Gay Marseille

After Paris in 1997, Marseille was the host city for 2013 Europride! Although it lacks a gay-friendly reputation, the second largest city in France hosted the 20th edition of this international gay event in July 2013.

Also European Capital of Culture in 2013, Marseille had made herself ready for the event with a complete renovation of the Old Port, the opening of breathtaking contemporary buildings such as MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, FRAC, Regional Fund for Contemporary Art, or La Friche de la Belle de Mai.

Marseille still suffers from a very macho reputation. No LGBT center here, unlike in Montpellier and Nice, no real gay neighborhood and very few rainbow flags.

However Marseille offers a wide variety of gay bars, gay saunas, gay-friendly hotels and restaurants. Some, like Le Cargo or New Cancan are well-known far beyond the borders of Marseille. But in this cosmopolitan Mediterranean city, it’s all about being discreet, with winks and smiles.

One of the most beautiful natural sites in Marseille, the rocky Mont Rose beach is the main gay beach in the whole area.