Paris The Marais

There are as many bars and clubs in the Marais as people. Indisputably the center of fun, Paris's GLBT nightlife scene and fashionable men's and women's bars and clubs crowd rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie. Hot spots with outdoor seating are piled on top of one another on rue Vieille du Temple, from rue des Francs-Bourgeois to rue de Rivoli. The places on rue des Lombards have a more rough and convivial—though often touristy—atmosphere. The scene in the 3ème is a little more laid back—for the most part, women (and men, too) can leave their stiletto heels at home. There are a number of GLBT bars in the area on and around rue aux Ours, rue Saint-Martin, and rue Michel Le Comte, but mostly casual bars do live music, especially around the Pompidou.

Andy Wahloo, 69 rue des Gravilliers (☎01 42 74 57 81; www.andywahloo-bar.com), Everything here is a twist on something else. Andy Wahloo, which means, “I have nothing” in a certain Moroccan dialect, serves delicious and ambitious cocktails (€10-14) to a fashionable Parisian clientele in an open courtyard and dark bar. The stop sign tables and paint-can chairs are pushed aside for dancing later in the night. The incredibly attractive clientele will probably catch you staring. Arts et Métiers. A good place to wait for a table at 404. Cocktails €10-14. Open Tu-Sa 5pm-2am. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Raidd Bar, 23 rue du Temple (☎01 42 77 04 88), If you want a penis or just want to see one, come here. Sparkling disco globes light up the intimate space, as do the muscular, topless torsos of the sexy bartenders. After 11pm, performers strip down in glass shower cubicles built into the wall (yes, they take it all off every hour on the hour starting at 11:30pm). Notoriously strict door policy—women are not allowed unless they are outnumbered by a greater ratio of (gorgeous) men. Hôtel de Ville. Beer €4. Mixed drinks €10. Open Su-Th 5pm-4am, F-Sa 5pm-5am. Happy hour 5-9pm for all drinks, 5-11pm for beer. Serves alcohol. GLBT
Stolly's, 16 rue Cloche-Perce (☎01 42 76 06 76; www.cheapblonde.com), This small Anglophone hangout takes the sketchy out of the dive-bar and leaves behind the cool. The €13.50 pitchers of cheap blonde beer ensure that the bar lives up to its motto: “hangovers installed and serviced here.” Come inside, have a pint, and shout at the TV with the decidedly non-trendy, tattoo-covered crowd. Occasional live music. St.Paul. On a dead-end street off rue du Roi de Sicile. Cocktails €6.50-8. Open M-F 4:30pm-2am, Sa-Su 3pm-2am. Terrace closes at midnight. Happy hour 5-8pm; mixed drinks and pints €5, pitchers €12. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Le Yono, 37 rue Vieille du Temple (☎01 42 74 31 65), A rare find in Paris, Le Yono is a bar that's happy being just that, and with good reason. Devoid of an elaborately-themed decor or psychadelic lighting, Le Yono has it all with a mellow, table-filled area upstairs, and a DJ and dancing in the cave-like space below. A courtyard setting, stone interior, and hidden balcony up its cool factor. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
La Belle Hortense, 31 rue Vieille du Temple (☎01 48 04 71 60), A literary bar/gallery/cafe, the intimate Hortense draws an older crowd of down-to-earth intellectuals. The walls are lined with books (literature, art, philosophy, and children's), and the mellow music will go with your Merlot. Frequent exhibits, readings, lectures, signatures, and discussions in the small back room filled with leather couches. Takes credit cards. Has internet. Serves alcohol.
Open Café, 17 rue des Archives (☎01 42 72 26 18), Popular almost to the point of absurdity, this GLBT-friendly bar draws a large crowd of loyal, mostly male customers to its corner. Though women are officially welcome, they might feel slightly uncomfortable in the ever-expanding sea of Y-chromosomes. Outdoor terrace seating, and sleek metal decor have (appopriately enough) rainbow accents. Hôtel de Ville. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating. GLBT
Le Pick-Clops, 16 rue Vieille du Temple (☎01 40 29 02 18), The diner-esque Pick-Clops draws kind of edgy 20-somethings day and night with its choice corner locale (perfect for people-watching and judging), rock and alternative music, and good food and drink. The waiters would probably go around on in-line skates if they knew how, but they settle at serving freshly made popcorn. Takes credit cards.
Okawa, 40 rue Vieille du Temple (☎01 48 04 30 69; www.okawa.fr), Despite the fact that it glows red, Okawa never says stop; it says, “I'll be what you want me to be.” Plop down on one of the leather tufted stools and ogle passersby or head down to a cabaret-concert in the basement (W 8:30pm; €40 for dinner and show), which features chunky stone walls from the reign of Philippe-Auguste. Gay travelers welcome. Takes credit cards. GLBT
L'Apparemment Café, 18 rue des Coutures St-Gervais (☎01 48 87 12 22), Dark and elegant, this beautiful red and wood-paneled lounge unexpectedly comes with board games and a chill, young crowd. Cocktails are a bit pricey(€9.50) but are interesting and cleverly named; topple over after Jenga, or ironically blackout after the Aide Memoire. Local artists' paintings are displayed on the walls. Takes credit cards.
Le Dépôt, 10 rue aux Ours (☎01 44 54 96 96; www.ledepot.com), A gay club that revolves around sex.. literally. Winding passages with heavy walls lead to dance floors that shoot off into private rooms. Meanwhile, porn stars get off on mounted TVs. A steady stream of men and boys filter in at all hours, hoping for success in the designated “cruising” area. Women, as a rule, are not allowed. Takes credit cards. Serves alcohol. GLBT