The Olympics are in full swing, and the summer games have already been full of excitement, upsets, and a fair few hunky Olympians for us plebs to gawk at.
The world has been watching as Paris has been put on full display; from swimmers charging through the somewhat questionable water of the Seine to equestrians galloping through immaculate green fields, the games have used the natural landscape of the city and surrounding lands for many courses.
The City of Love has much to offer even when the Olympics haven’t flooded the streets with visitors and athletes. If you have time between feats of physical prowess, check out as many sights and shops as possible.
If you are lucky enough to be in Paris for these magnificent displays of physical prowess, here are a few stunning spots that you should not miss while you’re taking in all the action.
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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French feminist funzone
If you’re on the hunt for a rowdy night out, there are plenty of clubs to choose from, but the queer feminist bar La Mutinerie has been serving the LGBTQ+ community and its allies since 2012.
This festive space is a self-managed collective offering a lively dance floor, performance hall, and gathering center for anyone in the LGBTQ+ family who needs a place to celebrate themselves.
Famous restaurants with legendary status
You would be remiss in Paris if you didn’t get dolled up and hit the town looking for romance, and what is more romantic than an intimate date at a refined Parisian restaurant? Spend an evening enjoying towers of fresh seafood and classic French dishes beneath the stunning crystalline stained-glass ceiling of Bofinger.
This fine dining establishment has been a staple of the city since 1864. Sit streetside and watch the residents of the historic Bastille neighborhood meander through the bustling streets.
Legendary pâtisserie and their signature pastries
France is the birthplace of some of the most famous and beloved dishes worldwide. From the simple crunch of a fresh baguette to the refinement found in a coque au van, France knows food. You can’t leave Paris without enjoying everything it offers, which means a trip to Legay Choc. This traditional French bakery offers flakey croissants, masterful pastries, and, of course, its famous penis-shaped baked goods!
Legay Choc
The only queer bakery in town 33 Rue Rambuteau · Paris, France 75004(331) 488-7568
Website
Designer Boutiques and Haute Couture
Even if you’ve already bought all the souvenirs you could ever need to commemorate your trip, you still need to stop by and marvel at the opulence and majesty of Galeries Lafayette Haussman. As one of the grandest shopping centers in the world, it’s no wonder that this institution makes the list. Get ready for your jaw to drop as you take in the stunning stained-glass ceiling and collection of designer shops.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
The mother of all department stores 40 Bd Haussmann · Paris, France 75009(331) 428-2345
Website
French film
To round out your trip, what could be better than a visit to a historic movie house that plays LGBTQ+-focused films? In the heart of the Marais district, Cinema Luminor has been showing films since 1914. The calendar is packed with press screenings and film festivals, ensuring that no matter when you go, you’ll get the chance to see a moving piece of cinema and escape the summer heat for a few hours.
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