12 Gay Bars For An Unforgettable Night Out In Paris

Les Souffleurs

Les Souffleurs is a modern and trendy bar with a chill vibe that sets it apart from other gay bars in the city. From drag shows to dance parties, the joint is often bustling with locals and tourists alike until closing at 2am. Brick walls are lined with leather couches where patrons can sit and enjoy discounted happy hour drinks while live DJs play their sets.

Duplex Bar

The oldest gay club in Marais, Duplex Bar keeps it lowkey with dim lighting and leather seats. The bar is sometimes host to art shows, with different events every day so there’s always something new to experience. DJs play all sorts of music from synth-pop to funk, drawing a wide audience to the local spot and making it quite busy on weekends.

Raidd Bar

Raidd, AKA the “shower bar” is best known for the go-go boys who put on a show in the showers next to the bar. This iconic institution features shirtless bartenders and electronic music for a wild and fun night out you’re sure to remember. There’s no cover fee to get in, but we suggest getting there early, as there’s always a line out the door.

COX

Opened in 1995, COX is one of the most famous gay bars in the city. Happy hour is from 6-9pm, when you can sit out on the terrace with a drink and enjoy the nighttime air with friends. The bar gets redecorated about every 3 months, always creating a new atmosphere to discover.

Club Banana Café

One of the most popular gay clubs in the city, Club Banana Café has been a locally beloved establishment since it opened in 1990. Located in Les Halles, the bar mostly attracts a younger crowd with disco drag on Tuesdays and go-go dancer shows every weekend. Take advantage of happy hour prices at the bar on the top floor before going back downstairs for dancing and live music.

La Machine du Moulin Rouge

La Machine du Moulin Rouge started out as a club called La Locomotive, where artists like The Beatles and David Bowie have performed throughout the decades, and became La Machine du Moulin Rouge in 2010 when it was bought by Le Moulin Rouge cabaret. Since the rebranding, it has become one of the most popular nightclubs in Europe with a history of supporting local artists and playing all genres of live music. The club has four different areas to mingle in depending on your mood: Le Central is the main room, where you can enjoy music and dance the night away; the champagne bar is a popular place for locals to get drinks after work; La Chaufferie is a party room in the boiler room, complete with loud music and endless dancing; and The Roof is a private rooftop area where you can enjoy the fresh air and a quieter atmosphere while you drink. At La Machine du Moulin Rouge, there are no VIP areas or table reservations, creating an environment where everyone is equal.

Open Café

Open Café is a laidback environment from morning till night, going from café to bar once the sun sets. People often start out their night here before continuing elsewhere when it closes at 10pm. The terrace open during the summer months offers a great spot to people watch in the daytime. The establishment serves classic café food and cocktails, while live DJs play on Friday nights.

La Java

Opened in the 1920s, La Java boasts the iconic Art Deco interior of an old school Parisian club. La Java is one of the oldest nightclubs in Paris, named after a popular dance style at the time of its opening. The bar is a hotspot for night owls since it’s open until 6am, and the dance floor is never empty no matter what time it is. Be sure to check the musical theme of the night before you go, as they play different styles from techno to rock every night.

Cud

Cud is a trendy bar, always attracting a young crowd. It’s open quite late, and people often come here after the other clubs around close. There’s a tame seating area on the ground floor, but don’t miss out on the party in the cave downstairs, complete with a packed dance floor and plenty opportunity to make new friends. Catch live DJs on Wednesday through Sunday, playing popular music and taking requests from whoever asks.

Au Mange-Disque

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Translating to “disk eater,” Au Mange-Disque is a campy gay bar with checkered tiles, neon signs, and retro 70s décor. The club hosts karaoke nights as well as drag shows on the weekends, and it’s the place to go for live music. There’s a huge drink selection thanks to the fully stocked bar, and multiple course meals of salads and charcuterie boards are made to order.

Le Quetzal

Le Quetzal is a large bar rife with arcade games, friendly staff, and good vibes. It tends to get pretty busy on weekends, but it’s a great place to make new friends, so you can mingle to your heart’s desire (or until the bar closes at 4am). Peruse the playful décor of robot statues and disco balls while enjoying the techno music that fills the space all night long. The bar is dimly lit, with the only consistent light source being neon purple signs throughout. Don’t pass up on the food if you get hungry, as Le Quetzal serves some of the best bar snacks in the business.

La Mutinerie

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La Mutinerie is a feminist bar run by women, for women that’s big on intersectionality and promoting discussions on racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. While the establishment welcomes everyone, the owners of La Mutinerie wanted to differ from other gay clubs in the area, which mostly pander to men. Inside the club, you can find pool tables, karaoke, and a library, as well as live DJs playing nearly every night. On weekdays, the bar hosts events from self-defense classes to feminist film screenings. The goal is to be more than just a gay bar, a place for women and LGBTQ+ people to have important discussions in a safe environment. La Mutinerie even started an initiative to lower drink prices so more people can afford them, and 10-15% of all money made goes to charities dedicated to LGBTQ+ individuals.