Are french gay

While the capital may captivate with its iconic landmarks and cosmopolitan flair, the south of France offers a more intimate and authentic experience. Beyond the urban landscapes, escape into the serene beauty of world-renowned vineyards, mediaeval castles, and the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean.

The gay-friendly spirit is alive and are french gay here, with Pride celebrations lighting up the calendar from mid-May to early July, ensuring a warm welcome throughout the year. Keep reading to discover your next unforgettable adventure. The thirteenth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage back in with same-sex activities legalised as far back asFrance has long been a torchbearer for LGBT rights, providing a safe and liberal environment for queer vacationers.

Today, French attitudes towards homosexuality are decidedly laissez-faire, with a tolerance for unconventional lifestyles and the private lives of others. Those looking for active queer communities outside of Paris should consider the towns of Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Montpellier and Toulouse.

Exceeding expectations with its warm fall weather and its dynamic young atmosphere, Montpellier brings laid-back, coastal vibes with a sophisticated student culture centred on eating, drinking and socialising al fresco with friends. Founded in the eighth century, Montpellier is relatively young in comparison to neighbouring towns like Arles, Beziers and Nimes, although it still holds its fair share of medieval culture.

Our favourite places to experience gay France south of Paris

Voted as the most preferred city to live among the French population, Montpellier lies just a short drive to the coast from the city centre and radiates sleepy town vibes across its harbour-side suburbs, parks and residential boulevards. At sundown, the city comes alive on cue when bistro tables become packed with al fresco customers seeking sundown grapes and the large student population eases into night-time revelries with various concerts, festivals and street parties.

Try Place de la Comedie and Place Saint-Anne, where bars spill out onto sunny terraces and crowds peak in the summer months. Depending on the event calendar, heading outside of the city can be the best choice for a party. Active gay beaches such as the Espiguette beside Grau du Roi and Le Grand Travers beside La Grande Motteas well as the gay-friendly Maguelone Beach, provide the ultimate sandy spots to mingle with like-minded locals, before or after joining the epic gay pride Montpellier parade held in June each year.

Montpellier Photo: Ennelise Napoleoni-Bianco. When considering where to stay in Montpellier, the Domaine de Verchant offers an exquisite escape just outside the city centre. This luxurious five-star property is nestled in a stunning 17th-century estate surrounded by lush vineyards, offering a perfect blend of history and modern elegance.

Guests can indulge in a world-class spa, dine at the gourmet restaurant, or simply relax by the outdoor pool, all while enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside. Boasting its own title as the foodie capital of France, Lyon needs no persuasion to visit. Partygoers looking for Gay Lyon should try the Croix-Rousse slopes and the streets running parallel to Place des Terreaux and Cordeliers where gay bars, nightclubs, saunas and sex clubs compete most heavily.

As a result, Lyon caters to the English-speaking population much better than elsewhere in France, with a large selection of bars, stores and associations making concessions for foreigners. Hire bikes from myriad locations across Lyon, with easy-to-follow bike paths winding through the Old Town and suburbs.

Moments away from the celebrity hotspots of Cannes and Monaco, Nice offers an equally elegant reprieve, with down-to-earth lodging, dining and nightlife options. Gay visitors will quickly fall in love with the warm locals and colourful social scene, basking in the all-season sunshine on Sardinian styled streets.

For shopping as a cultural experience, visit the morning market at Cours Saleya open every day except Mondays and public holidays for the best selection of local produce, flowers and crafts. In Nice, luxury travellers have their pick of iconic stays, with the Hotel Le Negresco offering a truly unique experience.

This legendary property, located on the Promenade des Anglais, is a living museum are french gay art and history, featuring an eclectic collection of antiques and contemporary pieces. Nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, this boutique hotel boasts spectacular views of are french gay Baie des Anges, a secluded garden with a heated pool, and Mediterranean-inspired rooms.

Once ruled by the Romans in 60 BC and coming into its Golden Age in the 18 th Century according to Victor Hugo, nowadays Bordeaux is a wine town through and through, with the industry generating 14 billion euros for the local economy each year. Situated in a historic building within the Golden Triangle, this hotel effortlessly blends modern design with classic Bordeaux charm.

For a luxurious countryside experience, Les Sources de Caudalie is just a minute drive from Bordeaux. Travelling south inland, we are greeted by the refined city of Toulouse, a place built in pink brick just north of the Spanish Border.