Gay Local Tips in Nantes

Voyage à Nantes

Two of our Fabul'hosts in Nantes, Julien and Vincent, introduce you to the gay side of their city. They're very fond of their experience as hosts, mostly because of the fact that misterb&b has allowed them to create long-term friendships, and come across people they would have never otherwise met. Discover their favorite gay bars, clubbing spots and gay beaches to explore Nantes as a gay local.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Nantes is a great spot for LGBT travelers. There are a few gay bars, saunas and restaurants which are openly LGBT. One can feel at ease in every corner of the city :)

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

Of course, there is the Pride every year in June - this year will mark the 22nd anniversary - but there is also a gay movie festival called Cinépride, which happens towards the end of May. I usually like their selection of movies. It’s not specifically gay but the biggest free event in Nantes is Voyage à Nantes, which happens over July and August. Seasonal events, street art, and many other activities will give you plenty of good opportunities to discover Nantes.

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

Les Machines de l'ile are really a must-see. The Castel of the Duchess Anne, the L.U. (editor’s note, Lieu Unique) to drink something while listening to good music, the art museum and last but not least, two great hosts like us!

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

For a quick typical French lunch, the Café du Passage is the right place with its charming owner. The Sugar Blue will make our vegetarian friends and guests happy. For a romantic dinner, we suggest going to Le Bouchon, especially for its great courtyard in summer.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

There is not a specific brunch place in Nantes, but a great choice would be Talensac. This is the best market place of the city, where you can buy croissants and other French pastries, or even go to one of the cafés around for a café gourmand. But you can also have oysters and white wine here for something even fancier!

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

A new place called Kaleidoscope will open very soon, and it sounds very promising! It’s a new gay bar where we’re surely going to be hanging out. Another staple is Le Cercle Rouge, Sirs Carmes, and for the youngsters Le Petit Marais.

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

There are plenty of places for partying in Nantes but they're not necessarily gay. If you’re looking for a gay-only crowd then head to CO2 in Nantes suburbia. Otherwise, fans of electronic music will find Warehouse the place to be.

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

The Stereolux in the industrial area of Nantes offers a great programme, the L.U that we already mentioned before, and the electro picnic over summer are good alternatives, too. The city is also packed with small cafés and bars in the Bouffay district. So dehydration is very unlikely!

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

For a last drink go to Le Nid, a bar that is on top of the Tour de Bretagne - the only skyscraper in Nantes where you’ll have a fantastic view over the city. You will get an amazing view of the city and its surroundings. This place is worth making a detour! Trentemoult, the fisherman village on the other side of the Loire river, is a complete surprise with such colorful houses. Take the boat tour and five minutes later you are in a completely different world!

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill out?

On the Atlantic Coast there are plenty of nice beaches where constructions are completely absent, it’s a nice authentic landscape. Our favorite is Pen Bron, a gay and naturist beach. Come visit us and we will explain how to reach it as it is quite difficult to find, but when you are there it's ace! ●

Thinking of visiting Nantes? Check out our Accommodations for this great gay city!

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