Nice is the French Riviera at its finest. This quintessentially French coastal town, with just a hint of Italian influence, boasts azure waters, a gorgeous promenade lined with pebblestone beaches, and charming cobblestone streets lined with quaint French-style cafés. Restaurant-filled squares and bustling markets carry the scents of lavender, fresh bread, and olives—all the better for sipping wine and indulging in your romantic French getaway fantasies.

But beyond its beauty, Nice also has substance! The city has a wealth of museums and galleries celebrating a wide range of artists, from Vivian Maier to Picasso, a lot of whom have called Nice home at some point in their lives. It also features a castle, iconic churches, friendly and cultured people, and an active LGBTQ+ community that welcomes all visitors as if they were locals themselves.

They don’t shy away from a good party either, with a thriving gay nightlife scene (especially in the summer) and a multitude of annual LGBTQ+ festivals. These include a large Pride celebration, Fetish Week, the In & Out Queer Film Festival, and Queernaval—a queer event created by the community for the community as part of the city's already impressive Carnival celebrations. Nice is a city that is constantly evolving and has become a fierce competitor for the best LGBTQ+ getaway destination in all of France.

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Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation and Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Nice
4. Sightseeing and Activities in Nice 
5. Gay Tours in Nice
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. Nice Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Nice Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Beaches in Nice
10. Gay Events in Nice
11. Day Trips from Nice

General Tips

Nice's location on the Mediterranean ensures pleasant weather almost year-round, with summer offering the best beach conditions. However, as is true almost everywhere, visiting during the shoulder seasons (April/May or September/October) helps avoid crowds and results in cheaper hotel rates. Nice's festivals are also wonderful times to visit and see the city in its prime, especially during Carnival.

Nice isn't particularly big, so it's easy to walk around—in fact, that's the best way to see the city. There isn't a specific gayborhood, but the main bars and clubs are within easy staggering distance of each other. France's aloof reputation is nowhere to be seen in Nice, and on a night out, you'll find that people will talk to you with genuine passion, eager to showcase their city in all its glory. A little French can go a long way, but thanks to the influx of tourism, nearly everyone speaks at least some English. LGBTQ+-owned businesses can be found throughout the city, and you're more than likely to encounter a gay waiter or two on your travels, who'll be happy to point you in the direction of whatever you're looking for.

The French Riviera Pass is a must for visitors, as it grants access to sixty major tourist sites and activities across the city. One-, two-, or three-day passes can be purchased, with an additional transport option. Honestly, if you visit even three sites a day, it becomes a bargain.

Transportation & Air Transfer

Nice has excellent public transportation, including trams, buses, and regional trains. The tram is the easiest option to and from the airport, as you'll find it right outside either of the two terminals. Return tickets cost a nice round 10€ and must be purchased from the machines before boarding. There are multiple stops across the city, so you're sure to find one near your hotel. Bus numbers 98 and 99 also connect the airport to the central train station (Gare de Nice-Ville). It’s a cheaper option, but really you’re better off using the tram for simplicity’s sake. A taxi will be quicker but costs around 30€ from the airport to the city center. A private transfer can be organized in advance for about 35€ per group.

Getting around the city is easy once you're there, and walking is usually the best option, though taking the tram is convenient for reaching some of the more out-of-the-way museums. Another, healthy option is to use the local bike sharing service, Velo Bleu.

Gay Hotels in Nice

There aren't may gay hotels in Nice specifically, but there are plenty of gay-friendly options.

Luxury

Le Negresco – Thus hotel is a masterpiece of art, history, and French Riviera glamour. Opened in 1913, its pink-domed façade and Belle Époque elegance have welcomed royalty, celebrities, and art lovers—and just lovers in general—alike. Inside, every corner is a museum-worthy spectacle, blending Renaissance opulence with contemporary flair, including a massive chandelier from Versailles, a bar featuring a 1683 tapestry, walnut woodwork, lavish furnishings, and even their own 18th-century carousel. Michelin-starred dining, personalized service, and a seafront location on the Promenade des Anglais cement its legendary status. What’s more, they are members of the IGLTA, so you’re assured LGBTQ+ friendly treatment.

Mid Range

Le Windsor Jungle Art Hotel – Some hotels are more than just a place to stay—they are works of art. The Hotel Windsor is, in fact, several pieces of art in one. Each of its rooms has been designed and decorated with the works of different artists, and you'll find all sorts of quirky pieces scattered throughout the 19th-century building's lounge and halls. The “jungle” part of the hotel's name comes from the tropical garden located at its side surrounding a quaint pool. Other amenities include a wellness center, a lounge bar, and its own restaurant—which serves up a hearty buffet breakfast. Hotel Windsor is also one of the host hotels for the OVNi Festival—an annual event in November where art is displayed in hotels and other offbeat locations around the city.

Hotel Ellington – A chic blend of modern elegance and artistic charm in the heart of Nice. Inspired by the avant-garde spirit of poet Guillaume Apollinaire, this boutique hotel offers a refined yet inviting atmosphere. Nestled in the city’s vibrant Carré d’Or district, it’s just minutes from the Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town, and luxury shopping streets. Stylishly designed rooms, a serene courtyard, lavish bar, outdoor patio and impeccable service create a sanctuary amidst the city's buzz

AC by Marriott – When you just have to have a rooftop pool with its own bar, you can't beat the AC by Marriot when in Nice. The hotel blends sleek modernity with Mediterranean charm, offering a sophisticated retreat just steps from the Promenade des Anglais. Designed for travelers who appreciate effortless style and comfort, the hotel boasts contemporary rooms with panoramic city or sea views as well as the aforementioned pool! Marriott is also an IGLTA member and is one of the most gay-friendly large hotel chains worldwide.

Budget

Ibis Budget Nice Californie Lenval – It's hard to beat the Ibis chain when it comes to unpretentious yet sleek budget hotels. The one in Nice is ideally located next to the tram, providing easy access to the airport, and is just a few feet from both the beach and the Promenade des Anglais. Prices include an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast, making it a steal for the price.

Blue Angels – A gay-owned bed and breakfast with three rooms for rent. The couple has been running the guest house in their own home for five years. Although small, it comes with its own pool and is very popular with gay clientele. We met one of the owners at an event in town, and he was super friendly.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Nice

Sightseeing enthusiasts should consider getting the French Riviera Pass for access to all the big tourist attractions in Nice over 1-3 days, along with transport around the city.

Promenade des Anglais –The “English Promenade” (named after the English visitors who funded and popularized its construction in the early 19th century) is one of Nice's greatest treasures. This bustling 7-kilometer-long promenade runs alongside a picturesque pebble-stone beach (Blue Beach), with a gorgeous shoreline that's well worth a morning or sunset stroll to fully appreciate. The view is so “Nice,” in fact—pun intended—that chairs have been permanently placed facing out to sea, allowing locals to watch the sunset over the azure waters like a movie in an outdoor cinema. If you’re not in the mood for walking, there’s also an electric train option. Book tickets →

Castle Hill (Colline du Château) – Nice’s most breathtaking vantage point, offering panoramic views of the Old Town and the sparkling Mediterranean. Yet, oddly, there’s no castle—at least not anymore—but it was once home to a medieval fortress. It doesn’t suffer from its loss, though, and besides the view, there are also hidden waterfalls, historic ruins, and shaded gardens nearby. You can get there by elevator, by climbing the charming winding stairs from the Old Town, or via a scenic (less vertical) hike along its side. Book tour →

Vieux Nice (Old Town Nice) – Nice’s Old Town invites you to slow down and wander through its sun-drenched maze of winding alleys, pastel facades, and hidden courtyards. Baroque churches rise amid more than 600 boutique shops, and here, you’ll discover many of the city’s best restaurants, cafés, museums, galleries, and artisanal gelato shops. Book tour →

Market in Cours Saleya – Located just beyond the arches off the promenade, next to the Old Town. Here, you'll find a vibrant array of stalls selling gorgeously colorful flowers, delicious local produce (like cheese and quiche), and street food favorites such as the famous Pan Bagnat sandwiches, Pissaladière (an open-faced onion tart), and Socca (a crispy chickpea flour pancake), with a few local craft stalls sprinkled in.The market is open every day from morning until early afternoon, and on Mondays, it transforms into a quirky antiques market. You can also explore it as part of a guided food tour. or a great photo of the market square and the surrounding grand old buildings—one of which was once home to the famous French artist Henri Matisse—head up the staircase on the side. Book tour →

Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice – One of the biggest and most stunning Russian Orthodox churches outside of Russia and a symbol of Nice’s historic ties to the country. Built in 1912 with the support of Tsar Nicholas II, this architectural masterpiece features onion domes, intricate mosaics, and vibrant frescoes. Inside, gilded icons, carved woodwork, and a serene atmosphere make it a place of both beauty and spirituality. Book tour →

Place Massena – Nice’s central square is an elegant space surrounded by striking red ochre buildings. It’s home to impressive modern art sculptures and the Fontaine du Soleil, featuring a, rather naked, Apollo. If you have the good fortune to visit during Carnival or Pride, this is where the action will be. Book tour →

The Palais Lascaris – Within Vieux Nice, explorers will find Palais Lascaris, a museum that epitomizes Baroque perfection. Once a noble residence, this 17th-century palace dazzles with lavish frescoed ceilings, grand staircases, and intricate gilded details. Its opulent interiors transport visitors to the aristocratic past of Nice, while its impressive collection of antique musical instruments—one of the finest in France—adds to the experience. The museum also hosts regular exhibitions featuring a wide variety of modern artists.

National Marc Chagall Museum – Nice has been home to many artists over the years, including none other than the father of Surrealism himself, Marc Chagall. As a result, the city houses a museum featuring the world’s largest public collection of his works. Designed with Chagall’s input, the museum showcases the breathtaking Biblical Message series—vivid, dreamlike paintings filled with color, symbolism, spirituality and subtle sexuality. Beyond his masterpieces, the museum’s serene gardens and intimate chapel enhance the otherworldly ambiance that his art evokes.

Musée de la photographie et de l’Image Charle Negre – Another standout gallery in the Old Town, just off the market, this museum celebrates the art of photography through rotating exhibitions featuring both historical and contemporary works. One of its highlights is an exhibition dedicated to Vivian Maier, the mysterious nanny-turned-street-photographer, whose candid, black-and-white shots of New York and Chicago capture the raw essence of mid-20th-century life.

Vigna Bookshop – This bookstore specializes in books covering LGBTQ+ culture. While there aren’t many English-language books, it offers a diverse selection showcasing queer art—some of it quite raunchy. It is the only bookstore of its kind outside of Paris and has an extremely welcoming owner. In addition to its literary offerings, the store hosts and organizes exhibitions and cultural events, including a film screening during the Nice So Fetiche festival every November.

Chocolate degustation Paci – A small, gay-owned chocolate shop in the center of Nice. You’ll find an interesting combination of art and chocolate creations, including unique sweets like chocolate-filled ravioli—say what?!

Avenue Jean Médecin – The main shopping district in central Nice, offering a mix of popular apparel stores and boutique shops selling a variety of unique products. For luxury brands, head to the “Golden Square” near Alphonse Karr Street and Avenue de Verdun.

Gay Tours in Nice

Nice Greeters – Not sure where to start? Nice Greeters can help you discover the history, lifestyle, sites, attractions, and culture of Nice. This is a free service based on voluntary participation, with themes including city walks, biking, daily life, places to eat, wine, shopping, and neighborhood discovery. Book tour →

A Taste of Nice Food Tours – Submit your taste buds to the most intense experience of a lifetime. What's on the menu? Pissaladière, les Petits Farcies, Socca, candied fruit, Swiss chard, and more. It’s rated #1 among all gastronomy activities in Nice. Book tour →

Nice Cycle Tours – A great 3-hour introduction to the city and an alternative to a walking tour. You'll experience the city from a different perspective compared to pedestrians or tour buses. The ride is mostly flat and smooth, with just one hill to climb up to Castle Hill, where you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Nice. For the more adventurous, check out this 5 hour bike tour along the coastal routes of the French Riviera. Into wine? Another option is to take a bike tour of the vineyards near Nice. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

Acchiardo Restaurant – Family-run restaurants are always the best, and this institution in the Old Town is proof of that. Owned by the same family for four generations, it’s the go-to spot for the best Niçoise cuisine in the city. Their ravioli—which, by the way, actually originates from the French Riviera, not Italy—is the best we’ve ever tasted. It's also popular with the local LGBTQ+ community, not just for the high-quality food, of course, but maybe also due to a particularly handsome waiter who’s friendly, speaks excellent English, and just so happens to be gay.

Nice Sunset -The best restaurant along the seafront also happens to be owned by the same entrepreneurial gay couple behind L’Oméga Club. In the summer, you can enjoy the terrace and—yes, you guessed it—watch the sunset. The restaurant also hosts regular queer cabaret shows, featuring quirky acts like celebrity impersonators.

Bocca Nissa -The award for best-looking restaurant in Nice goes to Bocca Nissa. Inside, it feels like you're dining in a forest—well, a very bohemian forest, with oak tables, lush greenery, and warm lighting. There's also a stylish rooftop terrace, perfect for enjoying the ambiance when the weather is on your side. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, featuring delicious small plates, grilled seafood, and flavorful pastas, ideal for sharing. And then, as strange as it sounds, we have to mention the bathroom—possibly the most creative we've ever seen! Each cubicle has its own unique theme, from disco to bananas—we kid you not.

Chez Les Garcons – This gay couple-owned café/restaurant is a wonderful spot to eat or have a coffee. The vibe is undeniably hipster, with board games available to play and geeky toys displayed on the walls. The menu is full of vegan goodies.

La Route Du Miam – High ratings on Tripadvisor are usually a good sign, and this restaurant doesn’t disappoint. The food is exceptional, portions are generous, the service is great, and the decor makes you feel like you're in someone's kitchen. The duck is especially lauded here. It was once a hidden gem, but word has spread, so book in advance.

Sentimi – Nice has a lot of Italian influences due to both its history and location. So, it’s no surprise that the city is home to many Italian restaurants—but Sentimi is the best. For starters, its interior is beautifully decorated, featuring a tree intricately growing at its center. The menu is packed with drool-inducing pizzas, pasta, and seafood, but be warned—the portions are positively huge, so come with an appetite!

La Plage du Negresco -This gorgeous seafront restaurant is surrounded by greenery swaying in the summer breeze. The menu offers a blend of seafood and land dishes, all sourced locally. Their Rolls by Homer Lobster have been voted the best lobster roll in the world! Only open in season.

La Langouste – Despite being located in the city center, La Langouste avoids being an overpriced tourist trap. A lovely shaded garden makes it an ideal date spot. Menu highlights include truffle pasta and fresh octopus. At lunch, they offer a great value three-course menu.

Le Latitude – This romantic restaurant is located on the rooftop of the hotel of the same name, overlooking the beach. The menu is seafood-focused and pairs well with a glass of Champagne or their house cocktail. For those looking to up the romance factor, time your visit around sunset!

Gusto Slice – Here, you’ll find the best pizza in Nice—and maybe anywhere outside of Italy. The pizzas are also huge, so come hungry or share one with a friend.

Le Clin d'Oeil – This cozy establishment near the old town is both a bistronomic restaurant and a wine bar. The exquisite Mediterranean cuisine is inspired by classic French gastronomy techniques. In short, it's both authentic and classy.

Pain&Cie – Located next to the Cours Saleya market. For 20€, you can enjoy a hearty brunch that will help you tackle that hangover head-on.

Nice Gay Bars and Clubs

In recent years, a gay neighborhood has emerged just northeast of the old town. You’ll find the highest concentration of gay bars, cafés, shops, and gay-owned businesses on Rue Bonaparte. There’s also a square in the neighborhood called Place du Pin, one of the most popular hangout spots for the gay community in Nice.

Le Six – One of the best gay bars in Nice, Le Six features DJs spinning a mix of pop and house music for a lively, packed dance floor. What really gives it that playful Nice spirit, though, are its quirky touches—like a climbable ladder leading to the second floor and antique phones that were allegedly once used to call guys who caught your eye across the bar. As the bouncer told us during our visit: “The only thing obligatory in Le Six is fun.”

Blitz Bar –Blitz Bar is one of the most popular bars in Nice. It's a more intimate space, playing techno music with raunchy queer art splashed across its walls. There's often live music, drag shows, go-go boys, and great cocktails too. The bar staff are also hot, which helps!

Coco Vin – This quaint gay bar is located in the Old Town. The outdoor tables are perfect for an intimate mojito or glass of wine while soaking up the vibe of Nice’s Old Town.

Le Couloir – A small but stylish—and somewhat iconic—27-year-old bar in the old town of Nice. Every evening from 6 p.m., they host an “Afterwork” event where regulars and tourists can meet and socialize.

La Cave Wilson – Make a spectacle of yourself at this gay wine and cabaret bar. Ostensibly, it’s a high-brow establishment with chandeliers, portraits of gay icons on the walls, and well-dressed clientele. However, expect lively—and often raunchy—entertainment in the form of burlesque, drag, live music, and, of course, cabaret.

Ramdam Bar -A beauitful concept bar that doubles as a gallery for local artists, featuring an exhibition room. Located near Place du Pin, the atmosphere is laid-back, and they have a cute terrace. On weekends, they host DJs and Drag Race showings.

L’Omega Club – A fun club that does everything a club should: play good electro music, serve cheap drinks, and fill up with attractive local men. Different nights host international DJs and drag shows. It's also owned by the same lovely gay couple who own Nice Sunset.

Le Glam – Probably the most popular gay club in town, this place is hopping on the weekends with a lively crowd. They tend to play Top 40 and pop music. It’s a medium-sized venue with a large bar and decent-sized dance floor. Recently, it has become an institution for many in Nice. You’ll find all sorts of guys, and they host different themed events throughout the month.

La Klubber – Sometimes, you just aren’t ready for the night to be over. In Nice, it doesn’t have to be! La Klubber is the city’s gay after-hours spot, opening at 4 a.m. and running until 11 a.m. Expect international DJs spinning techno and topless men who believe sleep is the enemy.

Le High Club – Located on the Promenade des Anglais, this is a straight club that occasionally hosts the biggest gay parties in Nice. These parties typically happen every weekend during summer and every second weekend in winter, usually on Sunday nights.

Nice Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Le Code – This cruising bar is well-equipped for those with a taste for the kinkier side of sex. Facilities include dark rooms, private cabins, slings, cages, a maze, a Saint Andrew's Cross, and a video room. It helps that the staff are friendly—so are the customers. As you'd expect, it's far busier on weekends and during the summer. Check their page to see if its a themed night.

Morgan Club – An intimate—in more ways than one—cruising bar that has all the basics, including a dark room, cabins, a sling, and a proper gay cinema to set the mood. They run a lot of interesting themed nights including a hooded but naked night!

Les Bains Douche – This award-winning sauna (Têtu Magazine) is the most popular in the French Riviera. While the décor is rather plain, the staff are friendly, it’s very clean, and there's a good mix of different types of men, both locals and tourists.

Gay Beaches in Nice

Hi Beach – This is a private beach located in Nice. While not specifically gay, it’s popular among LGBTQ+ visitors and locals, so you’re likely to find a mixed crowd. The benefit of a private beach is the comfort and services. In addition to a bar and restaurant, you can reserve one of the comfortable loungers—much better than lying on the rocky beach.

Coco Beach – This beautiful but rocky public beach is a popular gay hangout. It’s located east of Nice’s port and requires either a bit of a walk or a short ride on bus No. 30. Like all Nice beaches, you’ll need to bring something soft to lie on, as the area is mostly large rocks without the pebbles common to other beaches. There are no services here, so bring your own food and drinks.

St. Laurent d’Eze – One of the most popular gay beaches on the Côte d’Azur. Take bus No. 100 from Nice toward Monaco and get off at the St. Laurent-Eze stop. This is a 100% gay and mostly nude beach. Be sure to bring your own drinks and snacks, as there are no services in the area.

Gay Events in Nice

Pink Parade – This is the annual gay pride parade in Nice, taking over the Promenade des Anglais along the seafront. This celebration takes place in mid-July, after most other pride events in France have wrapped up. At the end of the parade the offical afterparty is “Pink Drink” at Theatre De Verdure, Promenade Des Anglais. After that head to the clubs and bars, all of which host parties well into the next day. Dates: Saturday 12th July, 2025.

Lou Queernaval – The first Queernaval took place in February 2015. Nice’s Carnival is the third largest in the world and spans 17 days, with Lou Queernaval happening during the final weekend. Queernaval is the first gay Carnival event in France and an explosion of creativity and no-nonsense fun. It has the vibrant energy of a Carnival parade, but with just the right sprinkling of glitter, drag queens, and costumed men showing off their six-packs. Find out more→  Dates: 2026 to be announced.

In & Out – The Nice film festival for the gay and lesbian community. Started in 2009, this festival offers 10 days of film screenings between Nice and Cannes. The programming covers themes of sexuality, homosexuality, and gender. Dates: 18 – 28 April 2025.

Nice So Fetiche – This annual fetish event in November has been held in Nice since 2016. Leather, which in French happens to sound a bit like the word “queer” in English (“le cuir”), plays a big role. Roberto Campillo and his husband organize the event, creating a space for various fetishes like rubber, leather, sneakers, puppy play, and more. This isn’t exactly a sex party, but rather a weekend of social events where people can express themselves freely while mingling with others who share similar interests. Dates: 13 –16 November, 2025.

OVNi Festival— This innovative contemporary art and video festival transforms Nice into an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Held annually, it brings together video artists, filmmakers, and digital creators from around the world, showcasing their work in unexpected locations—hotels, galleries, museums, and even private apartments. It might not be officially LGBTQ+, but you can bet a lot the artists and attendees will be queer. Dates: 2025 to be announced.

Day Trips from Nice

Monaco – The Principality of Monaco, a country in its own right, is located 20 kilometers from Nice, near the Italian border. With only 36,000 residents and an area of just 2 square kilometers, it’s the second smallest and most densely populated country in the world. You can visit landmarks like the Prince’s Palace and watch the changing of the guard, or explore the famous Oceanographic Museum and the old town. Don’t miss Monte Carlo, made famous by many movies—remember James Bond? Traveling from Nice to Monaco takes 35 minutes by bus or 25 minutes by train. Additional options: Enjoy a half day guided tour or a full day guided tour of Monaco. Book tour →

Cannes -Yes, the home of the famous Cannes Film Festival! Known for its luxury hotels and restaurants, Cannes is also the closest spot to Nice that offers sandy beaches. While the casinos and high-end restaurants give Cannes an exclusive feel, there are options for all budgets. Visit Le Suquet, with its cobbled streets and breathtaking views, or enjoy a meal at a street-side café while taking in the marina. Traveling by the Cannes Express (bus #210) offers a budget-friendly, nonstop trip. Book tour →

Eze-le-Village – A medieval village perched high above the Mediterranean, Eze is full of narrow streets lined with art studios. Enjoy spectacular views of the French Riviera or take a guided perfumery tour. Traveling by train from Nice takes just 15 minutes. Additional option: take a half day guided tour to Monaco and Eze. Book tour →

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