Traveling through France on a jaunt across Europe, or as your only destination for gay vacations for singles or couples, France is a trip that everyone should experience at least once. With snowcapped alps, the magnificent French Riviera, world famous art collections, pristine beaches, pastoral landscapes dotted with medieval castles, villages and ruins that tell the story of Frances diverse history, and the truly exquisite cosmopolitan city of Paris, travelers are sure to find exactly what they are looking for when visiting this unique country.
Gay vacations often center around Paris and its vibrant LGBT community, cultural and historical landmarks and accepting cosmopolitan environment, visitors will find that throughout France there is plenty to do and see, as well as many LGBT establishments and a welcoming atmosphere. Laws outlawing sodomy were abolished over 200 years ago and Frances LGBT community has enjoyed civil unions for the last decade. With legal protections in place and a general laissez-faire attitude that is common among the French, visitors will find that France provides an accepting and safe gay tours.
Numerous community events take place across the country throughout the year, including several pride festivals and a very well-attended pride parade and festival and gay and lesbian film festival in Paris. Some unique establishments to check out while in Paris on a gay vacation include the Marais district LGBT-owned bakery, Legay Choc; the ArtMenParis exhibit of all-male images; and Madame Arthur, LArtishow and Chez Michou, three cabarets with female impersonators and drag shows. Paris nightlife is lively, with bars open from afternoon until 2am and clubs opening at midnight, and often staying open until noon.
Men interested in exploring the bawdier side of Paris gay vacations will find that cruising spots, bars with backrooms and sex clubs are easy to find and quite popular with visitors, as well as locals. Saunas, aka bathhouses, are also plentiful; however, they work a bit differently in France than they do in America or Canada. French saunas do not have private rooms, but rather cubicles that are set aside for a bit of privacy, and they are not 24-hour operations. Most of the activity takes place in the afternoon, rather than the evening or night, and Sunday afternoons are particularly popular.
While most gay vacation tour destinations cater largely to men, women will find that Paris has a lively lesbian scene that includes everything from a lesbian walking group to a sex shop just for the girls. The Marais district is the center of LGBT life in Paris, and women will find a distinct Sapphic presence there, with bars and clubs that are located mostly at the south end. Ladies will also find several venues sprinkled throughout other neighborhoods, such as the Halles-Beaubourg, Palais Royal, Grands Boulevards and Saint Germain des Pres districts. There is also a bookshop in the Bastille-Republique district and one of the oldest lesbian bars in the city is located in the Palais Royal area.
Although Paris might be the most visited gay vacation destination in France, many other options are available throughout the country, including Avignon in Provence, Montpellier and Nice on the Mediterranian coast, Annecy in the Alps, Nantes in Brittany and the nude community beaches of Camargue. For those who hope to rub elbows with the rich and famous, Saint Tropez on the French Riviera should not be missed, while those looking for a romantic retreat might opt for an LGBT-owned B … B outside of Bourdeaux. With so many gay vacations in 2010 to choose from, France is truly an ideal setting for gay romance travel.
Facts on France by Howie Holben for gay trips. Spirit Journeys also has gay travel information.
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