What to Do Every Pride Month in Paris

Pride Month in Paris and the rest of the world is just around the corner. Now more than ever, the LGBTQ+ community needs our support, so there's no better time to show how much we love and accept them than during Pride Month, which falls in June. As someone with family members, I will definitely be marching at this year's Pride Parade in Paris. But that's not the only thing you can do at this time of the year. The month is chock-full of fun and exciting events, from queer movie marathons to all sorts of music festivals, not to mention parties in Le Marais and beyond!

Meet New People in The Community

Perhaps one of the best things to do during Pride Month in Paris—or anywhere else, for that matter—is to go out there and make friends with the community. You don't necessarily have to be best friends with just about every single person you meet, but it does pay to get to know them, listen to their stories, and show your support. Though it is ironic coming from me, someone met some of their closest friends through partying in Pride Month. My life in Paris became much more colorful after I made new friends in the LGBTQ+ community.

Dress Up Fabulously!

I am a straight, caucasian 6'1' tall man with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a fairly big build. Despite the privileges I enjoy thanks to my looks, sexual orientation, and gender identity, I also recognize that I share many similarities with the sort of people who continuously attack and marginalize the queer community. It's because of this that I always dress fabulously—I think that's the word?—when I go out to have a queer day in Paris during Pride Month. Truth be told, I just let my girlfriend and her gay friends dress me, and honestly, it's a lot of fun. My outfit lets them know that I'm an ally, and admittedly, I also low-key enjoy all the attention I get!

Watch Queer Cinema

Many of my friends are cinephiles, so they're always out and about in Paris every Pride Month. Several arthouse cinemas and other hotspots feature LGBTQ+ movie marathons all-month long, highlighting queer cinema at its finest. One of my favorites is hosted by Le Hasard Ludique in the 18th arrondissement. The culture center turns into one of the best cinemas in the city, screening all sorts of queer films that the general public probably haven't heard of. It's always a good time, and the debates my friends get into after every screening are always so fascinating!

Read LGBTQ+ Literature

This is one of the easiest things to do, and I recommend you do it even when it's not Pride Month. Reading queer literature isn't just fun and fascinating, but it will also expand your mind and help you further understand the community's plight, struggles, and successes. Not to mention the importance of Pride Month as a whole, too. As a straight man, I'm proud to admit that gay novels and non-fiction books have inspired me just as much, if not even more than works written by straight authors. If you're looking for a place to find such books, I suggest starting in Les Mots à la Bouche on Rue Saint-Ambroise in the 4th arrondissement.

Indulge in Haute Cuisine

I know you can do this just about anytime while you're in Paris, but hear me out! My gay friends are the best culinary connoisseurs. They have the best tastes, know the best restaurants, and even know the best ways to eat all sorts of dishes, desserts, and drinks. I can't tell you how much my gay buddies brought me to the city's best places to eat, including most of Paris's Michelin-starred restaurants! If you're lucky enough to have such acquaintances, then Pride Month will be a more delicious experience!

Participate in The Pride Run

Before the highly anticipated Pride Parade in Paris, the city also hosts the annual Pride Run. This inclusive sporting event encourages everyone, both queer and straight folks alike, to run a 6.28 km race in Pantin, one of Paris's suburbs. Sports and the LGBTQ+ community tend to have a contentious relationship, so I'm glad there are events like this that highlight the community's amazing athleticism. The race also fosters a welcoming environment, with participants going so far as to run in drag. Much like the more famous parade, the Pride Run is another huge celebration of our queer friends and family.

Enjoy Live Music

Though it's technically not affiliated with any other Pride Month celebration in the city, Fête de la Musique helps Paris get even more lit every June. What's great about it is that it's not just one big event in a single part of the city. Fête de la Musique is a series of big and small concerts held throughout various neighborhoods in Paris. And that's just one day! The city hosts other, equally enjoyable live music performances throughout the entire Pride Month. Some even feature international artists that wouldn't normally be in Paris.

Party in Les Marais

Le Marais is the ultimate destination for Pride Month in Paris. My girlfriend and I live all the way in the 18th arrondissement, which isn't close to this neighborhood, but we're here practically 24/7 every Pride Month. This is Paris's main “gayborhood,” after all, not to mention one of its trendiest districts. It's always a good time here no matter the time of year, but Pride Month kicks it up a notch. The clubs are hosting raves, the bars are always crowded, and the best drag bars in Paris are putting on the most amazing shows!

Take Part in The Pride Parade

Finally, let's not forget about the Pride Parade in Paris! This is the month's main event—an incredible showing of love, support, and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. And since Paris is a heavily queer city, I bet a thousand bucks that it holds one of the best Pride Parades in the world. Ever since making gay friends, I've always marched with them every year. It always fills me with a sense of community, even though I'm straight. Moreover, as I've mentioned in the intro, our queer friends and family need our support now more than ever!



Pride Month in Paris is the ultimate celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the city and the rest of the country. Joining and participating in its many events is a great way to show your support and strengthen your allyship with the queer loved ones.