Paris is certainly one of the Top 3 travel destinations in Europe, and for the author of these lines it is the most beautiful one. Considering how many wonderful cities in Europe had been destroyed in the last war and didn't gain their former beauty and fame, yet, after 60 years, Paris is truly a treasure and miracle.
You could stay in Paris for months or visit Paris again and again, and you would still see other beautiful and interesting spots if you explore the city with curiosity and open eyes. Just stroll around a bit and do not only follow the routes in your travel guide book.
If you come to Paris not only to visit the Louvre and other sights but want to dive into the Parisian life then try to avoid August. Many Parisians take their long vacations in August and some companies have even closed completely. In the gay scene even the most popular gay clubs and bars won't be very crowded or will be empty or closed.
The gay center of Paris is the Marais, an old district in the 4th Arrondissement of Paris with adorable, narrow streets breathing centuries-old history. You'll find a lot of gay bars, cafes and shops here, as well as plenty of gay-friendly restaurants, most of them quite close to each other, creating a bit of a ghetto atmosphere.
Gay Parisians can be a bit difficult when it comes to flirting. If you dare to show your interest to somebody in a direct way you could easily be seen as too needy, too easy or too cheap. Our two Euro cents of advice: Don't waste your time with behavior research to understand the rituals and peculiarities of flirting in the gay scene of Paris. Just do it your own way and don't take the Parisian rudeness personally.
Besides, it is often said that Parisian guys come and stick in groups. Exploring Paris with friends can really make a difference, both at day and at night.
Annual gay highlight in the French capital is Paris Gay Pride end of June, called ›Marche des Fiertés LGBT‹ in France. The only gay pride parade I have ever had the luxury of attending is Paris Gay Pride a few years ago when I was in Paris for a study abroad program.
The Parisian attitude toward sexual preferences is VERY relaxed and very pragmatic. Vending machines for condoms have recently been installed in high schools. You also find condom vending machines at Metro stations.
When it comes to Paris nightlife, the Parisian scene abounds with transformist night clubs, and after hours clubs with a predominantly gay flavor. The annual Gay Pride Parade gets bigger and better each year. Paris’s official tourist office site offers a listing of gay-friendly hotels and suggestions for your stay in the “City of Love.” Here is a city where you can walk hand-in-hand and feel truly at home.
Paris’s Marais district may be considered the epicenter of Paris’s gay community, but you’ll find that this city has plenty to offer gay visitors, especially when it comes to nightlife in various arrondissements, so don’t limit yourself to just one neighborhood. Some of Paris’s hottest night spots are gay-oriented.
To learn more, please check out these two sites:
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Love to get there one day!
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Jay
Jay, It's a wonderful city. The people are not always the nicest, but it's a great city to visit. Personally, I much preferred the Loire Valley region of France. Paris though has a much more active gay social scene.
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