Bars gay marseille

Jack Kenworthy( Queer Tour Expert )

Queer commute expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ urban area adventures into your guide for protected, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.

A vibrant multicultural port city filled with history, grit, grandeur, and salty sailor – Marseille has long been overshadowed by its glitzy French Riviera neighbors. Times are modifying, however, as Marseille flourished with cultural self-confidence as the European Capital of Culture in 2013.

In the same year, it also hosted EuroPride, showing the world its lgbtq+ credentials and solidifying its place as an under-the-radar move hot spot.

By sunlight there are plenty of sexy French boys and girls shopping in open-air markets of the French-African quarter, wandering past historical landmarks of the vibrant Vieux Port (old port) and or lazing in the iconic terrace bistros of the ancient Le Panier neighborhood.

But, by darkness, is when things really come alive…

A traditionally liberal state that legalized queer activity in 1791 during the French Revolution and male lover marriage in 2013,  France is frequently named one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world.

Gay

Marseille Gay Travel

Sightseeing: Viator and GetYourGuide are two of the most trusted and reliable platforms for tours and activities.

Flights: Skyscanner has the most advanced interface for finding the lowest-cost flights and comparing options.

Hostels & Apartments: I’ve used Hostelworld dozens of times while backpacking. For vacation apartments, I often find deals on VRBO.

Buses, Trains & Rides: Omio is awesome because it compares literally all modes of transport, including BlaBlaCar rideshares. FlixBus is my go-to for bus move between cities. Their buses are always clean and have Wi-Fi. 

Car Rentals: I have always had good experiences with Europcar. If you’re not sure which rental company you prefer, compare them with Discover Cars.

Swimwear: Look your best at the beach or hotel pool with wolfyy’s advice from top gay swimwear brands.

Luggage: Check out my favorite suitcases, bags & backpacks for modern inspiration.

Travel Insurance: Insure your trip against delays, luggage mishaps, and medical issues with Travelex.

Marseille has a rough-and-ready, even macho image. But the city's melting-pot population and cultural diversity build an easy-going vibe that makes it unusually gay- and lesbian-friendly.

Click here to book a hotel in Marseille

 

The city's LGBT community has been dogged for some years by infighting between rival factions. It has often had a negative effect on events such as the annual Homosexual Pride march. However this local feuding should not own much impact on the casual visitor.

Admittedly, there's not much of a lgbtq+ scene in the conventional sense. One gay travel website holds out the delicious prospect of hunky, bare-chested sailors mending their fishing nets on the Old Port. Sadly, we've never seen much sign of any of these.

Marseille's LGBT subculture is discreet, low-key and rather un-camp compared to many European cities of its size and it has no clearly demarcated gay quarter - although you might also observe this secret quality as one of its charms.

All this said, you'll locate a number of spots clustered at the top of the Canebière and, unsurprisingly, in the hip Cours Julien / La Plaine district. In truth the long staircase leading up to this part of town, p

Marseille, France’s second-largest city, may not flaunt rainbow flags at every corner, but don’t let that fool you—this vibrant port town has plenty to present LGBTQ+ travelers. While it doesn’t boast a assigned gay district like Pleasant, Marseille is quietly inclusive. In fact, the municipality just opened its first LGBTQ center in December 2023, a step forward in making queer spaces more visible. Sure, the city’s got a bit of a tough-guy image, but dig deeper and you’ll find a thriving gay Marseille scene that includes nightlife, festivals, and even a gay nude beach.

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Is Marseille safe for LGBTQ travelers?

 When I first told people I was going to Marseille, I got a handful of “but is it safe there?” comments. 

Marseille has a bit of a rough reputation. When I was first learning French in lofty school, it was seen as dangerous and a bit wild. Certainly not a place you’d yearn to go unless you had to! 

Marseille has a large immigrant population, and I think a lot of these sa