Popular Gay Cruising Areas in Paris

Paris has been associated with le libertinage since the days of Louis XIV. You may have watched Versailles, a show dedicated to the heady excesses of Paris’ elite in the days of yore.

If you’re looking for mischief in Paris of the present, you’ll find it. There are several gay cruising areas in the city, most notably the Bois de Boulogne. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the leading outdoor cruising areas in the City of Light.

Bois de Boulogne

One of the largest parks in Paris, the Bois de Boulogne is the most famous gay cruising area in the city, especially after dark. Located on the western edge of Paris, this massive park offers plenty of secluded areas, including wooded paths, lakeside spots, and more discreet sections where cruising often takes place. The park is vast, and cruising generally happens more toward the southern parts, with less foot traffic from general park visitors. At night, you’ll find men cruising here for casual encounters, especially around the more densely wooded sections.

This park has long been established as a place where sexual encounters are mediated. Read Rupert Everett’s first memoir for an account of what it was like to cruise Bois de Boulogne in the 80s. 

Cruising this park when it gets dark is not for the faint of heart. You must keep your wits about you. In Bois de Boulogne, money has been known to change hands when facilitating activities.

Where to cruise

One of the main male money exchange zones in Paris is located near Place de la Porte Dauphine. You can easily spot a money seeker because they’ll open up negotiations before any activities take place. You can politely turn them down and continue on your travels.

The area is busiest on Thursday afternoons, weekends, and Mondays, attracting a variety of people, including joggers, bikers, dog owners, and families, so discretion is advised. Accessible via the Porte Maillot or Porte Dauphine metro stations, cruising takes place at all times, with peak activity in the late afternoons and evenings. While nudity is common, especially with sunbathers in summer, be mindful of regular police patrols and the potential risks. Always stay discreet, particularly on weekends when families are around, and avoid carrying valuables.

Bois de Vincennes

On the opposite side of the city, to the east, is the Bois de Vincennes, another large park that serves as a prominent cruising destination in Paris. Like the Bois de Boulogne, the Bois de Vincennes is a vast green space where cruising is common, particularly after sunset. The cruising activity here is concentrated near the more remote areas of the park, away from the main public spaces.

Where to cruise

In Bois de Vincennes, gay cruising typically takes place after dark in secluded areas like Allée Royale, the wooded paths around Lac Daumesnil, and behind the Château de Vincennes.

Near the bird observation area, a large roundabout (rond point) serves as a popular cruising spot, with activity happening in the bushes both on and off the paths nearby. The closest metro station is Château de Vincennes.

Jardin des Tuileries

A historic garden located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries may not immediately seem like a cruising spot due to its central location and heavy tourist traffic during the day. However, after dark, the quieter corners of this park become a well-known cruising area, particularly around the more secluded pathways and near the park’s statues and fountains. It’s not as large or as hidden as some other cruising spots, but it’s centrally located and easy to access for a quick evening rendezvous.

Where to cruise

Walk towards the glass pyramid at the Louvre and you'll notice a hedge maze nearby. Enter the maze discreetly; it's a cruising spot in the area. The maze offers secluded corners and a stunning view of the pyramid and courtyard. You may feel the Mona Lisa’s eyes following you as get acquainted with a handsome stranger.