Insider tips Paris: c'est une fête!

Bruce invites you to live the enchantment Paris is. He's an experienced host on misterb&b and knows the city well enough to point you in the direction of the best places to visit. Life is about connections, and here are Bruce's top tips to experience Paris like a gay local. 

How would you describe life in Paris?

Paris really deserves the expression Paris c'est une fête. All the ingredients are there to enjoy your stay: great French food, a good vibe, crazy dance floors and shopping venues.

Another amazing thing about Paris is its multifacetedness. It’s a huge city, there are 1,000 things to do in a day. Sometimes you can feel as if you were drowning in the crowd, as if the city is ready to swallow you, and on the other hand, you may find yourself on a deserted alley, feeling how peaceful this city can also be. 

What are the best gay events in your city every year?

The gay pride of Paris, what we call La Marche des Fiertés, is held in June and it’s always a very festive event. I recommend participating in the parade, don’t just stand on the side!

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can't we miss?

The food is excellent no matter where you go; there will be no disappointment. So, focus on museums: the Arts décoratifs Museum at the Louvre and the Grand Palais are my favorites.

What's your favorite gay place to grab lunch or dinner?

These are my favourite restaurants around my place. They’re a walkable distance. Nanashi, my favourite French/Asian fusion restaurant located in the heart of the historic Marais.

For dinner, I feel like recommending The Favela Chic in a very nice neighbourhood, on the edge of the Canal Saint Martin, or my favorite Japanese restaurant in Paris, Allo Sushi, in the heart of the Marais. You can enjoy perfectly marinated fish and maki revisited with ingredients like leek, sea urchin cream, dill and pomegranate. 

 © Flickr/Bruno Cruz

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Just two-minutes walk from my place, you’ll find Café des Anges. Their brunch prices are quite fair for Paris, around 18 euros, and their offer is very complete.

Best gay place for a happy hour?

The Perla bar is one of the best cocktail bars in Paris. It’s not far from Saint-Paul metro station. After the happy hour, you can continue with lobster enchiladas for just 10 euros!

© Flickr/Robin Cerutti

We're ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

On Sundays, I can never say no to Rosa Bonheur. Check this little guinguette bar in the heart of the big park called Buttes Chaumont – the most important park in Paris – whether you want to go to dance or just grab a drink with your friends. The music is awesome and, with such an amazing view in the highest part of the park, you can also enjoy a sunset over Montmartre. Rosa Bonheur is free but it closes around midnight.

The Klub venue is also a great place to listen to music (Metro Les Halles). The best party here is the one called "CC Couscous" (music in the spirit of 90s)!

What are the best gay alternative bars and clubs in Paris?

My favorite place after the Rosa Bonheur is Tango (open Friday to Sunday night). It's a very friendly place. But watch out: most of the songs played are French!

Can you share a secret place in Paris?

The secret bar La Mezcaleria! It’s situated in the 1K Hotel redecorated in a modern Peruvian spirit in the middle of Marais. Ask to go through the kitchen and taste the best guacamole in Paris!

Any beaches, parks, or other places to chill-out?

The Park Daumesnil is perfect to chill-out on Sunday afternoons. Otherwise you can still choose between Canal Saint Martin or the Canal de l’Ourcq, they’re both very welcoming.

Finally, where can we get the best view of Paris?

There are two ways to have a great view of Paris: you can take the external elevator of the Pompidou Museum which leads to the Georges restaurant. There you can have access to their terrace for free and have the most amazing view of Paris. To get a good perspective on the westside of Paris, though, you have to go to the 7th floor of the Printemps Store. It’s also free and you'll get the best view of Opera Garnier and Eiffel Tower. ●

Fancy taking in the sights of Paris? Check out our City Guide and read some more Local Tips from our other hosts in this amazing city!