Strasbourg between two waters

Apr. 13 2014

by Cédric Douzant / TÊTU

Strasbourg is difficult, if not impossible, to resist. Its charms surprise at the corner of every street. There is of course the cathedral, mysterious and majestic, which dominates the city and intoxicates all eyes, the narrow medieval streets that lead to places inherited from the German era. There is also a strange, old-fashioned and romantic atmosphere, especially during the Christmas market. But Strasbourg lives beyond these foggy or flashing postcards, and when night falls, its inhabitants are adept at taking possession of this exceptional heritage and bringing it to life.

The center is not confined to a few spots, the bars, restaurants and nightlife are spread over dozens of streets and several districts. However, on the gay side, the city is still shy and the community seems to be lacking in federative and unavoidable places. The shortage of gay spots has become even more acute in recent months with the disappearance of JJ's Club, but also of the restaurant Le Woodies. On the clubbing side, the Tribord has become the Zen Club and is no longer really friendly. But a revival may be on the way.

Awealth of associations
First sign: the recent opening of a new club, the So-Divine, which proudly displays two large rainbow flags at the entrance, contrasting with the gray of the Halles district. Its owner admits it, opening a three-story gay bar was a risky bet. But it seems to be succeeding, and this new bar, which divides the whole community, is starting to build up a regular and very mixed clientele.

Other proof of the vitality of Strasbourg's gay life: the abundance of associations, the success of the Gay Pride and the few gay parties organized in the city. On Wednesdays, the Golden Gate, a small, cosy and friendly bar in Petite-France, fills up and becomes 100% gay thanks to its "Poste" evening. Strasbourg can also satisfy the fans of hotter plans, thanks to the cruising bar, the Antr'acte, or in its saunas, the Equator or the H2O.

Even if they are far from enjoying the most dynamic environment in France, the gays of Strasbourg do not condemn themselves to stay at home. They have taken over the whole city center and they can be found everywhere, without their presence being thwarted or their visibility curbed. Above all, the most communitarian have a ready-made refuge a few kilometers away: Germany. On the other side of the Rhine, at the Glouglou Bar in Kehl and in the numerous friendly clubs of this small neighbor, or at the Tabu Gay Club in Offenburg, they will find the spots that are still missing in their city.

Find all the gay and gay-friendly addresses in Strasbourg in the Strasbourg gay guide