Must-Visit LGBT+ Cafes for Gay Holidays in Paris

Paris has always been a magnet for culture, style, and romance, but it also holds a special place for LGBT+ travellers. When you plan your gay holidays in Paris, it’s not just about ticking off the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. It’s about finding those spaces where you can relax, connect, and feel part of the local queer community. That sense of welcome can often be found in its cafés and restaurants, many of which are not just inclusive but proudly LGBT+ owned or run.

Food and drink are woven into the Parisian way of life. For LGBT+ visitors, cafés and restaurants often serve as more than places to eat; they’re gathering spots, creative hubs, and safe havens. Whether you’re looking for a casual espresso, a cosy brunch, or a lively dinner before heading out to a club, you’ll find plenty of choice. This guide highlights must-visit LGBT+ cafés and restaurants that bring both flavour and community spirit to your holiday.

Café culture and queer identity

Café life in Paris is world-renowned. Terraces spill onto the pavements, and hours slip by over coffee and conversation. For LGBT+ travellers, these spaces carry extra meaning. They offer a sense of belonging that extends beyond the plate. Gay holidays in Paris wouldn’t feel complete without spending time in venues that reflect the city’s queer identity.

Some cafés are historic meeting points of activism, while others are new-wave spots blending food with art and performance. Together, they shape a tapestry of queer life that is as diverse as Paris itself. The key is knowing where to go to make the most of your time in the city. You might also enjoy exploring LGBT-guided tours offered by the official Paris tourism board to delve deeper into queer history while savouring local food and café life. (See Paris je t’aime’s LGBT-guided tours for ideas.)

Le Café Cox

Why it stands out

Le Café Cox is one of the most recognised gay cafés in Paris, located in the heart of Le Marais. With its open terrace and lively street-side atmosphere, it’s a go-to for meeting locals and travellers alike. The vibe is casual yet confident, making it ideal for a daytime coffee or early evening aperitif.

Inside, the walls often showcase photography or art reflecting queer culture. The staff are welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of community. It’s the sort of place where conversation flows easily, and you might end up making new friends within minutes.

What to try

Order a café crème or a glass of wine and settle in for some people-watching. This café thrives on its energy, and the terrace is one of the best spots in Paris to feel part of the scene.

Open Café

Why it stands out

Open Café has become something of an institution for gay holidays in Paris. Also based in Le Marais, it combines a café, bar, and restaurant, offering a versatile setting at any time of day. It’s known for its big terrace, ideal for brunch or afternoon drinks.

The crowd is mixed, friendly, and international. Whether you’re a solo traveller or visiting with friends, the atmosphere makes it easy to settle in. It’s often a starting point for evenings that continue at nearby bars or clubs.

What to try

The brunch menu is popular, especially at weekends. Pancakes, eggs, and freshly baked pastries keep the terrace buzzing with life. Later in the day, cocktails take centre stage, with classics and house specials both on offer.

Les Souffleurs



Why it stands out

For something more intimate, Les Souffleurs is a hidden gem. Tucked away in the Marais, it feels more like a lounge bar than a café, but its cosy setting makes it perfect for relaxed drinks and conversation. It’s a creative space where DJs, artists, and performers often feature.

This venue has a slightly alternative edge, appealing to those who enjoy a mix of culture with their cocktails. The low lighting, eclectic décor, and warm staff make it a refreshing contrast to the larger, busier venues.

What to try

Signature cocktails are a highlight, often paired with themed music nights. While the menu is limited compared to bigger cafés, the focus is on atmosphere and community.

La Mutinerie

Why it stands out

Not every space is just about coffee or cocktails. La Mutinerie is a feminist and queer bar-café with a strong activist identity. It provides a platform for debates, performances, and exhibitions, creating a unique space for community engagement.

The atmosphere is inclusive and empowering, making it a must-visit if you want to experience the city’s activist spirit. This is where politics, art, and nightlife intersect, and it attracts a diverse crowd.

What to try

Events often dictate the vibe, but the drinks are affordable, and the energy is uplifting. Whether you’re dropping by for a casual drink or attending a poetry night, you’ll feel part of something bigger.

LGBT+ Restaurants to Explore on Gay Holidays in Paris

Dining in Paris is a journey in itself. From Michelin-starred establishments to cosy bistros, the city celebrates food like no other. When it comes to gay holidays in Paris, restaurants play an essential role in the experience. They aren’t just places to eat; they’re stages where culture, community, and celebration come together.

These restaurants, either LGBT+ owned or warmly inclusive, offer more than excellent cuisine. They provide that extra welcome which turns a meal into a memory.

Le Gai Moulin

Why it stands out

Le Gai Moulin has become a landmark in Le Marais. The name itself translates to “The Gay Mill,” and the restaurant lives up to its reputation for camp humour and a playful spirit. It’s a favourite among LGBT+ locals and tourists alike, with décor that nods to cabaret style.

The lively, cheeky service is part of the charm. Staff often interact with diners in a way that keeps the atmosphere buzzing. It’s casual, fun, and very much part of the Paris gay scene.

What to try



Expect hearty French fare: duck confit, steaks, and indulgent desserts. The portions are generous, and the wine list is solid without being pretentious.

Les Marronniers

Why it stands out

Les Marronniers is one of the most enduring cafés-restaurants in Le Marais. It’s less flamboyant than Le Gai Moulin, but its reputation is built on being welcoming and consistent. The terrace fills quickly, making it one of the best spots for people-watching in the area.

What to try

The menu is simple but reliable: salads, burgers, pasta, and daily specials. While it’s not fine dining, it captures the easy-going, inclusive spirit of Parisian café culture.

La Belle Époque

Why it stands out

If you want something more polished, La Belle Époque offers a stylish dining experience while maintaining a relaxed feel. It’s not exclusively LGBT+ but has long been popular with the queer community. Its Art Nouveau interior, complete with stained glass and curved wood, creates a romantic backdrop.

The location is central, making it a convenient option for combining dinner with an evening out in Paris. It’s particularly popular with couples who want a special night out during their holiday.

What to try

Seafood dishes shine here, particularly the oysters and lobster. Pair them with Champagne or a crisp white wine for a classically Parisian evening.

Chez Moustache

Why it stands out

For a mix of quirk and quality, Chez Moustache is a small bistro with a loyal following. Its décor is eclectic, with vintage touches and plenty of character. It’s not exclusively gay, but it’s one of those places where you feel instantly at ease.

The staff are known for their friendliness, and the menu changes regularly, keeping things fresh and seasonal. It’s a great choice if you want something slightly off the mainstream without losing authenticity.

What to try

Expect modern takes on French classics, from duck breast with creative sauces to inventive vegetarian dishes. Desserts are homemade and worth leaving room for.

Why restaurants matter on your trip

Choosing where to eat is one of the most personal decisions when travelling. For LGBT+ visitors, it’s also about safety, comfort, and connection. The restaurants above represent a mix of styles: playful, casual, romantic, and quirky. Together, they show that Paris offers much more than the standard tourist trail.

Gay holidays in Paris should feel tailored to your interests. Whether you’re seeking cabaret energy, romantic elegance, or community spirit, the right restaurant can shape the tone of your trip.



Rosa Bonheur

Why it stands out

Rosa Bonheur is named after a pioneering French lesbian painter, and the venue embraces that spirit of freedom. It’s a guinguette-style restaurant-bar set in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, making it as much about atmosphere as dining.

On sunny days, locals and visitors gather for pizza, drinks, and music. It’s less formal than central Paris spots, but the energy is contagious. LGBT+ visitors are always made to feel welcome, and the inclusive crowd makes it easy to relax.

What to try

The pizzas are a highlight, baked fresh with plenty of toppings to share with friends. Drinks range from crisp rosé to pitchers of beer, ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Banana Café



Why it stands out

Banana Café is a legendary part of Paris’s queer nightlife and doubles as a restaurant. Located near Les Halles, it has been serving the LGBT+ community for decades. Its colourful décor and playful vibe make it one of the most recognisable names in the city.

It’s particularly popular with those who want dinner to roll naturally into dancing. The energy is upbeat, and you’ll often find drag shows, DJs, and live performances creating a seamless blend of dining and entertainment.

What to try

The food is simple but satisfying: think sharing plates, salads, and pastas. But the main draw is the atmosphere, especially once the music kicks in.

Le Tango (La Boîte à Frissons)

Why it stands out

Le Tango, often called “La Boîte à Frissons” (the box of shivers), is one of Paris’s oldest LGBT+ dance halls. While primarily known for its dance floor, it also serves food and drinks that make it a fun stop before the music begins.

The retro vibe is unique, with ballroom dancing giving way to pop classics as the night unfolds. It’s a true Parisian institution for those who want something different.

What to try

Go for light bites early in the evening, then stay on for the dancing. It’s a mix of nostalgia and queer joy that captures the spirit of Paris nightlife.

Jamie Says:

“When people ask me why I recommend certain cafés or restaurants, I always point out that it’s about more than food. On your gay holidays in Paris, these venues give you the chance to connect with culture, history, and people who share your community. That’s why I include them when tailoring travel for our clients.”

Protections When Booking with Jamie Wake Travel

When you book your holiday with Jamie Wake Travel, part of Wide Awake Holidays, you receive more than a tailored itinerary. You also gain peace of mind through industry protections that safeguard your trip.

• ATOL licence: This protects your package holiday if a flight supplier fails, ensuring you’re never stranded or left out of pocket.
• Membership of Protected Trust Services (PTS): Your money is held securely in trust until it is paid to the suppliers of your holiday. This adds a strong layer of financial security.
• Supplier Failure Insurance: If one of the hotels, tour operators, or service providers in your itinerary goes out of business, your holiday plans remain protected.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI): Should an airline collapse, you’re covered and your arrangements will be adjusted or refunded.

These protections are automatically included in your booking. They ensure that your gay holidays in Paris, or anywhere else, are secure from start to finish. For us, safeguarding your travel is as important as creating the perfect itinerary.

Booking From the UK or Abroad

Although Wide Awake Holidays is based in the UK, we regularly arrange tailor-made trips for clients from overseas, including the United States and Europe. If you’re looking at Paris as part of your wider European travels, we can build your schedule to match your starting point.

For American visitors, this often means including flights into Paris alongside multi-city rail passes, hotels, and experiences. For UK travellers, it may involve Eurostar connections or city breaks that combine Paris with destinations like Amsterdam or Brussels.

Wherever you are, the same personal service and protections apply. Your gay holidays in Paris can start from any airport, rail hub, or city you choose.

Bringing It All Together

Paris offers a rare mix of elegance, diversity, and openness. For LGBT+ travellers, the city’s cafés and restaurants provide a way to connect not just with food, but with culture and community. From the lively terraces of Le Café Cox and Open Café to the camp charm of Le Gai Moulin and the inclusive energy of Rosa Bonheur, each stop adds another flavour to your gay holidays in Paris.

When you choose where to eat and drink, you’re also choosing the type of experience you want. It might be the intimacy of Les Souffleurs, the romance of La Belle Époque, or the playful spirit of Banana Café. Each venue gives you a story to share and a memory to carry home.

Why book your Paris holiday with Wide Awake Holidays

Food and drink are only part of the journey. Booking through Wide Awake Holidays means your gay holidays in Paris are supported by a personal service that puts you first. From finding LGBT+ owned cafés to arranging secure, ATOL-protected flights, everything is tailored to your needs.

We combine insider knowledge with strong industry protections, so you can focus on enjoying your time in Paris without worry. Whether you’re booking from the UK or overseas, you’ll have peace of mind that every part of your holiday is safe, flexible, and personalised.

Call to Action

Ready to start planning your gay holidays in Paris? Let Wide Awake Holidays create your perfect trip, filled with cafés, restaurants, and experiences that reflect your community and your style. Call us today on 01495 400947 to make a holiday enquiry, or use our simple holiday enquiry form on the website to get started.

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