History of the Gay Pride

The LGBT Gay Pride was born after the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969. The movement then grew and spread to many countries. France has hosted the event since 1981.

The Paris Gay Pride is a major annual event, both festive and protesting. It brings together more than half a million people every year, thanks to one organisation: the Interassociative lesbian, gay, bi and trans (Inter-LGBT).

Inter-LGBT gathers about 60 associations and more than 200 volunteers. The main mission of this organisation is to fight against discrimination based on morals, sexual orientation or gender identity, in the framework of the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Quinzaine des Fiertés

The Quinzaine des Fiertés is an annual activist and festive event that takes place over two weeks in June. More than fifty events are planned: debates, conferences, screenings, shows, exhibitions and parties that give visibility to the LGBT cause. These events are organised by associations that work throughout the year for the rights of LGBT+ people and fight against LGBTphobic violence and discrimination, as well as by private LGBT structures. The series of events culminates in the Gay parade.

Gay parade

The organisation of the Paris Gay Pride parade is entirely voluntary. Representatives of Inter-LGBT's member associations meet throughout the year to prepare the event. The funds collected are used to finance the following year's parade and inter-associative projects. Inter-LGBT is recognized as being of general interest.

The parade takes place on Saturday 25 June. It lasts about 4 hours and crosses Paris. The parade usually starts from Montparnasse or Place de la Concorde, crossing some of the emblematic monuments of the city, notably the Jardin des Tuileries, the Panthéon, the Louvre museum and Notre-Dame.

Here is the typical route of the parade:

Place du 18 juin (Métro Montparnasse)
Boulevard du Montparnasse
Port-Royal
Boulevard Saint-Michel / Jardins du Luxembourg
Place St-Michel
Boulevard du Palais
Place du Châtelet
Boulevard de Sébastopol
Strasbourg Saint-Denis
Boulevard Saint- Martin
Place de la République.

How to get there?

Blue route: Hop off at stop n°4 Notre-Dame / Quartier Latin.

The procession ends at Place de la République and continues with a Pride celebration from 5 to 10 pm, organised by Inter-LGBT. Many internationally renowned artists will perform a free concert and personalities and representatives of associations will deliver messages on health prevention and the fight against discrimination. The party continues in the adjacent streets with many cafés, bars and clubs nearby.

After Party in the Marais

Le Marais, a gay district known for hosting most of the LGBT bars, restaurants and shops, is hosting non-stop parties throughout the weekend. Among the busiest streets are Rue des Ecouffes, Rue du Temple and Rue Vieille du Temple. The lively gay bars are within walking distance of the Place de la République, where the gathering usually ends. The following bars offer a wide range of options for visitors:

Enjoy the After Pride Apero at Cox, one of the best gay bars in the city;
Head to Les Souffleurs, a small queer bar with a dancefloor cellar;
Discover the colourful parties at Club Banana Café;
Spend an unforgettable evening at one of the Marais district's leading establishments, Cud Bar.

How to get there?

Blue route: Get off at the n°4 Notre-Dame / Quartier Latin stop.

To find all these places and to help you find your way around Paris, download the Tootbus application available on App Store and Play Store.

To continue your visit of the french capital, discover our ideas of festivals in Paris this summer.

Gay Pride in Paris

You are visiting Paris in June? Take advantage of your trip to discover the city and don't miss the Gay Pride, now called Marche des Fiertés, on 25 June.