Traveling through France on a jaunt across Europe, or as your only destination for gay vacations for singles or couples, France is a trip that everyone should experience at least once. With snowcapped alps, the magnificent French Riviera, world famous art collections, pristine beaches, pastoral landscapes dotted with medieval castles, villages and ruins that tell the story of Frances diverse history, and the truly exquisite cosmopolitan city of Paris, travelers are sure to find exactly what they are looking for when visiting this unique country.

Gay vacations often center around Paris and its vibrant LGBT community, cultural and historical landmarks and accepting cosmopolitan environment, visitors will find that throughout France there is plenty to do and see, as well as many LGBT establishments and a welcoming atmosphere. Laws outlawing sodomy were abolished over 200 years ago and Frances LGBT community has enjoyed civil unions for the last decade. With legal protections in place and a general laissez-faire attitude that is common among the French, visitors will find that France provides an accepting and safe gay tours.

Numerous community events take place across the country throughout the year, including several pride festivals and a very well-attended pride parade and festival and gay and lesbian film festival in Paris. Some unique establishments to check out while in Paris on a gay vacation include the Marais district LGBT-owned bakery, Legay Choc; the ArtMenParis exhibit of all-male images; and Madame Arthur, LArtishow and Chez Michou, three cabarets with female impersonators and drag shows. Paris nightlife is lively, with bars open from afternoon until 2am and clubs opening at midnight, and often staying open until noon.

For men who are interested in experiencing the bawdier side of Parisian life, sex clubs, cruising spots and bars with backrooms are easy to find for visitors on gay vacations. Paris is also home to a plethora of saunas, also known as bathhouses, which are popular attractions for both locals and visitors. Saunas are not open 24-hours in France and do not have private rooms to rent. For privacy, visitors can enjoy relaxation cubicles and out-of-towners should keep in mind that going to a sauna is a primarily afternoon activity in Paris, with Sunday afternoons being the most crowded.

Most gay vacation spots cater largely to men, have little to no visible lesbian presence and offer few establishments dedicated to the lesbian community. Women will be delighted to discover that this is not the case in Paris. Parisian lesbians and visitors enjoy a multitude of venues and organizations that can be found throughout the city, but particularly in the neighborhoods of Marais, Grands Boulevards, Halles-Beaubourg, Saint Germain des Pres and Palais Royal. Palais Royal is home to one of the oldest lesbian bars in Paris, while the Bastille-Republique district has a delightful community bookstore with a distinct Sapphic flare. There is also a lesbian walking group and even a sex shop that caters solely to women.

Although Paris might be the most visited gay vacation destination in France, many other options are available throughout the country, including Avignon in Provence, Montpellier and Nice on the Mediterranian coast, Annecy in the Alps, Nantes in Brittany and the nude community beaches of Camargue. For those who hope to rub elbows with the rich and famous, Saint Tropez on the French Riviera should not be missed, while those looking for a romantic retreat might opt for an LGBT-owned B … B outside of Bourdeaux. With so many gay vacations in 2010 to choose from, France is truly an ideal setting for gay romance travel.

Tags: Travel Tips

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