Photo Credit: Colin Schoenberger

TripOut Gay Travel:
Languedoc & Montepellier

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Gay Friendly Rating: Gay Friendly Rating Very welcoming; this place is gay-tastic!
Southwestern France is so much about wine, seafood and Provencal beauty, you'll forget which way is home.

Languedoc & Montepellier Fast Facts:

  • Gayborhood Gay life in the region is centered in bustling, collegiate Montpellier, but gay-owned inns abound throughout the countryside. And don't forget the nearby gay nudist beach, L’Espiguette
  • Perhaps due to its proximity to Spain, bullfighting is a major part of the Camargue coastal region's culture. Nowadays, the spectacle has been modified into something far less barbaric: a group of around 10 (consistently really cute) men just sort of irritate the (seemingly) unharmed bull, taking turns grabbing at the string tied to the bull's horns.
  • This doesn't seem very European of them, but most bars in the smaller towns of Languedoc close by 1 a.m. Not a problem for the less party-hardy among you, but plan on going out a little earlier than a New Yorker might.
  • This is true of Parisians as well, but the Languedoc residents could not care less about breakfast. Even at the nicest hotels, a.m. offerings are limited to coffee and some bread. Fight the urge to eat an entire baguette, knowing a hefty lunch is in the near future.
  • Even chic, price-y gay establishments of the region all have a "back room" for those who want to cut to the chase ... Or maybe it's all part of the fun. The rooms are pitch-black, though (how do you know what you're getting into?).
  • As you may know by now, the gay community is quite established itself in Languedoc, so much so that Web sites such as Gay Provence (http://www.gay-provence.org/en), and trashy gay rags such as LOM (http://www.mps-mag.com); it's similar in tone and vibe to New York's HX) are at your disposal.
  • The rural areas are not like Paris in that not everyone speaks basic English. You might want to brush up a little on your French skills before you head south.
  • When you think French countryside vistas, you probably expect a lot - and you're right! Sit back and take in all of Languedoc's historic architecture and rolling green hills.

Languedoc & Montepellier: Provencal Bliss

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To testify French culture centers around wine is akin to bemoaning you can’t see the Louvre in one trip. Like, duh! But looking back on my stay I can’t avoid the truism: Could I really separate the endless bottles of vin de pays from my tour of... Read More Languedoc & Montepellier:...

Languedoc & Montepellier Top 5

Don't leave town before checking out...
TripOut Top Five
  1. La Maison
  2. Uzes Farmer's Market
  3. L'Espiguette Beach
  4. La Villa Rouge
  5. Le Flan Coco

Recommended In Languedoc & Montepellier:

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Hotels & Inns

Restaurants

Bars & Clubs

  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    Cafe de la Mer 5, Place Marche aux Fleurs
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    La Cathedral 10 rue Conde
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    La Villa Rouge 30 Rt de Palavas
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    Le Men's 26 rue de Candolle
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    LuLu 10 Impasse de la Curaterie

Sights & Activities

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