Paris is not Burning ... it's lit!

A marketer, a virgo and a host on misterb&b, Mathieu gives a seemingly unusual portrait of Paris. In his opinion, it's the most gay-friendly capital of the globe, not exclusively for the attitude of its people but for the abundance of choice found in the City of Lights. So here are his tips for enjoying the best Paris has to offer: the top gay venues, events, cafés and brunch places. Explore Paris and experience your Pride.

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

Well, if I remember correctly Paris was recently elected one of the most gay-welcoming places in the globe! That basically means gay life is simply the best you can have. Then let’s be honest, even though we live in 2018 you can still get harassed or worse for your sexual orientation.

That’s a reality everywhere - even in Paris! Gay-friendly to me doesn’t just relate to the attitude of people, but also to the abundance of choice. It’s undeniable, whatever you might fancy, Paris has it. Except for beaches! The peace of mind counts too, but you have to love yourself first in order for others to love you, and that can be a struggle wherever you are. To answer the question, yes Paris is Burning … it’s lit, it’s love. 

© Unsplash/ Léonard Cotte

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

Clearly Gay Pride is a blast - pretty much like Pride Week in every other big city, but taking a walk in the Marais on a regular day is an amazing experience in itself. It’s one of the historic areas of the city, filled with poetic little corners, well-hidden gardens, haute couture boutiques, art galleries and cute temporary stores popping up everywhere.

This year, Paris hosted the Gay Games - for those who don’t know it’s the gay Olympic Games. Is there really a reason for an event like that, I don’t think this is the occasion to argue whether it’s legit or not but who doesn’t want to walk around a city where all the most handsome men are gay? It was cute! It was also a great example of the city's engagement with the community. 

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

If you have limited time, make sure you get familiar with the most important areas of the city: Le Marais, Montmartre, Saint Germain de Prés, les quais de Seine - the boardwalk of the river Seine. On a sunny evening, go there with a bottle of fine wine, some snacks and have the apéritif of a lifetime enjoying the sunset with the waters reflecting the pink and golden lights from the sky. 

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

Tata Burger is a most peculiar place. It’s a gay steakhouse, there’s a chill vibe, the staff are friendly, the crowd is not in the mood to be too serious and the déco is entertaining. 

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Caffé Vito and Les Marronniers are the most popular spots in the Marais, but everywhere you are you’ll find cute brunch places with fair prices and delicious food choices. 

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

The Cox is a staple for the gay community in Paris. It’s mostly popular amongst the bear community - some might say - and whether it’s true or not it’s not even one of those places crowded with Millennials. Truth is there’s just a laid back, old-style gay bar atmosphere: fairly priced beer, no attitude and you’ll always bump into someone you know - or cute strangers!

© Unsplash/ Florian Wehde

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

Gibus in my opinion! They have a whole wide set of gay events for everybody’s tastes. Pop music parties, electronic beat afterparties, leather and sweaty ones for La Démence kinda-gays and costume parties all year long. But make sure you check out other events too at La Lim, Doctor Love, Palais de Tokyo and at the Grand Palais. 

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

La Java, no doubt. Their music, their crowd and their drag scene certainly are the most appealing for those who love the alternative scene. That’s one of the places where Gen Y has a blast, but then again Millennials are everywhere. 

© Unsplash/ Earth

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

Go to Rosa Bonheur on a Sunday afternoon. It’s a guinguette bar inside one of the cutest parks of the city, the Buttes-Chaumont. Every gay guy is there on a Sunday, so if you’re in the mood to find your French-based Instagram crush or you simply want to relax with your group of queens, that’s the place to be. 

Where you can we get the best view of Paris?

The best view you can get is on top of Sacre Cœur in Montmartre. Or from the terrace of George’s, a fancy restaurant on top of Centre Pompidou, a contemporary art museum in the city center. ●

Fancy taking in the sights of Paris? Check out our Travel Guide and read some more Local Tips from our other hosts in this amazing city! 

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