Who knew Nice had one of the largest gay scenes in France after Paris and Marseille? We were pleasantly surprised to find that the beautiful coastal city of Nice on the Cote d’Azur has a thriving gay scene and that in all aspects of travel, Gay Nice has a lot to offer LGBTQ+ visitors.
With many gay bars, gay clubs, cruising clubs, queer book stores, saunas and gay events throughout the year, Nice has quietly grown into a super gay city destination. We have no doubt as more people learn about what it has to offer, it will become just as popular as other gay destinations in Europe such as Madrid, Stockholm and Mykonos.
The city itself is picture postcard perfect with its own unique character, culture and history. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and no matter where you explore you will be impressed by Nice, whether the narrow cobbled streets, hillside parks and waterfall or the beaches along the coastline.
In our Travel Guide to Gay Nice, France we will share the best gay bars, clubs, cruising clubs, and gay saunas as well as hotel recommendations, places to eat and some unmissable things to do.
Gay Area of Nice, France
The city centre itself is quite small with everything in walking distance and most of the gay bars spread around the city rather that one specific gay neighbourhood
Whilst there is not a concentrated gay area in Nice (like the gay village we have in Manchester) we would suggest that the best place to start is at a gay bar in the old town as this would be the effective centre of the gay area of Nice, with options either side to go onto a bigger club or cruising club.
What to do in Gay Nice, France?
Like all cities around the world, gay or straight, there are so many incredible things to experience to learn about that destinations culture, history and character.
Experiencing Nice as a gay couple we felt comfortable wherever we explored and no matter what activity we took part in.
Make sure to add the following to your list of things to do:
Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya
Considered one of the most beautiful outdoor markets in France, we recommend visiting Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya in the morning, this is full of stunning displays of flowers and food including fresh fruit and sweet treats.
There are some iconic things here to try including the Socca which is a chickpea based flatbread.
We also tried some of the pecan based snacks which were mixed with caramel and were simply delicious
Whether you eat here or not, it’s simply beautiful to wander around and enjoy all the vibrant colours and smells.
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Explore the old town of Nice (Vieux Nice) which is picture postcard perfect.
The Old Town is at the base of Castle Hill and is also where you will find Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya.
Expect narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-hued buildings where you can siomply get lost exploring or pop into one of the many local Niçoise shops selling soaps and Provençal textiles, plus meats and cheeses.
Place Massena
Place Massena is a sweeping plaza lined with beautiful and ornate buildings, cafes, a park and a central fountain leading to the coast.
Look out for the pillars that each have a statue of a man atop. These move to face each other and light up to ‘communicate’ at night.
Take a walk through Place Massena, stop at a cafe and watch the world go by.
Castle Hill
A close second to our favorite spot in Nice, head up the stairs by the Nice sign to Castle Hill for incredible views of the coastline and city below.
The hill seperates the old port side of Nice where you will see all the expensive yachts and the old town of Nice, from Castle Hill you can get great views of both sides of the city. Explore all around Castle Hill to make sure you see both.
One the main attractions is the artificial waterfall that was built at the end of the 19th century paired with panoramic views of Nice from the observation deck located above the waterfall.
Promenade des Anglais
Take a stroll along Promenade des Anglais (walkway of the English).
The Promenade stretches along the coast for 7km and is popular with those wanting to take a leisurely stroll, run, bike or even rollerblade. It is lined on one side with luxury hotels and parks, the other by beaches and trendy beach clubs.
Plage Publique des l’Opera
One of the many relaxing beaches, Plage Publique des l’Opera is named after the nearby Opera house and is a great spot to chill, swim or enjoy some food at the Opera Restaurant.
Gay Beaches in Nice
Staying on the topic of beaches, when it comes to gay beaches in Nice, there are a few options to choose from. Some, like many other gay beaches in Europe take a little bit of effort to travel to and some are a bit closer to the action (but then a little less gay..).
Here are 4 options to explore:
St Laurent d’Eze Plage
Starting with the most popular and therefore (no surprise) the hardest one to reach, St Laurent d’Eze Plage is a gay nudist beach in Nice.
This is almost exclusively gay since it is difficult to get to, not many people outside of the gay scene would bother to go. Like most beaches, this is a narrow peble beach in a beautiful area (plus lots of nude gay guys so…)
To reach the beach, you need to take the No. 100 bus route which is currently split into two routes, No. 607 and No 608. You want to No.607 route from Nice in the direction of Monaco and alight at Parking St Laurent s’Eze Plage and follow the signposts that lead to the beach (or follow the gays especially if its a weekend when it gets busy). Given it’s well out the way, there are not any facilities nearby so make sure your take enough food and drink for the day as well as beds/towels etc.
Le Plage de Coco Beach
From gay beaches in Nice (which has to be St Laurent) to gay popular beaches.
Like everywhere along the coast, another beautiful spot and rocky public beach area that is popular with gay sunbathers. Compared to the above, this is more large rocks than pebble beach with different areas to lay out on or jump off into the sea.
This gay beach is east of Nice Port, it’s possible to walk 30 minutes from the old town or jump on the number 38 or 15 bus.
Bring supplies for the day!
Hi Beach
If having no facilities on the other gay beaches in Nice isn’t working for you and you need a little bit of convenience, maybe a comfy lounger, then consider the private Hi beach.
This has a mixed crowd but is still popular with LGBTQ+ people. It also has a bar and restaurant so no need to bring a whole pack of supplies.
For this beach you don’t need to travel far as it is right on the main beachfront.
Castel Plage
Like Hi Beach, Castel Plage is a gay popular beach in Nice right in front of the old town, it’s easy to get to and has plenty of facilities and a restaurant of the same name.
If you are looking to just chill in comfort on the beach, watch the world go by and potentially meet some LGBTQ+ locals, this is a good option (whereas if you are looking for a full blow gay nudist beach in Nice then make the extra effort to head to St Laurent).
Gay Bars Nice, France
For a relatively small city, we were impressed by the number of gay bars in Nice. Some are pretty chill, some turn into a bit of a dance party, but either way with the number available you are pretty much guaranteed to find something that meets your vibe.
During your visit make sure to check out some of the following gay bars before moving on to one of the gay clubs later in the night (and gay cruising bars even later….)
Le Six
Le Six appears to be a small and unassuming gay bar in Nice from the outside, but inside it is full of fun, character and larger than life drag queens parading along the bar and propping up the DJ booth!
The bar itself has a small dancefloor, some seating at the back and then also a raised area for drink which you have to access by some ladders! Drinks and ladders might not be the best combination but everyone seemed to manage…
If you come here to start your night, you will probably end up dancing (good mainstream pop songs whilst we were there) so it’s the perfect warm up before moving on to one of the bigger clubs.
6 Rue Raoul Bosio 06300 Nice, France
Le Couloir
With a super unique and unforgettable style, we are talking about the leopard print wallpaper, this gay bar in Nice, Le Couloir, has been going for over 27 years. In fact it is said to be one of the oldest gay bars on the French Riviera.
Currently Le Couloir is run by Jacques who also is the owner of Eagle the gay cruising bar (see below).
This is one of the more relaxing gay bars in Nice to enjoy some drinks and meet new people, especially for their Afterwork* drinks after 6pm.
The bar is open from 18:00 – 01:00 Tuesday to Saturday.
1 Rue Alberti, 06000 Nice
Le Swing
Le Swing is a gay bar, restaurant and cabaret bar open 7 days a week from 18:00 – 02:30.
If you are looking for somewhere to belt out your best diva tune, head to Le Swing on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday for their popular karaoke
They also run nights with some crazy drag hosts that will keep you entertained you on stage and transport you into their unique universes, mixing charm, fantasy, and madness!
10, Rue Defly 06000 Nice, France
Rainbow Bar
Rainbow Bar is a small gay bar in the popular gay area of Rue Bonaparte. It’s a relaxed place to grab a drink and in particular check out their cocktail menu.
9 Rue Bonaparte, Nice, 06300
Coco Vin
Looking for somewhere a little more sophisicated? Coco Vin is a gay wine bar and delicatessen in Nice open Tuesday to Saturday 17:00 – 00:30 (with happy hours until 20:00).
3 rue droite 06300 Nice
La Cave Wilson
La Cave Wilson is a unique cabaret style bar with shows that can transport you back in time. Think piano bar meets gay bar with a hint of diva, comedy and old school acts.
16 Rue Gubernatis 06000 Nice, France
Red Kafe
Just 2 minutes from the beach, one of the newer gay bars in Nice is Red Kafe. This is an LGBTQ popular wine bar which also serves tapas. Head here early evening to relax into your night and if you want something a bit more lively later on, then they often have drag shows and DJs on.
Gay Clubs Nice
Ready to move on from a gay bar to one of the busier gay clubs in Nice? Whilst some of the gay bars certainly get dancy, if you are looking for something bigger, more bustling and with even more hot French guys then consider checking out one of the following gay clubs in Nice.
L’Omega Club
If you are looking for a big dancefloor, hot crowd, good music and super friendly (and generous) bartenders then L’Omega Club has you covered.
L’Omega Club is a gay club in Nice that runs nights with Electro and Electro House music, themed events, drag shows and gay t-dances. Cover charges (which normally include a drink) vary depending on the event.
We had a couple of nights out here, both were super fun and equally a little messy!
8 passage Émile Négrin 06000 Nice, France
Le Glam
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 23:00 – 04:00 and is host to a number of different parties with various DJs, Go-Go dancers and they also run a Pop’n’Drag night.
With huge glitter balls decorating the tightly packed dancefloor and generous drinks measures (like most places in Europe), you are in for some fun. Head over to their website to learn more.
6 Rue Eugene Emanuel 06000 NICE
Le Klubber
Le Klubber is for those that don’t want to stop. When most gay clubs in Nice close around 04:00, Le Klubber is just opening (around 04:00 – 04:30) for their gay after party which runs until about 10:00.
Expect a techno and house party complete with darkroom and go-go dancers. Cover charges apply, discounts available if you have been to the sister bars earlier on (Omega Club, Le Swing, Red Kafé, Le Code, Malabar and Le Six).
High Club (Host to RainboWorld Events)
RainboWorld events presents Rainbow Power at High Club for a night of 100% pop, over the top decor and drag queens from Drag Race to entertain.
Note High Club is not a gay club, it hosts a gay night.
Gay Cruise Bars in Nice
There are almost as many gay cruising bars in Nice as regular gay bars! And of course we are not complaining.
If you are looking for a heated way to spend the end of your evening, or your whole evening, take a look at the list of gay cruising bars in Nice below:
Eagle Bar
Described as ‘a real gay cruising bar in Nice’ with no half measures, the Eagle is built around a large central bar where you can stock up all night long with soft drinks, draft beers, spirits and above all guys.
Like all good gay cruising bars in Nice, Eagle has a darkroom, cabins, sling, and St Andrew’s cross, enjoy 7 days a week from 22:00 – 03:00.
Le Klubber
As mentioned above, this gay cruising club in Nice opens between 04:00 and 05:00 and has a busy darkroom.
Malabar Station
Lions, tigers and bears! Oh my! This gay cruising club in Nice is popular with bears and their admirers. As the name suggests, it’s giving underground train station vibes mixed with everything you expect from a cruising club including busy darkrooms, cabins, and play zone.
Malabar station is also host to various DJs and has different nights on throughout the week.
10 Rue Bonaparte, Nice, France, 06300
Morgan Cruising Bar
With dresscodes such as jock, nude or sports, Morgan gay cruising bar Nice sounds like a lot of fun. Expect to find a sling, facilities to freshen up, movie lounge, voyeur lounges, mazes and cabins. They also have a full stock of products and toys on site.
The club is open every evening from 22:00 – 02:30 except Monday and costs €14/15 with a drink to enter.
Club Le 7
Club Le 7 is a friendly, local theme bar with dancing, cruising, steam room and showers, where guys come to get friendly. It used to be Nices first gay sauna but has now been converted (see what saunas are available below).
We like the fact that here you can do everything from dance to play.
Le Code Nice
Somewhere a bit more intense, this gay cruising club has been in Nice since 2011 and is located at 4 Rue Papon between Place Garibaldi and Place du Pin .
Their theme nights, atmosphere and friendliness make CODE a must-see cruising gay club bar on the Côte d’Azur!
Gay Shops in Nice
The are a couple of gay shops in Nice including a clothing store and LGBTQ+ bookshop to check out:
Rendez-Vous Underwear
Rendez-Vous is a gay mens underwear shop selling some great gay underwear brands.
Address: 6 Rue Francis Gallo, 06300 Nice, France
Librairie Vigna LGBT and Feminism
Librairie Vigna LGBT and feminism is currently the only LGBTQ+ literature store in Nice.
Address: 3 Rue Delille 06000 Nice, France
Gay Friendly Hotels Nice
Nice has many beautiful hotels to choose from and whilst there are no exclusively gay hotels like you might find in super gay towns like Sitges, we have either stayed at or know the below brands are especially welcoming:
AC Hotel by Marriott Nice
The AC Hotel by Mariott is a beautiful 4* beachfront hotel steps away from the famous Promenade des Anglais
We love that the hotel features a stunning rooftop terrace and pool and relaxing zen garden.
If you are looking for a little luxury in Nice, get yourself booked.
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
With some seriously stylish and luxurious rooms, the 5* Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée is an art-deco style hotel featuring an on-site casino, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a hammam and a sauna.
The terrace offers panoramic views of the Baie des Anges and most tourist attractions are within walking distance.
Hotel Nice Riviera
Centrally located within the city, the Hotel Nice Riviera Hotel is a 4-star hotel located a short walk from the Promenade des Anglais, the flower market and the old city.
Gay Saunas in Nice
There is currently just one gay sauna in Nice, there were others in the past, however these have now closed down including La Cercle Sauna. The remaining gay sauna is:
Les Bains-Douches
With a three floors to explore, Les Bains-Douches is one of the most popular and busy gay saunas on the French Riviera.
Like most gay saunas, you can expect steam rooms, sauna, whirlpool, playrooms, private cabins and video rooms etc. Reviews promote how well kept the place is which is always a super important consideration – similar to how well kept the largest gay sauna in Berlin is!
To top things of, then also run themed events…
Gay Events in Nice
Nice Gay Pride – Nice Pink Parade
Nice celebrates Pride every year in July/August with its Pink Parade which has been running since 2004 and now floods the streets with people in elaborate costumes, adorned with rainbows and celebrating.
The parade starts late afternoon at La Liberation and finishes at Place du General.
Beyond the parade, Nice comes alive with lots of pride events from the ‘Pink Drink After Party’ immediately after the parade finishes at the Museum of Modern Art and of course, with the huge number of gay bars in Nice, each has there own schedule of pride party events with DJ’s, dancers, drag shows and of course plenty of attractive guys to party with.
In&Out Film Festival
The In&Out Film Festival is a super popular LGBTQ+ film festival that has been running for over 15 years and screens multiple films over multiple locations all around the city.
The films are shown in various languages and address a huge range of LGBTQ+ topics from trans rights to coming out and even some more risque topics.
If you are an LGBTQ+ film fan and love to travel make sure to visit during this festival usually held in April each year.
Queernaval de Nice launches in February each year and is the first gay carnival in France which promotes sharing, inclusion and living in harmony.
You can expectto see talented Niçoise batucadas (a type of samba like dance), fabulous drag queens and many artists sharing queer joy!
More than 150 volunteer carnival workers dressed in the most amazing costumes will set the tone for this exceptional evening with a different theme each year.
This is a free event open to all the public.
Nice So Fetiche
Looking for something a little bit more naughty in Nice in November? With so many gay cruising bars it is perhaps no surprise that like Gran Canaria, Nice has a Fetiടh event.
The event runs Thursday to Sunday with drinks receptions, dinners, a leather brunch, the election of Mr Evidence Leatherman and of course plenty of parties hosted at the popular gay cruising clubs. Enjoy!
Nice has so much to offer LGBTQ+ travellers and is a super picturesque city, we highly recommend visiting and experiencing this beautiful city for yourself!