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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.
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
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 .
Hôtel Negresco, 37, Promenade des Anglais, Carré d'Or, Les Baumettes, Nice, Maritime Alps, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Metropolitan France, 06000, France
The famous Hotel Negresco, dating from the beginning of the 20th century, overlooks the beach and the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. From Louis XIII style to modern art, 5 centuries of history are exhibited throughout the hotel. Free Wifi access is provided and there is an on-site fitness centre. Each room and suite is decorated individually with period furniture and features air conditioning. Rooms are also equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
Le Méridien Nice, Promenade des Anglais, Quartier Jean-Médecin, Nice, Maritime Alps, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Metropolitan France, 06046, France
Right on the Promenade des Anglais, this hotel faces the Mediterranean Sea. It is a few steps from the Old Town and offers a panoramic rooftop terrace and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel was renovated in 2020. The modern guest rooms at Le Meridien Nice 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, and most also feature a balcony.
Hôtel Suisse, 15, Quai Rauba Capèu, Vieux Nice, Nice, Maritime Alps, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Metropolitan France, 06046, France
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. Each room features a refined décor and has a private bathroom.
L'Hôtel Masséna, Rue Gioffredo, Quartier Jean-Médecin, Nice, Maritime Alps, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Metropolitan France, 06046, France
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 property is with a 5-minute walk from Nice's Old Town and Massena Tram Stop.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.
6 Rue du Pontin, 06300 Nice, France
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Located on the 5th floor, There is no an elevator.
4 Rue de l'Opéra, 06300 Nice, France
The apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine, a fridge and an oven. Bathroom with shower. Free WiFi
24 Rue Barillerie, 06300 Nice, France
The apartment provides air conditioning and free WiFi. The property includes a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, as well as a coffee machine. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is offered. features sea and city views
39 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice, France
Located on the 2nd floor with no lift, this apartment is equipped with 3 bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave. Offering air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a bathroom and a washing machine.
45 Promenade des Anglais 06000 Nice, France
The biggest gay night club in Nice, offering top DJs the place to finish your night out and dance till dawn.
1 Rue Alberti, 06000 Nice, France
One of the oldest gay barses on the French Riviera small but lots of fun
9 Rue Bonaparte, 06300 Nice, France
Nice gay bar with drag shows and karaoke
3 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice, France
Gay bar with a friendly atmosphere. Good selection of drinks. Great service. Great space for friends and making friends. offering free bar food.
3 Rue Lascaris, 06300 Nice, France
The 1st French LGBTQIA+ bar / store / expo / music concept
The art work and programming brings a quality experience unique to Nice.
7 Rue Foncet, 06000 Nice, France
Gay sex club offering a unique mix of cruising, late-night steam (with lockers & showers) cinema, and a bar. Refresh yourself after a drink, a dance, a midnight ride, or a hot movie.
10 Rue Defly, 06000 Nice, France
Nice gay bar offering Drag shows, Karaoke evenings, and live bands
8 Pass. Emile Négrin, 06000 Nice, France
Gay club with Friendly staff, music Electro, Electro House, Big Events, Drag Shows, Gay Tea Dance
3 Rue Claudia, 06000 Nice, France
Gay Cruising Sex Bar 100% GAY – 100% NATURIST
Open every evening from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. except Monday
16 Rue Gubernatis, 06000 Nice, France
1930s style gay Cabaret bar with shows on sunday evernings
6 Rue Raoul Bosio 06300 Nice, France
Popular gay bar, always packed with friendly good looking guys. has been a gay-bar since 1999 offering a dance floor, international DJs & a shower show.
4 Rue JP Papon, 06300 Nice, France
CRUISING BAR GAY & SEX CLUB FOR MEN ONLY
6 Rue Eugène Emmanuel 06000 Nice, France
Popular gay dance club, packed with trendy good looking guy out for a night of fun. Offering Regular shows
Open 10pm till 5am
18 Rue Emmanuel Philibert 06300 Nice, France
Not for the faint of heart, this hard core cruise bar is very hand on with regular themed night and a blackout area. Open 10pm till 3am
Open 10pm till 3am
9 Rue Halévy 06000 Nice, France
If you fancy a snack drink or just to sit back with a coffee and people watch this is the place for located next to the beach. Fab Drag Shows
Open 8am till 2am
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