Paris is one of Europe's major centres for gay men. There are numerous gay bars, clubs, restaurants, saunas and shops, concentrated especially in the Marais . While less visible, the lesbian community is strong and well organized, with networks of feminist groups and a number of publications. 

The high spots of the calendar are the annual Gay Pride parade and festival, and the Bastille Day Ball. Gay Pride is normally held on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice, and is a major carnival for both lesbians and gays. The Bastille Day Ball (July 13, 10pm-dawn), a wild open-air dance on the quai de la Tournelle, 5e (Mº Pont Marie), is free for all to join in. 

Helplines and information
Act Up Paris 45 rue Sedaine, 11e tel 01.48.06.13.89, Mº Bréguet-Sabin. The Paris branch of the international organization against AIDS in the homosexual community. They hold weekly meetings and two-monthly...
read more >>

Media
FG (Fréquence Gaie) 98.2 FM 24hr gay and lesbian radio station with music, news, chats and information on groups and events. Gai Pied Publishes the annual Guide Gai/Gay Guide , which is the most...
read more >>

Bars, clubs and discos
Lesbian clubs in Paris are less of a rarity than they were ten years ago, but are still relatively few and far between. The pleasures of gay men are far better catered for. While the selection of gay male-oriented establishments listed...
read more >>

Accommodation and eating
Although gays and lesbians shouldn't come across any anti-social behaviour in restaurants and hotels, there is a choice of gay-oriented places to stay and eat . You don't need to look any further than the Marais; restaurants are plentiful, and...
read more >>