Winter in Paris – Washington Blade

Winter in Paris - Bill Malcolm

Winter in Paris is the perfect time to visit.. The crowds are gone. The weather is not as cold as many U.S. cities. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in museums, it doesn’t matter anyway. Plus, Paris has a great gay scene and a gayborhood — The Marais.

Getting There

I snagged a great low fare on Delta Airlines. The service was exceptional and everything was free. Free hot dinner and breakfast, free headsets, free blankets and pillows, free eyeshades and more. Once in Paris, hop on the commuter rail to town, the RER-B then take the Metro to get to your hotel from the Gare du Nord Station.

Where to Stay

I stayed at The Moxy, a new Marriott brand geared for millennials. The rate was very reasonable (it varied by day with one day at just 93 Euros or around $110). It’s located near the Marais in the Bastille District and near no less than three Metro stations. You can walk to many of the major attractions or hop on the subway. Two nearby stores (Franprix) have everything you need including salad bars, hot sandwiches and great selections of wine.

Full Story at the Washington Blade

Paris Gay Travel Resources

Instagrammable Paris – Once Upon a Journey

Paris, the city of love, or the city of light, the capital of France and the third most popular destination in the world. It’s no wonder it’s also amongst the most photographed cities in the world and yet, everyone’s obsessed with Paris photography. Everyone searches for the best view of the Eiffel Tower and couples often book a Paris photoshoot to immortalise the romance. Paris pictures are simply magical when done right!

“Paris is always a good idea.” – Audrey Hepburn

Audrey was right, Paris is always a good idea, however, taking Paris pictures can be difficult. The best Instagrammable Paris places to visit are usually insanely crowded, which is why we highly recommend going to the hot spots during sunrise. Yes, it takes courage to wake up early, but trust us: it’s so worth it. We’ve visited a couple of times already and have collected the best places in Paris to take pictures!

Full Story at Once Upon a Journey

Paris Gay Travel Resources

Relive the Movies in Gay Paris – Keep Calm and Wander

moulin rouge - Keep Calm and Wander

“Paris is always a good idea,” said Audrey Hepburn, a Hollywood legend who acted in romantic movies that featured famous landmarks in Paris. With so many great motion pictures made in this European city, it’s no wonder it earns these three nicknames: The City of Love, The City of Romance, and The City of Lights.

Let’s traverse the romantic lanes in Paris and get a glimpse of the landmarks that grace it.

Moulin Rouge

one are the days of French courtesans in the city of Paris, but Moulin Rouge on Boulevard de Clichy is still alive with the “can-can” dance which the nation invented. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor made this area more popular in the film with the same name. Watch a show or two and relive the past through glamorous cabaret performances.

Le Grand Hotel

There are a handful elegant hotels in Paris where movies where made, but the opulent and avant garde Le Grand Hotel has been truly iconic since 1862. Its luxurious suites are to die for, and its classic interior design brings you back to a bygone era. Your stay here will genuinely be romantic when you book a room facing the Opera. The famed Louvre Museum is nearby. Le Grand’s exterior is prominent in Roman Polanski’s “Frantic” movie with Harrison Ford.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Paris Gay Travel Resources

 

Apollo Gallery at the Louvre Museum – Keep Calm and Wander

Apollo Gallery

I have no doubt that Apollo Gallery is the most dazzling hall at Louvre Museum. Yes, if there’s one room at Louvre Museum that spells grandeur, it would be Galerie d’Apollon. This amazingly-decorated room is fit for a sun-god. From its walls to its ceiling Apollo Gallery shimmers in paintings, tapestries, jewels, gilded embellishments and statues. Its artistry is incredible and its craftsmanship is very detailed.

Apollo Gallery is the Most Dazzling Hall at Louvre Museum

Royal Gallery. As soon as you enter, there’s that feeling that you’re in one of the royal rooms of time’s past. In fact, this was the first royal gallery for King Louis XIV. Though small in size, this hall became the prototype of the Hall of Mirror at the Palace of Versailles.

The Vaulted Ceiling. You’ll find a lot of things here. Of course, you’ll see Apollo, the sun-god. You’ll marvel at the winged cherubs, royal emblems, muses and gods. The splendid stuccos are everywhere and they’re a delight to see. Above all, you’ll find the impressive visual representations of the zodiac signs. I did find mine – Aquarius. Can you find yours?

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Paris Gay Travel Resources

 

Disneyland Paris Plans First Official “Magical Pride” Celebration – Joe.My.God

Magical Pride

Although Gay Days has been celebrated at the Disney parks for decades, ever since the first one in 1991 (right here in Orlando!), Disneyland Paris has just made history by becoming the first to organize an official LGBTQ Pride event, finally acknowledging openly that pink money pays their bills, too.

Magical Pride happens June 1, 2019, and will include a “Magical March of Diversity” parade, as well as several different music performances. Inspired by Orlando’s and Anaheim’s massive Gay Days parties, the first – though it was unofficial – Magical Pride took place at Disneyland Paris in 2014. Now it’s getting the nod from the park.

Gay France: Romance on the Loire – Passport Magazine

Gay Paris - Loire River

It’s the late afternoon, and my partner Jason and I are running in circles in the tower of Le Château d’Ussé. We’re desperately trying to see it all before our tour bus pulls away without us. Golden French light flashes through the slit embrasures making it feel like we’re inside a slide projector. Each window reveals glimpses of the Loire River Valley. Out one, we see still-blossoming fields of lavender blanket the ground and the wind blows the purple flora as if it’s the fur of an animal. I shout Jason’s name as he disappears around a corner. Another window frames a lazy creek alongside French manicured gardens.

Twisting and turning, I see Jason’s hand glide against the cool white bricks. Out another, a man is carrying a barrel of wine while his Briard companion follows him into the wine caves. At the end of the corridor, I find Jason leaning against a heavy wooden door.

Pushing him aside, I peer through the glass windows crisscrossed with wrought iron. Inside is a recreation of the famous Sleeping Beauty. Laying in a white dress on a four-post bed, Aurora sleeps under the witch’s spell. Green disco lights fill the room adding a bizarrely creepy effect. Like looking through sunglasses at the sun, the small window behind refracts a blinding light on the window. Looking over her, the prince moves in for that kiss to end the curse.

By Joseph Pedro – Full Story at Passport

France Gay Travel Resources

 

Queer Versailles: A Secret Sexy History – Gay Star News

Versailles - Pixabay

From Marie Antoinette’s lesbian affairs to the Sun King’s gay brother, Versailles bristled with sexual intrigue while the grounds were a hotbed of raunchy encounters.

Homosexuality and lesbianism is woven into the history of the Palace of Versailles and into the lives of its most famous residents. The magnificent palace on the outskirts of Paris is a camp baroque masterpiece that defined elite tastes for a hundred years and still influences them today. But look a little closer, and you will see homosexual history hidden in plain sight in its art and artefacts.

The Falcon-Loving Founder, Louis XIII

Louis XIII became king of France at just nine years old. And from his teenage years he preferred the company of male courtiers to women. Charles d’Albert, the young Duke of Luyens, was his particular favorite. While it’s not certain the two had a sexual relationship, it is widely rumored. We do know they shared another passion – hunting. Among the titles Louis granted Charles was Grand Falconer of France. Caring for the king’s hunting birds was a great honor.

Luyens died of a fever while fighting Protestants in 1621. But the king kept hunting. And in 1624, that was to change the shape of a small village 20kms southwest of Paris – Versailles. Louis, then in his early 20s, decided to build his hunting lodge there.

By Tris Reid-Smith – Full Story at Gay Star News

LOCATION Gay Travel Resources

The Apollo Gallery at the Louvre – Keep Calm and Wander

The Apollo Gallery at the Louvre - Keep Calm and Wander

I have no doubt that Apollo Gallery is the most dazzling hall at Louvre Museum. Yes, if there’s one room at Louvre Museum that spells grandeur, it would be Galerie d’Apollon. This amazingly-decorated room is fit for a sun-god. From its walls to its ceiling Apollo Gallery shimmers in paintings, tapestries, jewels, gilded embellishments and statues. Its artistry is incredible and its craftsmanship is very detailed.

As soon as you enter, there’s that feeling that you’re in one of the royal rooms of time’s past. In fact, this was the first royal gallery for King Louis XIV. Though small in size, this hall became the prototype of the Hall of Mirror at the Palace of Versailles.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Paris Gay Travel Resources

The Sacre Coeur in Paris – Keep Calm and Wander

Sacre Coeur in Paris - Keep Calm and Wander

Before visiting, get to know these interesting facts about Sacre Coeur in Paris. It’s a minor Roman Catholic basilica that sits atop Montmarte, the city’s highest summit. You’ll see it from the top of Eiffel Tower or from Notre Dame Cathedral. Its domes look different from any Catholic churches you’ve seen before. If my memory serves me right, I’ve never seen anything like these.

Sacre Coeur, in English, is translated as the Sacred Heart which of course refer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Montmarte means the “Mount of the Martyr.”

The basilica was built in 1975 but its construction was completed in 1914. However, it was only sanctified when the World War 1 ended in 1919. Paul Abadie designed this imposing church overlooking the city of Paris.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Paris Gay Travel Resources

Inside the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris – Keep Calm and Wander

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris - Keep Calm and Wander

I didn’t see Quasimodo inside the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. He is, of course – along with Esmeralda – fictional. But this Catholic cathedral seems to be tied to his name or the other way around. Thanks to Victor Hugo who made this church a setting of his well-known novel, “The Huncback of Notre Dame.” For literary fans, you can’t talk Notre Dame without mentioning the Romantic-Gothic affair of Quasimodo and Esmeralda.

The Queue. It’s looooong. So be prepared when it’s hot in the summer. Unless, of course, if you’re there as soon as it opens.

The Icons at the Entrance / West Gate. Notre Dame was built in the 12th century. It is one of the most revered Gothic churches in France. Before you step into the entrance door, look up and see the details of the sculptures above you. They’re pretty amazing Christian icons.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Paris Gay Travel Resources