One of the most popular gay and lesbian events on the globe is the Paris Gay Pride Parade and Festival, which is held each summer. Find out how to attend, book lodging and other basics for planning a trip during the event.
The 2007 event will be held on June 30. See images of the Paris Gay Pride Parade and Festival at the Paris Gay Pride Festival Photo Gallery.
It will start at 1:30 in Montparnasse, and end at Bastille Place. There are often several events, including flamboyant balls, in the week before the parade.
You can register online for the event at the LGBT Official Site, which currently has very little information on its English-language pages. [/link]
The event attracts about half a million people each year, as well as more than a hundred associations, trade unions, political parties, organizations for the defence of human rights and commercial establishments, according to LGTB.
The Paris Office of Tourism also recommends the following gay and lesbian-friendly accommodations. I would suggest booking well in advance.
- Absolu Living offers a selection of furnished apartment vacation rentals, and particularly caters to gay and lesbian clientele. Apartments are mainly located in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Minimum length of stay is 4 days, and there is no maximum. Staff speaks English.
- Appartment de Ville is a gay and lesbian traveler-friendly company which provides apartments for rent from four days to one month. Apartments are as low as 310 euros weekly.