Lou Queernaval
Nice Gay Carnival 2025

Lou Queernaval Nice Gay Carnival & Circuit Parties 2025

Lou Queernaval is the first gay Carnival in France and takes place on the Friday during the second week of Nice Carnival, one of the world’s most significant carnival events. The event attracts millions of visitors from across France and beyond, so book your hotel well in advance.

• Visiting Nice? Stay close to the gay bars in Vieux Nice. The Hotel Rossetti is rated “Superb” and is just 400m from the beach and right in the centre of the old town. 

The Event

• Lou  Queernaval is part of the regular Nice Carnival featuring live bands, dancers and traditional carnival floats, including the King and Queen of Carnival.
• Local and national LGBTI organisations join in the fun as the streets are covered in glitter and confetti across Place Massena.
• The event is full of colour and fun, a friendly way to get to know the city of Nice and its gay community. The event is free to attend.
• Events kick off at 8.30 pm with a main stage and elaborate opening show, followed by the parade with drag queens, shirtless hot guys and elaborate costumes.  Imagine a gay pride parade with a Carnival twist.
• For those curious, “Lou” translates into “the” in Nissart, Nice’s regional dialect.
• Stay close to all the Carnival parades and parties at the Best Western Plus Hotel Massena Nice, a beautiful 4-star hotel, close to the old town.

After Parties

• Nice Carnival is worth visiting any time, whether for the Queernaval or during any of the other parades or theme nights.
• Each night the gay bars are packed with locals mingling with international visitors.
• Most visitors end up at Le Glam, a local gay club hosting the official Queernaval parties. Visitors begin their night visiting the many bars dotted along Rue Bonaparte, the city’s “Gay Street”.

Nice Carnival

• Nice Carnival is the third-largest Carnival in the world and is spread across almost 12 days.
• Highlights include several Carnival Parades and the stunning Flower procession.
• Nice has one of the largest gay scenes in France, outside of Paris. The Carnival festivities attract French guys from around the country and international visitors from beyond!
• Most of the gay bars and clubs are located in the Old Town known as Vieux Nice. Other popular venues can be found along the Promenade.

Nice Gay Areas

• Le Vieux-Nice (Old Town) –  This historic heart of Nice is not only picturesque but also hosts a lively gay scene, especially after dark. The narrow streets are home to several gay bars, clubs, and cafes, making it a perfect area for nightlife. The area’s welcoming ambiance reflects the city’s gay friendly attitude.
• Promenade des Anglais – Famous for its stunning sea views and beachfront, the Promenade des Anglais is a popular spot for everyone.  Castel Plage beach, towards the end of the promenade, is particularly gay-friendly and a great place to relax, meet new people, or enjoy a drink at the beach bar.
• Rue Bonaparte – Often referred to as the “Gay Street” of Nice, Rue Bonaparte is located in the Le Port area and is the epicenter of gay nightlife in Nice. The street and surrounding area have several gay bars, clubs, and cafes that come alive at night, offering something for all tastes.

Popular Gay Bars

• Coco Bar – Charming cocktail and wine bar in the Old Town of Nice, offering a cozy ambiance for evening drinks.
• La Cave Wilson –  Fun drag and cabaret bar; a great spot for entertainment and cocktails.
• Le Swing –  Popular late night bar with drag shows and karaoke nights.
• Ramdam – A fresh face in Nice’s LGBTQ-oriented scene, this bar doubles as a concept store, offering a unique blend of socializing and shopping.
• Red Kafé –  A gay-friendly bar that engages its guests with drag shows and bingo nights, located in a bustling shopping street with a charming terrace in the pedestrian area.

Gay Clubs in Nice

• Glam – Lively gay weekend club in the center of Nice, with fun drag shows and a welcoming atmosphere; admission includes one drink; close to the Jean Médecin and Masséna tram stops.
• Klubber – After-hours party spot located in the heart of Vieux Nice, where the party starts early in the morning and continues until daylight, offering an inclusive space for everyone to dance the night away with one drink included in the admission price.
• L’Oméga Club – Popular gay club with drag shows and international DJs. Admission includes one drink.
• Le 6 (Le Six) – A cozy night club and music bar nestled in the Old Town of Nice, offering free admission with a minimum consumption of one drink. It’s known for its intimate setting and vibrant music, making it a perfect summer spot; located at 6 Rue Raoul Bosio near the Opéra – Vieille Ville tram stop.

Gay Cruising Bars & Saunas

• Eagle Bar – A bustling gay cruising bar near the port of Nice featuring a darkroom, cabins, sling, and a smoking room. It’s known for being bears friendly.
• Le 7 –  Large gay cruising club open from Thursday to Saturday with a bar, cabins, sling, and more for its visitors.
• Le Code – A fetish-friendly gay cruising club that opens its doors most nights, with extended hours over the weekend and special Sunday afternoon sessions. Welcoming atmosphere to various fetishes.
• Morgan Club – Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this gay cruise bar has a small labyrinth, cabins, sling, and a video room, hosting theme nights with specific dress codes including naked, jockstrap, or underwear.
• Sauna Les Bains Douches – A welcoming three-floor gay sauna, with a friendly atmosphere and central location. Popular with local guys and visitors. It offers various facilities to relax and socialize from 13:00 to 21:00 daily.

Recommended Hotels in Nice

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action,

Hotel Negresco,    Hotel Suisse,    Hotel Aston La Scala,    Hôtel Massena