Paris

Paris is one of the world's wonders.  Home of some of the most well known monuments (Arc du Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, etc) and many amazing restaurants, bars and clubs, Paris needs to be sampled to be believed.

Paris has an impressive number of gay venues, with a large number of them being in the historic heart of the town: Le Marais (the swamp) in the 4th arrondisement.  There you will see gays hand-in-hand strolling the streets and no-one will give a second glance.  This is the old Jewish quarter and is still home to a thriving Jewish community that is fascinating and often amusing.  Nearly all Le Marais' restaurants, hotels, shops and cafes count gay men and lesbians amoung their clientele and many are predominantly gay.  While gay life is particularly visible and concentrated in Le Marais, you'll find it all over the city, which is as welcoming and friendly as any other world capital.

Also remember that from 1 Jan 2008 you cannot smoke in bars and restaurants in Paris (in fact in the whole of France).  If you do, you will be fined Euro 450.  So, just don't!