Gay Paris : Gay and lesbian life in Paris takes place in a city that is open, tolerant and accepts diversity.

Paris is an open, tolerant city where everybody can be comfortable about affirming his or her own identity. There are hundreds of gay-run and gay-friendly businesses in the French capital, mostly concentrated in the right bank neighbourhoods around Châtelet, the Hôtel de Ville and most importantly, the Marais in the city's fourth arrondissement. You'll find dozens of bars and restaurants proudly flying the rainbow flag, as well as stores selling fashion and homewares, travel agencies and other businesses besides.

Our directory lists all of the important mainstays of gay life in Paris, including associations, saunas, guide, services, events and clubs all of whom are happy to welcome gay and lesbian customers.

Gay Paris : Paris' Gay Village, the Marais

The Marais is a neighbourhood on the right bank of the river Seine, straddling Paris' third and fourth arrondissements. 

Over the years, the area has managed to preserve its historic charm in the shape of narrow, winding streets and historic buildings. It includes a number of famous sights, including the musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris, the musée Picasso and the place des Vosges, first opened in 1612.

The neighbourhood is also full of unexpected surprises, with small squares lined with-covered buildings, like the one at 13, rue de Sevigné. There is still a turret jutting out into the street at the corner of the rue Pavée and the rue des Francs Bourgeois, which allowed the building's original owners to keep an eye on passers-by in both streets. A typical sight is the old Jewish quarter around the rue des Rosiers, where tourists and locals alike flock to eat falafels amongst the Kosher delis and fashionable boutiques.

Since the 80s, the neighbourhood has also welcomed the gay community, which has taken up residence around the rue Saint-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie with plenty of bars, restaurants, bookshops and boutiques. The Marais is now a lively, vibrant area seven days a week. For more information about gay businesses and services in the Marais, consult our 'gay and lesbian directory'.

Gay Paris : The SNEG (French for Syndicat National des Entreprises Gay, 'National Union of Gay Businesses’), the world's only union of gay businesses

The first gay bar opened its doors in the Marais in 1980, but homosexuality was illegal in France and considered a mental illness until 1981. The earliest bars didn't have windows facing the street, and customers had to ring the bell to be allowed in. Discretion was a watchword and police aggression was common.

To form a united front against these problems, the SNEG was founded to bring together gay businesses.

During the early years of the AIDS epidemic, the SNEG played an important role in public health campaigns and fighting discrimination. It lobbied other associations to encourage them to specifically target the needs of the gay community with their public health messages.

In 1992, the SNEG responded to the growing boom in gay bars, restaurants and clubs in the Marais and began to stand up for local businesses. Today, the SNEG is the only nationwide professional body for gay businesses. It has hundreds of members in Paris and throughout France.

Absolu Living has been a member of the SNEG since 2003..