Marseille, France’s second-largest city, may not flaunt rainbow flags at every corner, but donโt let that fool youโthis vibrant port city has plenty to offer LGBTQ+ travelers. While it doesnโt boast a dedicated gay district like Nice, Marseille is quietly inclusive. In fact, the city just opened its first LGBTQ center in December 2023, a step forward in making queer spaces more visible. Sure, the cityโs got a bit of a tough-guy image, but dig deeper and you’ll find a thriving gay Marseille scene that includes nightlife, festivals, and even a gay nude beach.
Is Marseille safe for LGBTQ travelers?
When I first told people I was going to Marseille, I got a handful of “but is it safe there?” comments.
Marseille has a bit of a rough reputation. When I was first learning French in high school, it was seen as dangerous and a bit wild. Certainly not a place you’d want to go unless you had to!
Marseille has a large immigrant population, and I think a lot of these safety warnings travelers come from harmful stereotypes related to race and ethnicity. Some people think that a city with an influx of immigrants must be dangerous and warn you to stay away.
Even if a destination is safe in general, there is still a worry when it comes to LGBTQ tourists. As many countries and states pass queerphobic and transphobic laws, it falls to us to do our homework to make sure that we’re aware of any risks in a destination.
Fortunately, France has broad LGBTQ rights. This means gay and lesbian travelers enjoy a safe, welcome environment in France โ and overseas departments like the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique!
While I wasn’t too worried about my safety as a gay traveler visiting Marseille, an incredible walking tour I took my first day there set the tone for an amazing stay.
Exploring Marseille’s neighborhood with a local who was passionate about sharing the city’s history, present, and future from a perspective that centered inclusion and diversity assured me that I would be not just safe in Marseille, but truly welcome.
What helped me feel so at east when exploring Marseille as an out gay person? It wasn’t one single thing but a mix of impressions. The pro-LGBTQ posters for the New Popular Front, the French leftist political party that had pulled off a surprise election win. The rainbow stickers in shops. The androgynous, queer folks at cafe tables in the artsy Cours Julien. The vibrant mix of cultures that give Marseille its unique identity. And, yes, that walking tour.
Curious about the Marseille walking tour I took? Reserve your spot here.
Gay Neighborhoods in Marseille
While Marseille is one of the most inclusive cities in the south of France, it didn’t get its own LGBTQ center until 2023. Marseille’s LGBTQ+ Center is located between the Panier and Old Port (Vieux Port) neighborhoods.
Marseille’s LGBTQ+ Center center offers a variety of services, including a shower and luggage storage for unhoused members of the community. Itโs a great place to meet fellow LGBTQ+ individuals, learn about local events, and access valuable resources while in Marseille.
Marseille LGBTQ Events
Both Marseille and the queer-friendly French Riviera town of Nice are home to multiple LGBTQ events throughout the year.
Timing your visit with one of these events is a great way to experience the city’s friendly culture while also celebrating queer identities!
Pride Marseille
Pride Marseille takes place every year on the first Saturday of July.
What began as a small protest in the 1990s, sparked by the ongoing AIDS crisis, has grown into a collective movement that draws over 30,000 participants. Pride travel is an amazing way to connect with LGBTQ culture, celebrate how far we have come, and find inspiration for continued advocacy for LGBTQ rights. And Marseille knows how to throw an amazing party!
ZeFestival
ZeFestival is the South of Franceโs LGBTQIA+ film festival, showcasing new queer cinema with social justice and diversity themes. From the rise of nationalist movements to the queer resistance in countries like Russia, Uganda, and India, ZeFestival highlight the global LGBTQIA+ struggle while celebrating queer culture in all its diversity. Film screenings run from October through December in Marseille, Nice, and other cities in the south of France.
LGBTQ Friendly Hotels in Marseille
Something I learned on my Marseille walking tour is that the city is increasingly popular. In fact, Marseille doesn’t have enough hotel rooms to meet demand!
Most Marseille hotels are near the Old Port. The Cours Julien, which has an artsy queer scene, is walkable to the Old Port. Cours Julien has a few vacation rentals if that’s a better fit for you.
Whether you’re looking for a vacation rental or a hotel room, book early to get the best selection (and prices!). I always use Booking.com or Agoda to book hotels (this post explains why I trust these sites), but there are tons of vacation rentals near the Old Port, too.
These Marseille hotels have a reputation for being LGBTQ-friendly.
- Grand Hotel Beauvau – Ocean views and proximity to gay Marseille nightlife make this a top pick for LGBTQ travelers. The Grand Hotel Beauvau is part of the Accor Group; view their commitment to LGBTQ rights.
- Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port – This luxury hotel in the Old Port is also an Accor property, meaning it’s committed to making gay and lesbian travelers feel welcome.
- Mama Shelter Marseille – More of a boutique hotel person? This hip hotel puts you right in a queer-friendly arts district filled with colorful street art, African and Middle Eastern restaurants (I made fun of the name, but Planet Couscous was my best meal in Marseille and it cost under $10), and a craft beer scene. Plus the hotel has its own rooftop bar where you can mingle with other queer travelers.
- New Hotel Le Pharo – Walkable to the Old Port and Catalan beach, this gay-friendly hotel boasts a private swimming pool!
LGBTQ Marseille – Top Things to Do
Marseille has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax by the sea or explore the city’s diverse arts scene. Here are the top picks to explore LGBTQ culture in Marseille:
- Cours Julien: This hip, artsy neighborhood is a hub for Marseilleโs LGBTQ+ scene. Head there in the late afternoon to browse independent shops, view street art, and sip an ape at an outdoor terrace.
- Musรฉe des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Mรฉditerranรฉe (MuCEM) – Learn about Marseille’s history and culture at the MuCEM, which has an unbeatable waterfront location. For the next couple months, you can still catch their Naturist Paradise Exhibit, which explores the history of nudism with more than a couple winks to the LGBTQ community.
- Mont Rose Beach: After you checked out the MuCEM, you can have your very own naturist experience at Marseille’s nude gay beach, Mont Rose. While anyone can visit Mont Rose, which is part of the Calanques, the “nude gay beach” part of it is male only.
Gay Bars and Clubs in Marseille
Sometimes, we just want to be around other queer people. At least I know I do! These are some of the top picks for queer nightlife in Marseille right now.
- Aux 3G: A laid-back, mostly lesbian bar featuring poetry, music, and table football.
- Cancan Marseille: A predominantly gay club near the Docks, offering a vibrant dance floor.
- Le Pulse: A new gay bar specializing in house and techno music. Itโs open Tuesday through Saturday and is quickly becoming a hotspot in the LGBTQ+ scene.
- Cargo: Cargo claims to be the largest sauna in Southern France and it is popular with gay travelers.
I hope this LGBTQ guide to Marseille gives you lots of ideas for your vacation. If you’d like to go a bit deeper, you can steal my Marseille itinerary for a week’s worth of ideas on how to make the most of this amazing city. The itinerary isn’t quite ready yet (I’m formatting everything), so hop on the mailing list to be the first to know โ and get an early-bird discount when it’s released!
