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Events like the Pride of Paris attract thousands of visitors each year, reinforcing the importance of this neighborhood in the LGBTQ+ scene.
To discover the fascinating history of the Marais, feel free to check out our guide on the Marais District in Paris. These transformations, fueled by a renewed interest following the 2024 Olympics, make these districts ideal destinations for families wishing to explore Paris in a new light.
8.
The Emerging New Neighborhoods: 10th and 11th Districts
Paris is reinventing itself, and the 10th and 11th districts are a perfect example of this. Le Marais stays the easiest base for queer-friendly cafés, bars, and shops, but you’ll also find welcoming spots across the Seine and up toward Belleville. These establishments, often lively, are perfect for making new connections and having a good time.
For timing, late May through early July is the sweet spot. Must-See Events: Forever Paris Circuit Party 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable night in Paris in 2025 with the Forever Paris Circuit Party! You’ll find some of the world’s best-dressed people pounding the pavements in Le Marais, and you’ll also encounter a gay scene with something to offer any LGBTQ+ traveler.
The main gay shopping street is Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie in Le Marais.
Gay Districts in Paris: Guide to the Best Places in 2025
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Top gay bars in Paris
Bars and pubs
Les Souffleurs
5 out of 5 stars
Les Souffleurs is all about relaxation, refinement and modernity, a hip little gay bar in the centre of the Marais that would be difficult to spot if you...
Bars and pubs
Banana Café
5 out of 5 stars
Banana Café, an institution the Les Halles neighbourhood, attracts a younger set of locals, suburban Parisians, and travellers who have strayed from the...
Bars and pubs
FreeDJ
5 out of 5 stars
If you want to dance, and claustrophobia is no issue, FreeDJ, right around the corner from Open Café, is a top choice for an all-nighter with no cover...
see more
Also noteworthy is the Pride Run in Pantin, a friendly event that attracts both young and old.
To find out everything about the upcoming events and access to these festivities, check out our detailed guide on the Pride Week in Paris. Get ready to experience unforgettable evenings in this iconic neighborhood of Paris.
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These neighborhoods, undergoing urban transformation, are increasingly attracting families thanks to their renovation projects and ecological initiatives.
Why go there with children?
- Green spaces: Numerous greening projects create relaxation areas for families.
- Fun activities: The new facilities offer modern playgrounds and cultural activities suitable for children.
- Accessibility: Urban planning policies promote the creation of new pedestrian areas, making family outings more enjoyable.
To discover
Enjoy the emerging cafés and restaurants, as well as coworking spaces suitable for parents.
The major annual highlight is Marche des Fiertés (Paris Pride) in late June, with a large march and a packed weekend of parties. The Gay Districts in Paris: A Historical Overview
Paris, famous for its cultural diversity, is home to iconic neighborhoods that have played a key role in the history of the LGBTQ+ community.
Gay Paris
Paris is a city of pleasure, and gay Paris is no different. Around the same period you’ll see Pride-related nights across clubs and cultural spaces. From delectable food and rooftop cocktail bars to a collection of the planet’s most culturally significant institutions, Paris is a must-visit for fans of the finer things in life.
Le Ju’ works for an easy brunch or dinner near BHV, and La Bellevilloise is worth it for concerts, brunch, and mixed crowds. This event aims to make visible the often-ignored voices of these areas.
Why participate?
By participating, you join a movement that advocates for:
- The defense of LGBTQIA+ rights
- Access to healthcare for all
- The fight against precarity and racism
- Better accessibility to housing
A call for inclusion
In 2024, nearly 17,500 people had already responded, affirming their demands.
Bars and Clubs to Discover: The Best Addresses in the Marais
The Marais is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Paris, particularly known for its dynamic nightlife. Pride Week 2025: Festivities and Activities Not to Miss
The Pride Week 2025 in Paris, which will take place from June 21 to June 28, promises to be a vibrant celebration of the rights and visibility of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Whilst the whole of Le Marais is very gay, most of the best gay bars and clubs in Le Marais can be found on Rue des Archives.
Paris is synonymous with shopping. September is also a solid pick with milder weather and fewer lines. You can spend many hours in the big department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette which are conveniently located next to each other at Boulevard Haussmann 40 and 64 respectively.