La Rochelle and Saintes, the twin sisters

Apr. 06 2014

by Matthieu Bouthier / TÊTU

Massive, erected to the stars, almost sexy, the two towers that embrace the entrance of the old port of La Rochelleset an example to lovers tempted by a weekend in Charente-Maritime... A romantic destination. Or even aphrodisiac. And definitely gay-friendly. But here, there are no rainbow flags floating around in every alley. Simply a soft and benevolent general atmosphere that allows each one to hold his half by the hand without any problem. Is it the pineau, the white wine or the cognac that allows the locals to understand so well the intoxication of gay feelings?

La Rochelle, the festive one
Still, in La Rochelle the nightlife is, for many, with a glass in hand, at the bar. So count on Alex's Mixx to start the evening and taste the essence of the area, the martifouet, a clever mix of local spirits with strawberry, passion fruit and basil. After a few shots of the beverage, you will be seasoned for the evening. Dinner at Pérot Quai, then the"digeo" at Eden. And here you are at the gates of Paradise, the club which is unanimously appreciated by the gays of the area. There are many things to do in the morning to get your head back in the right place: you can choose between oysters - with or without white wine - at the old market, or a walk in the fresh air on one of the many beaches around.

In Saintes, the association Adheos manages the LGBT center of Charente Maritime © DR

Saintes,"the little Rome"
Further south, an hour's drive away, Saintes will seduce gladiator film lovers and tourists with a militant spirit.Its thermal baths, its amphitheater, its triumphal arch have made the reputationof"the little Rome of Saintes".

But it is especially its Gay and Lesbian Center that impresses the community. It is indeed the Rolls Royce of its kind which, a stone's throw away from the Ladies' Abbey, welcomes some one hundred and fifty members ofAdheos, the association which has carried the project and managed the structure since its opening in 2007.we are proud of the work done to support and raise the profile of gay people in Charente," explains Cyril Roullin, 37, who works at the center.But we don't forget the pleasure and we also put the emphasis on conviviality by proposing sports or cultural activities...". Which usually end up on the dance-floor of Folie's, the gay-friendly club in Saint-Etienne.

Between these two sister cities ("twins born under the sign of Gemini"?), make a stop in Rochefort. Jacques Demy's Demoiselles still haunt the place... Pierre Loti's marine desires too. A romantic destination, we tell you!

(Main picture: The port of La Rochelle © Fabien Breuil)

Find all the gay and gay-friendly addresses in La Rochelle and Saintesin the gay guide of La Rochelle and the gay guide of Saintes