Your guide to the best Lyon gay bars, LGBT venues and events

Okay, we’ll spare you the wordplay. It’s easy to travel through time in Lyon, and it’s just as easy to take public transportation around this French metropolis. Where else but Lyon can you meet your crew at a public square developed in the seventeenth century before heading out to one of the arrondissement’s très chic and very friendly queer bars or gay saunas? Lyon has a fabulous history dating back to the Romans, strategically positioned at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. At the heart of this dynamic city lies the Presqu'île, an island-like peninsula where Lyon's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene flourishes.

Get the Lyon City Card.

It will save you a lot of money and time! It covers your transfer to and from RhôneExpress train, but also gives you unlimited rides on Lyon’s public transport. Plus, it will get you free entrance to 23 museums and dozens of activities around Lyon. Book online and then pick it up at the Lyon Airport welcome desk.

Venture to the northern side of the Presqu'île, where commercial energy buzzes between Place des Terreaux and Cordeliers. This is the epicenter of Lyon’s gay nightlife, boasting an array of chic queer bars and electrifying gay clubs that promise unforgettable nights. Find the hottest Lyon gay bars and LGBTQ+ nightlife in the 1st arrondissement, south of the La Croix-Rousse hill and around Place des Terreaux and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon (Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon). In contrast, the southern section of the Presqu'île exudes a more laid-back, residential vibe, offering a serene retreat after a night of revelry. Around Lyon, expect a youthful crowd… even if the area’s architecture dates from the European Renaissance.

Our favorite Lyon queer bars

L'Étoile Opéra

Kick off your evening here where the outdoor terrace is the perfect spot to savor a large plate of cheese and fruits or sink your teeth into one of their famous juicy burgers. With a Kir Royale in hand, you're set for a fabulous night. This mixed restaurant/bar is a hotspot in Lyon, known for its themed nights like karaoke and bingo. When Lyon Pride rolls around, their Le Soirée Spéciale Gay Pride is the place to be. Whether you're hitting up the Love's Freedom male-only party or the Girlie Concept female-only bash, the crowd here is as diverse as the menu.

La Chapelle Café 

For a touch of romance, it offers stunning views of Fourvière Hill, especially enchanting at sunset. Inside, it's all about trendiness and friendliness, a no-attitude zone where everyone is welcome. The large terrace outside becomes the heart of the action as the evening progresses. Expect a youthful crowd in their 20s and 30s, all blending into a lively mix of the LGBTQ+ community.

XS 

On the smaller side, but it's big on charm. This cozy gay bar is the go-to for Lyon's fabulous bear men and their admirers. The terrace is a prime spot for cocktail sipping and people watching. Known for the popular Apero Bear night on Thursdays, XS is where you can find a super friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It's the place to be for a laid-back yet lively evening.

It Bar

When the clock strikes 1 am on the weekends, head here in the historic Croix Rousse district. This late-opening Lyon gay bar is a haven for 80s music lovers, with Madonna, Whitney, Prince, and Michael Jackson tunes keeping the dance floor alive. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays, It Bar draws a mix of gays, queers, and lesbian gals who share a love for iconic hits and a good time. Get ready to dance the night away!

Le Trou 

Looking for something a little more risqué? Stop by Le Trou (if you know French, you get the idea!), which features adult themed parties, parties in your birthday suit, and even a black out night. Check their agenda for nights that tickle your fancy.

Garçon Sauvage 

A monthly queer event

A riot of colors and characters, ranging from bearded drag queens, glitter-clad bears, and boy dolls in high heels. Spanning two rooms, one pulsating with electro-house and the other with pop and disco beats, it's a sensory overload in the best way possible. Check out their Facebook events for the next wild night – it's not to be missed!

Marche des Fiertés (Lyon Pride) 

June

Usually, in June, it takes over the city, and LGBTQ+ Pride spreads throughout the streets of Lyon. It's the biggest gay event of the year in the city and has been going strong since 1996. Lyon Pride features LGBTQ+ art exhibitions, queer film screenings, discussion panels, social meetings, and some of the best Lyon gay events of the year. The highlight of Pride is the massive rainbow parade that makes its way through the streets of Vieux Lyon, Presqu'île, and passes through many of Lyon's most iconic and charming streets. Join in with tens of thousands of Pride attendees and celebrate with the LGBTQ+ locals of Lyon!

In fact, large areas of Lyon are UNESCO World Heritage sites for their magnificent architecture and structures. That includes the 1st arrondissement and La Croix-Rousse, as well as Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) and Fourvière west of the 1st arrondissement, across the Saône River. Vieux Lyon’s Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Saint John’s Cathedral) hosts a golden astronomical clock which sounds as pretty as it looks! Fourvière was a Roman settlement as early as 43 BCE.

In the 21st century, the two Roman theaters belonging to the Lugdunum Musée et théâtres romains (Lugdunum Museum and Roman theaters) host open-air concerts and festivals! The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière (Basilica of Fourviere) is relatively baby-faced, dating from the late 19th century, but it’s just as magnificent, and it offers stunning panoramas of Lyon.

Once you've worked up an appetite, pop into a bouchon, a traditional restaurant in Lyon serving hearty fare renowned even by French standards. Which are pretty exacting, we know. Or stop into the Michelin-starred restaurants offering avant-garde cuisine! This city is a food lover's paradise. And be sure to try the "quenelle de brochet," a local delicacy, and indulge in the sumptuous "tarte aux pralines" for a sweet finale!

Lyon's cultural scene is vibrant, with numerous festivals throughout the year. The Fête des Lumières, a stunning light festival in December, transforms the city into a dazzling canvas of light installations, attracting visitors from around the globe. This also celebrates the magic of cinema, paying homage to the Lumière brothers, pioneers of the motion picture, who called Lyon their home. Lyon holds the LGBTQ+ film festival Écrans Mixtes every March, with one-off soirées the rest of the year. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll love Les Rebelyons, the city’s very own gay men’s rugby club! The wordplay is great in Lyon; the city’s welcoming attitude and varied attractions are even better!

Nature lovers will find solace in the Parc de la Tête d'Or, a sprawling urban oasis that's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic by the lake. For a more adventurous outing, the nearby vineyards of Beaujolais offer scenic beauty and exquisite wines, making for a delightful day trip.

As an LGBTQ+ traveler in Lyon, you'll discover a city that embraces you with open arms, inviting you to explore its treasures and become a part of its ongoing story. So, pack your luggage, bring your sense of adventure, and let Lyon enchant you with its indescribable charm.