine the intrigues and power struggles that once played out in these ancient walls.
For a quick travel guide to Avignon, check out the YouTube video below:
When you’re done immersing up Avignon’s very rich history, you’ll probably want to just go for a nice leisurely amble over the renowned Pont Saint-Bénézet, or as the locals refer to it, the Pont d’Avignon. This famous bridge, immortalised in the famous French song, has stunning views out over the Rhône River and the surrounds. Pack a picnic to go with a romantic interlude, and head up to the Rocher des Doms hilltop garden with views of the city and of distant Mont Ventoux.
Avignon’s cuisine is a celebration of the Provençal and modern courses. La Table d’Uzès is a Michelin-star restaurant just a short drive from Avignon; book a table and have an unforgettable dining experience. Here, you’ll enjoy the city’s best local produce in an elegant, intimate setting showcased in innovative dishes. If you would like something a little less formal, check out the bustling Les Halles d’Avignon for some regional specialities and pick up some ingredients to knock up a romantic meal in your place.
Conclude in Nice: Coastal Bliss
The French Riviera’s jewel is Nice, with azure waters meeting sun-drenched beaches and vibrant culture where your romantic French road trip concludes. If you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation with a little bit of excitement thrown in, this coastal city is the place to do it. Your Nice Adventure begins with a leisurely stroll hand and hand along the Promenade des Anglais over the famous Mediterranean, and enjoy the magnificent Belle Époque architecture as you wander along its waterfront.
And if you like life a little less touristy and/or a little less parade, trespass into the colorful streets of the Vieux Nice (Old Nice) and enjoy the liveliness of markets, shops, resolutely small craft, and the Niçois atmosphere. If you have a chance, do not miss the opportunity to climb up to the Colline du Château (Castle Hill) to have an eagle-eye view of the city and coastline – a perfect place for your romantic selfie or a quiet ‘together’ moment on your journey.
Fortunate to live in a city that has a French and Italian influence in its culinary scene. Le Safari is a local institution for Niçois cuisine and a warm atmosphere; book a table to enjoy a memorable dining experience. Do be sure to treat yourself to a chunk of socca (chickpea pancake), or of anything, at a pizzeria and salade niçoise, with a crisp Provençal rosé.
(Our friend Keven did a great video on gay travel in Nice, below)
Suppose you’re a traveller wanting to spend some time mingling with like-minded fans. Head down to Plage Beau Rivage, an airy gay beach that is usually busy in the afternoon, to relax in the sun. Le Glam is one of Nice’s hottest gay clubs and is the place to go; head over as night falls, and you can dance the night away to international DJ sets. For a more low-key evening, there are cocktails at Le Six, a trendy gay bar in the middle of the city.
Conclusion
A trip with your boyfriend on a romantic road trip through France is an unforgettable trip to experience different things, see beautiful landscapes, and meet welcoming LGBTQ+ spaces. Whether it’s the iconic Paris streets or the sun-kissed beaches of Nice, each destination along this route offers its own opportunities to really connect and really create memories you can hold onto forever. There’s no way to say it without making it sound corny, but whether it be the fantastic food you’ll feast on (if you’re any good), the landmarks from history you’ll be allowed to trace your fingers on, or the natural beauty you’ll be able to capture with your cam with the Fires of France Adventure you’ll be able to bring out the flames of romance and a deep appreciation for the rich history and community of an entire gorgeous country.
Recall that this is only a suggested schedule for your own French getaway. France has countless treasures waiting to be discovered by LGBTQ+ travelers. For more inspiration and detailed guides on gay-friendly destinations around the world, be sure to explore our other articles on Gay Couple Getaway. Our website is dedicated to helping same-sex couples find the perfect vacation spots where they can feel welcomed, celebrated, and free to express their love. So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for a romantic adventure that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
