Paris

Trendy district

The queer heart of Paris beats in the Marais, a historic district in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Around the Rue des Archives and the Rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie, bars, cafés and clubs are lined up in narrow streets. During the day you can stroll between boutiques, galleries and bistros, in the evening the district fills with life. If you like it more alternative, you will also find what you are looking for in Belleville and in the east of the city, where separate meeting places have been created off the beaten track. The central location is practical. From the Marais, it is only a few minutes' walk to the Seine, the Île Saint-Louis and museums such as the Centre Pompidou.

Nightlife

Going out is heavily concentrated in the Marais, where bars and clubs are within walking distance. Venues range from laid-back café bars for the early evening to dance shops that don't really get going until after midnight. Partly outside the district, for example along the former industrial areas in the east, larger club nights and party series take place. A fixed highlight of the year is the Marche des Fiertes, the Paris Pride parade, which moves through the city center in summer and characterizes the nightlife for several days. On balmy evenings, the action shifts outside anyway. In the squares and along the quays, people sit with drinks and meet before going to the bars.

Best time to visit

Spring and early summer from May to June are considered the most pleasant time, because the temperatures are mild and the city is not yet overcrowded. June also brings the Pride season. In the height of summer, it can get hot and crowded, and many smaller establishments close for the holidays in August. For a quieter city trip with pleasant weather, September and October are well suited. Winter is cool and grey, but museums and culture can be experienced without long queues. If you want to see the big sights without crowds, it is best to go during the week and outside the French school holidays.

Arrival

From Germany, you can easily reach Paris by TGV or ICE, for example from Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich or Cologne; the Cologne-Paris route is around three and a half hours. Trains stop at the central Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord, from where the metro provides access to the entire city area. Those who fly usually land at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, which is connected to the centre by RER train and bus. The easiest way to get around is by metro, bus and on foot; you don't need a car in the city center.

Safety & LGBT Rights

When it comes to LGBT rights, France is one of the progressive countries: marriage for all has been possible since 2013, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is prohibited by law. In the Marais and in the city center, you move around in a relaxed way, holding hands is hardly noticeable. In some neighborhoods and at night in the metro, normal caution is still advisable, for example because of pickpocketing. As a German citizen, an identity card is sufficient, you do not need a visa in the Schengen area. So it's easy to travel to Paris, but you should plan for the fact that the city is one of the more expensive destinations in Europe.