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Lou Queernaval
Nice Gay Carnival 2027

Lou Queernaval is the first gay Carnival in France and takes place on the Friday during the second week of Nice Carnival.

  • Event Dates

    From: Awaiting dates
    To: Awaiting dates

  • Key Highlights

    • Dancers
    • Drag Queens
    • Circuit Parties
    • Carnival Floats
    • Carnival Parades
    • Shirtless Hot Guys
    • Flower Procession
    • Millions of Visitors
    • Elaborate Costumes

Lou Queernaval Nice Gay 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

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates.
  • 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.

The Venue

  • The main stage of the carnival, Place Masséna transforms into a grand open-air arena with parades circling through the square, giant illuminated floats passing under strings of lights, and a lively crowd filling the stands.
  • At night, the space glows with color as the Bataille de Fleurs and illuminated parades roll through, mixing music, confetti, and elaborate costumes in a spectacle that defines the festival.
  • Located about a 10-minute taxi ride from the gay bars around Rue Bonaparte in the Port district, it’s at the very heart of the celebrations and impossible to miss.
  • Stay close by at the Best Western Plus Hotel Masséna Nice – Stylish 4-star hotel just steps from Place Masséna, offering modern rooms, private parking, and a central base right by the carnival parades. Only about a 10–15 minute walk (or 5 minutes by taxi) from the gay bars around Rue Bonaparte.

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 BonaparteOften 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

  • Le 7 Large gay cruising club open from Thursday to Saturday with a bar, cabins, sling, and more for its visitors.
  • Le CodeA 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

Gay Map of Nice

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 .

Address: 37 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

  • Iconic Belle Époque landmark on the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Famous pink dome and museum-level art collection.
  • Each room and suite individually designed with period pieces.
  • Private beach club across the promenade.
  • Michelin-star dining at Le Chantecler.
  • Grand, theatrical luxury with strong Riviera character.
  • Website

Address: 1 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

  • Prime beachfront hotel on the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Rooftop pool and restaurant with sweeping sea views.
  • Modern rooms with balconies in many categories.
  • Strong business and leisure mix year-round.
  • Easy walk to Old Town and Place Masséna.
  • Reliable upscale option with a lively central setting.
  • Website

Address: 15 Quai Rauba Capéu, 06300 Nice, France

  • Seafront boutique hotel beside Castle Hill and Old Town.
  • Many rooms with balconies and panoramic Mediterranean views.
  • Italian-style façade with classic Riviera character.
  • Smaller, intimate feel compared with large beachfront hotels.
  • Steps from Cours Saleya market and Vieux Nice.
  • Strong choice for views and location over full resort facilities.
  • Website

Address: 58 Rue Gioffredo, 06000 Nice, France

  • Boutique-style four-star hotel near Place Masséna.
  • Belle Époque façade with modern renovated interiors.
  • Rooftop beach access via private beach partnership.
  • Easy walk to Old Town, shopping, and Promenade des Anglais.
  • Valet parking and strong concierge services.
  • Popular for short stays and central sightseeing.
  • Website

Address: 8 Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice, France

  • Iconic private beach at the foot of Castle Hill.
  • Main daytime hangout for gay men in Nice.
  • Sunbeds, bar, and full beachfront restaurant.
  • Mixed crowd with a strong gay presence.
  • Popular for long beach days and sunset drinks.
  • Open: Mon–Sun 9am–6pm (beach),
  • Mon–Sun 12pm–4pm & 7:30pm–9:30pm (restaurant)
  • Website

Address: Plage d'Èze-sur-Mer, Avenue de la Liberté, 06360 Èze-sur-Mer, 

  • Pebble beach between Nice and Monaco with clear water.
  • Known local spot for gay and naturist sunbathing.
  • Rocky section at the far end attracts a gay crowd.
  • More secluded than Nice city beaches.
  • Popular in summer with a relaxed, discreet scene.
  • Open: Open daily, 24 hours
  • Website

Address: 7 Rue Gubernatis, 06000 Nice, France

  • Long-established gay sauna in the heart of central Nice.
  • Multi-level venue with classic sauna, hammam, and jacuzzi zones.
  • Private cabins and cruising areas attract a steady local crowd.
  • Popular with visitors looking for a reliable, central sauna option.
  • Practical, no-frills space that stays busy year-round.
  • Open: Daily 1pm–9pm
  • Facebook

Address: 3 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice, France

  • Cosy gay-friendly bar in Nice’s Old Town.
  • Relaxed spot for cocktails, wine, and easy conversation.
  • Small, colourful interior with local regulars.
  • Popular early-evening and pre-club stop.
  • Intimate alternative to louder gay venues in Nice.
  • Open: Tue-Sat 5pm-12am, Sun-Mon Closed
  • Instagram

Address: 16 Rue Gubernatis, 06000 Nice, France

  • Historic gay-friendly cabaret bar in central Nice.
  • Known for drag, cabaret, and live performance nights.
  • Cosy, old-world interior with intimate seating.
  • Strong mix of locals, visitors, and regulars.
  • Unique alternative to standard bar and club nights.
  • Open: Thu-Mon 6pm-12:30am, Tue-Wed Closed
  • Website

Address: 10 Rue Defly, 06000 Nice, France

  • Well-known gay bar with cabaret and karaoke nights.
  • Strong focus on drag shows and live entertainment.
  • Friendly, social atmosphere with local regulars.
  • Popular sing-along spot for visitors and locals.
  • Fun alternative to standard bar and club nights.
  • Open: Tue-Sun 6pm-2:30am, Mon Closed
  • Facebook

Address: 3 Rue Lascaris, 06300 Nice, France

  • Modern gay bar with art gallery and event focus.
  • Strong mix of cocktails, DJs, and cultural programming.
  • Relaxed, creative atmosphere near the Port of Nice.
  • Popular for early-evening drinks and themed nights.
  • Distinctive alternative to traditional gay bars in Nice.
  • Open: Mon-Wed 2pm-10pm, Thu-Sun 2pm-12am
  • Instagram

Address: 9 Rue Halévy, 06000 Nice, France

  • Popular gay and gay-friendly café-bar near the Promenade.
    Large terrace ideal for people-watching and social drinks.
    Daytime café that turns lively in the evening.
    Mixed local and visitor crowd with strong LGBTQ+ presence.
    Reliable pre-club and casual nightlife stop in Nice.
  • Open: Daily 5pm-2:30am
  • Website

Address: 6 Rue Eugène Emanuel, 06000 Nice, France

  • Main gay nightclub in Nice with drag and themed nights.
  • High-energy weekend venue with packed dance floors.
  • Strong focus on shows and cabaret-style performances.
  • Mixed local and visitor crowd.
  • Key late-night stop on the Nice gay circuit.
  • Open: Fri-Sun 11:30pm-4:30am
  • Website

Address: 14 Rue Benoît Bunico, 06300 Nice, France

  • Main gay after-hours club in Nice’s Old Town.
  • Opens very late and runs into the morning.
  • Techno, house, and party DJ sets.
  • Backroom and adult-focused atmosphere.
  • Key stop for late-night gay clubbing in Nice.
  • Open: Fri-Mon 5am-11am, Tue-Thu Closed
  • Instagram

Address: 8 Passage Emile Négrin, 06000 Nice, France

  • Main gay nightclub near Place Masséna in Nice.
  • Electro, house, and party-focused DJ nights.
  • Compact, high-energy dance floor after midnight.
  • Regular drag shows and themed party events.
  • Key late-night stop on the Nice gay circuit.
  • Open: Thu-Sun 11:45pm-6am (Fri-Sat often until 7am)
  • Facebook

Address: 6 Rue Raoul Bosio, 06300 Nice, France

  • Long-running gay club-bar in Nice’s Old Town.
  • Known for drag shows and shower performances.
  • Compact, high-energy layout with raised areas.
  • Pop, disco, and party DJ sets late into the night.
  • Key stop for late-night gay clubbing in Nice.
  • Open: Tue-Sat 10pm-5am, Sun-Mon Closed
  • (In summer season, often open 7 nights a week.)
  • Website

Address: 7 Rue Foncet, 06000 Nice, France

  • Long-running gay cruising club in central Nice.
  • Multi-level venue with bar, cabins, and darkrooms.
  • Retro, old-school interior with themed spaces.
  • Mixed local and visitor crowd late at night.
  • Key stop for adult gay nightlife in Nice.
  • Open: Thu-Sun 9:30pm-2:30am, Tue Closed
  • Website

Address: 4 Rue Jean-Pierre Papon, 06300 Nice, France

  • Well-known gay cruising and fetish club in Nice.
  • Multi-level venue with cabins, darkrooms, and slings.
  • Regular naked and themed fetish party nights.
  • Mixed local and international crowd late at night.
  • Key stop for adult gay nightlife in central Nice.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 10pm-2:30am, Fri-Sat 10pm-5am,
  • Sun 2pm-6pm & 10pm-2:30am
  • Website

Address: 3 Rue Claudia, 06000 Nice, France

  • Long-running gay cruising bar in central Nice.
  • Small labyrinth, cabins, sling, and video room.
  • Regular themed and dress-code party nights.
  • Friendly, social vibe with adult focus.
  • Popular with locals and visiting party crowd.
  • Open: Tue-Sun 10pm-2:30am, Mon Closed
  • Website

Address: 1 Rue Alberti, 06000 Nice, France

  • One of Nice’s longest-running gay bars near Place Masséna.
  • Tiny, cosy interior with leopard print and old-school charm.
  • Local crowd mixed with visitors early evening.
  • After-work drinks are a big part of the vibe.
  • Relaxed spot for conversation before heading to clubs.
  • Open: Tue–Sat 6pm–1am, Sun–Mon Closed
  • Website

Address: 9 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice, France

  • Popular gay bar in Nice Old Town near the Port area.
  • Cocktails, tapas, and a social early-evening crowd.
  • Drag shows and karaoke on selected nights.
  • Friendly, mixed local and visitor scene.
  • Lively but relaxed stop before heading to late-night clubs.
  • Open: Daily 5pm–1am
  • Instagram

Address: 10 Avenue Félix Faure, 06000 Nice, France

  • Central gay-friendly bar on Avenue Félix Faure.
  • Tapas, cocktails, and a social early-evening crowd.
  • Regular drag, karaoke, and themed nights.
  • Friendly, mixed local and visitor scene.
  • Popular pre-club stop near Old Town and Place Masséna.
  • Open: Mon–Sun 10am–12:30am
  • Instagram

Recommended Hotels in Nice By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Nice that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Hotel Negresco
5 Star, Luxury

Hotel Negresco
Booking.com
  • 5-star, overlooking beach and Promenade, historic.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • air conditioning.
  • Iconic luxury with centuries of art and history, perfect for a memorable Nice experience.

Hôtel Massena
4 Star, Readers Choice

Booking.com
  • 4-star, stylish design hotel, heart of Nice.
  • A short walk to the gay bars.
  • Flat-screen TV, free WiFi.
  • Modern and stylish in Nice’s vibrant center, ideal for beach and city exploration.

Le Meridien Nice
4 Star, Great Value

Le Meridien Nice
Booking.com
  • 4-star, Promenade des Anglais, rooftop terrace.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Sea or garden views, mini-bar.
  • Modern elegance on the seafront, with stunning views and excellent leisure facilities.

Hotel Suisse
4 Star, Location

Booking.com
  • 4-star, Old Town seafront, Italian-style.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Panoramic sea views.
  • Charming and unique, offering discounted beach access and breathtaking Mediterranean vistas.

Video Of A Guide to Nice

Discover the best of NIce with Expedia’s video guide

Hyatt Regency Nice

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