Paris Gay Bars

Rosa Bonheur, tucked in Parc Buttes Chaumont, is a rustic gem offering an authentic Parisian vibe. Named after a feminist pioneer, its label loosely translates to ‘pink happiness’. The bar boasts a laid-back atmosphere, drawing a diverse crowd. With its renowned terrace, it’s the perfect spot for summer wine, tapas, and mingling with birds, bees, and best friends.

Just a tip, get there early if you want to enjoy the place before it’s fully packed and have time for both long talks on the terrace and plenty of dancing.

Le RAIDD, one of Paris’ standout gay bars, renowned for its sensational shower shows. Picture this: hunky male dancers making a splash in a massive, aquarium-like tank embedded in the wall. As if that isn’t enough eye candy, the bar boasts an equally attractive staff.

The party never stops at Le RAIDD, with themed nights like Disco Tuesdays and Brazilian Wednesdays, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the week. While it may not be the ideal spot for intimate conversations, the vibrant crowds provide opportunities to connect and perhaps exchange numbers. Weekends draw queues, but with no cover charge, a bit of patience is all it takes to dive into the excitement.

Explore the dark downstairs bar, savor potent drinks, and make the most of happy hours from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Les Souffleurs, a hidden gem in the heart of Marais that effortlessly blends relaxation, great fun, and modernity. Tucked away discreetly, this hip gay bar exudes a Berlin-esque vibe with hyper-styled bartenders, classy décor, and carefully curated music.

During the day, it serves as a tranquil retreat from the bustling Marais, inviting both groups and solo patrons to unwind on plush leather sofas. As night falls, the atmosphere transforms with avant-garde DJ mixes, drawing a lively crowd—so it’s wise to arrive early. Special evenings may feature concerts, aftershows, and captivating performances.

Don’t miss the enticing happy hour from 6 pm to 9 pm, offering prices that defy usual rates in the area. While predominantly attracting a young, masculine clientele, everyone is still welcome at Les Souffleurs.

If you’re in the mood for an all-night dance party without breaking the bank, FreeDJ is your go-to spot. It’s a popular gay bar with a cosy basement dance floor that usually gets crowded on weekends. With no cover charge, this lively venue offers an intimate atmosphere, complete with a bar, foosball table, and a glassed-in smoking room upstairs. Venture downstairs to the cellar for an inviting dance floor where you can groove to the beats with like-minded gentlemen.

The scene is relaxed, making it more enjoyable with friends, but be aware that the discerning bouncer at the door is known to turn away those with a menstrual cycle. Join the clubbing parties from Friday to Sunday in the basement, dancing until the early morning hours.

Duplex, a long-standing gay spot nestled in the northern fringes of Le Marais, Paris. Undergoing a recent transformation into a more vibrant club, the venue now attracts a diverse crowd, particularly the artsy-intellectual community.

With simple yet inviting décor, Duplex sets the stage for a relaxed social experience, accompanied by an eclectic soundtrack spanning new wave, disco, synth-pop, alternative, British Invasion rock, and funk. Join the bustling weekend scene and immerse yourself in the distinctive character of Duplex.

The LABO, a friendly gay bar and club nestled in the heart of Paris. Formerly known as “The Eagle,” this venue is known for hosting special events and themed parties. Take advantage of the generous happy hour, available from 5 pm to 11 pm, featuring a selection of beers and the cocktail of the day. Located close to various restaurants, it’s a convenient choice for post-dinner drinks and a lively social scene.

Bears’ Den, a favorite Paris spot for bears, daddies, friends, and their fans. This intimate bar offers a charming terrace and a cosy dance floor in the basement complete with a disco ball. Interesting to see Bears’ Den clever use of space — two staircases lead to a sizable cave below, featuring a loft, a terrace, a spacious dance floor, and an additional bar area.

The highlight, tucked away in the back of the loft, is a dark room, providing an opportunity to connect with Mr. Right Now and some new encounters.

EL HOMBRE, a bear bar nestled near Le Marais in Paris, is a haven where you can truly be yourself and revel in a good time. Catering to bears and their friends, this welcoming gay bar offers a vibrant atmosphere with loud music featuring plenty of pop classics. If you’re seeking a spot for drinks and some cruising, EL HOMBRE is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the daily happy hour, adding an extra layer of kick to your experience.

Remaining to be an icon in the Paris gay scene, Banana Café stands as one of the city’s longest-running gay bars. Recently renovated, it pulsates with life, hosting a diverse array of events such as cabaret, disco, karaoke, and dazzling go-go dance shows. With theme nights sprinkled throughout the week and numerous party events, Banana Café guarantees a lively and vibrant gay night out.

COX, a renowned gay bar in the heart of Paris, stands as one of the most famous and centrally located gay hubs. This vibrant establishment is known for its butch-type clientele, often seen sporting jeans, T-shirts, and short haircuts.

Positioned on Rue des Archives in the Marais, COX becomes a lively spectacle on warmer evenings, with patrons extending onto the pavements. While the intimidating but manlier set of older bikers and leather enthusiasts dominates the scene, newcomers are warmly welcomed. Thursday nights feature DJ spins, and an extensive happy hour on Sundays ensures the beer flows until 2 am, setting the stage for a night of memorable revelry.

Nestled north of Le Marais, One Way stands out as a cozy neighborhood bar with a rustic charm. The venue, embraced by a very friendly staff and clientele, particularly draws in the leather/denim and bear crowd.

Known for its easy-going atmosphere, the underground level features a video room and dark corners, adding an element of mystery and allure. Join in the fun during happy hour from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Typically drawing an older crowd, Ze Baar is a delightful gay bar nestled across two inviting floors. As an extension of the French restaurant Ze Restoo, this cozy establishment offers a unique experience. On the ground floor, bask in the open-air ambiance during favorable weather, and ascend to the upper level to unwind in plush armchairs and lounge areas. Enjoy reasonably priced drinks as you take in the welcoming atmosphere.

Proudly declaring itself Paris’s most inviting bar, Le Velvet, a two-story gay venue, boasts themed parties, daily happy hours, and a lively ambiance drawing in a young crowd sipping on flavorful cocktails.

La Boite is a refreshingly unpretentious, gay-friendly bar that exudes a laid-back vibe without any unnecessary frills. Whether you’re flying solo or in a group, this welcoming spot is ideal for mingling with locals. Don’t miss the daily happy hours, running from 6 pm to 9 pm, offering the perfect window to unwind and connect in this down-to-earth establishment.

In the heart of Le Marais, Quetzal stands as a relatively large gay bar known for its fantastic atmosphere and friendly staff. The weekends bring a bustling and cruisy vibe, making it a must-visit in the Marais. This popular spot attracts hot men, plus they occasionally have lively drag queens, creating an energetic ambiance. For a delightful bonus, explore the small dark space upstairs, and be sure to catch the daily happy hour from 5 pm to 10 pm.