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Lou Queernaval is the first gay Carnival in France and takes place on the Friday during the second week of Nice Carnival
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.
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
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Hyatt Regency, literally, built into Castle
Hill at the end of Promenade des Anglais.
For further information and advice on
Lou Queernaval, check out The Website
The gay bars in Nice are close to each other just a short walk, we have chosen Hotels close to the gay bars that have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .
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We have chosen hotels in Nice that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The famous Hotel Negresco, dating from the beginning of the 20th century, overlooks the beach and the Promenade. From Louis XIII style to modern art, 5 centuries of history are exhibited throughout the hotel. Free Wifi, & a fitness centre. Each room and suite is decorated individually & features air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
Best Western Plus Hôtel Massena Nice is a design hotel in the heart of Nice, just 200 m from the beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV and free WiFi access. The guest rooms are equipped with a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. Some rooms feature a balcony or a terrace. Most private bathrooms include bathrobes.
Right on the Promenade des Anglais, this hotel faces the Mediterranean Sea. and offers a panoramic rooftop terrace and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel was renovated in 2020. The modern guest rooms have views of the sea, the Albert 1st Gardens, or the hotel patio. Each is air conditioned and includes free WiFi access, a mini-bar and satellite TV
Set on the seafront in Nice’s Old Town, Hotel Suisse is an Italian-style hotel offering a partnership with a local private beach, where meals and beverages can be enjoyed for an additional charge. Guests can access the private beach for a discounted rate. Air-conditioned guest rooms include a flat-screen TV, minibar and telephone, and most have panoramic sea views.
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