The gays have grown up alongside their city, preserving the best parts of their historical city and bringing the rest of it up to speed. The passionate heart of the gay community still lays in Le Marais, where gay club sits atop gay bar alongside gay restaurant – gay paree, indeed!

Banana Café has been around for ages, and while it hasn’t changed with the times, it remains popular in the Les Halles district. In Le Marais, sneak into Le Duplex for some quiet conversation, or go be seen on the gayest terrace in town at Les Marronniers. Quetzal packs the electro punch on the weekends, and visit l’Enchanteur to chat up a local. French gays will be more than happy to stutter out their English – as long as you attempt to butcher French. Don’t expect them to know English, make an effort, and it will go a long way towards making a new friend! Lesbians are well looked after in Paris, with a quiet evening at Les Jacasses, pool at Unity Bar, and lesbian style at Les 3w Café.

Paris Plage is a must-see in the summer, when the borders of the River Seine are transformed into a beach promenade. Gay Pride is in late June, with festivals happening in small French cities throughout June and July. October hosts the Nuit Blanche cultural festival, where artists add their creative energy to the city, and makes a fine time to visit.