Our favourite LGBTQ+ addresses for going out

3.30 pm, need a boost? Have a quick coffee on the terrace!

Le Broc’ Bar 

This is the terrace that everyone loves; a little spot all in red and yellow that’s perfect every day of the week! In the shade of a magnificent mulberry tree, protected from the heat in the summer, or warmed up by a snug blanket in the winter, there’s always something happening at the Broc’Bar! This super inclusive neighbourhood bistro has succeeded in bringing together and retaining a varied mix of regular customers of all ages, in a friendly and lively atmosphere. Since 2005, the mischievous Stéphane Pelletier has welcomed customers with a smile and the promise of a pleasant time (and the latest local gossip if you’re good). “Come as you are!”, as he is fond of saying. 

Broc' Bar
20 rue Lanterne - Lyon 1st

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Le Broc Bar

La Madone

La Madone is the other “terrace to be”! From 5 pm until closing, you need to jockey for position to get seated in one of the nice bistro chairs! The atmosphere is arty and laid-back, and sometimes wild, when the owners’ electronic or funk DJ sets turn up the heat on Place des Capucins! Inside, the décor is stylish and contemporary, including a magnificent Sputnik ceiling light, a bar covered in green tiles and a checkerboard floor, all dotted with touches of quartz and brass. We love the beers brewed by Brasserie Georges, the antipasti boards and the Italian charcuterie.

La Madone
Place des Capucins - Lyon 1st

7.35 pm, already?!! Time for a drink! 

XS Bar

As the name suggests, this isn’t the biggest of bars, but the customers (mainly bears with glossy beards) are larger than life! Not far from La Ruche (Lyon’s oldest gay bar still in business), Fred and his super team have been welcoming customers in a friendly atmosphere since 2010. The interior décor is constantly changing to match the many themed evenings regularly held here, which are always a success. It’s a great place to meet new people, enjoy a chat and perhaps more if you hit it off. The XS is small but packed with charm. 

XS Bar
19 rue Claudia - Lyon 2nd

Livestation DIY

In the Guillotière neighbourhood, Livestation (known as 'le Live'!), is a lively, open and inclusive place. The young team serves up market cuisine at lunchtime, tapas and many evening events. The ‘DIY’ in the name is there because you can take part in the cooking. According to the team, “the idea is to be a participant rather than just a consumer. It's not just about letting people make their own pancakes during Livestation’s brunches; it’s about bringing people together.” Since 2012, the co-founders Lou and Arnaud have created a harmonious place where the watchwords are friendliness, sharing and meeting.

Livestation DIY
14 rue Bonald - Lyon 7th

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Livestation DIY

Our bonus pick for early evening drinks: L Bar

Welcome to the L World ! Like the hit TV series of the 2000s, this little bar attracts a mainly female clientele. The atmosphere is fun and sometimes wild, and we love their inventive cocktails.

L Bar
19 rue du Garet - Lyon 1st

9.15 pm, Saturday night? It’s time for dinner already!  

Heat

HEAT embraces new approaches to catering with open arms. Tucked away in the Confluence district, it describes itself as a food hall. This original indoor/outdoor space has four container bars and food stalls, with a weekly changing lineup selected from a list of more than 150 referenced caterers. Focussed on street food, this is a place that advocates short supply chains and seasonal food at reasonable prices. HEAT also has a games area (with pétanque, basketball, table tennis and more) and a programme of events all year round, including pop-up stores and DJ sets. The friendly, tolerant and inclusive atmosphere has made this living space a fixture for Lyon’s young, trendy crowd. It is the “it” place for food and fun.

Food court

HEAT - Food Court

70 quai Perrache - 69002 Lyon 2ème

h-eat.eu/

Voir la fiche

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Juliette Valero

Les Demoiselles de Rochefort

Catherine Deneuve regularly dines here… incognito of course! This unique restaurant on the slopes of Croix-Rousse hill is a little gem that has paid tribute to Jacques Demy (director of the French musical comedy that inspired the restaurant’s name) and Michel Legrand (who wrote the score) for more than 25 years! The inventive and generous cuisine of OF (a.k.a. Souris) is served in an intimate and cosy setting, reminiscent of a late-nineteenth-century boudoir. Diners taste buds are delighted with offerings like honey-roasted duck breast and venison stew with chestnuts. With flaming red walls, silky velvet, curious antiques and dimmed lighting, it is worth coming here for the unusual, baroque atmosphere alone, particularly as a couple… Or with your twin sister (as another tip of the hat to the film!)

Les Demoiselles de Rochefort
31 rue René Leynaud - Lyon 1st

Baston !

Located in a former meat restaurant, Baston is a bar that fights for inclusion and your right to party. With a buzzing atmosphere and ultra-trendy clientele, this super friendly place is also a safe haven for the LGBT crowd. With its colourful décor and eclectic music, Baston regularly hosts exhibitions and events (including performances, drag shows, live music and queer bingo). We love this welcoming and alternative bar. There is also a smoking-room in the former restaurant’s kitchen with a chic Berlin-style squat atmosphere. Their slogan says it all: “BASTON loves you, BASTON wants you, BASTON worships your freedom. BASTON? REVOLUTION!” 

Baston !
9 rue de la Quarantaine, Lyon 5th

00.17 pm, time to move your body. Fancy a dance?

As in any major European city, gay-friendly nightlife gravitates around regularly held evening events, every two or three months, which have become major attractions. While there are two long-standing gay clubs in Lyon (the It-Bar and United-Café, or ‘UC’, which attracts a younger crowd), here we will be talking about the major gatherings that are always sold out.

The oldest: La Garçonnière.

For a dozen years now, the ‘Garçonnières’ (and their little sisters Freedom et The Freaks Come Out) have been heating up dancefloors in Lyon with tech-house sets presided over by elegant DJs. Held at venues such as NinkasiKao, Le Domaine des Tournelles and the Bellona boat bar in Perrache, this is the techno night to come and show off everything you've got.

Find out more: facebook.com/soiree.lagarconniere

The most iconic: Garçon Sauvage

This is the event where everybody wants to be seen. Created more than 10 years ago now, by the collective Plus Belle La Nuit and its iconic ambassador Chantal Lanuit, this crazy evening event generally includes two DJ sets (mostly electronic music), interspersed with drag shows and a mini-concert, usually featuring French underground artists like Yelle, Bagarre, Corine ou Vive la Fête. Super inclusive and unconventional, this gathering brings together people of all genders, all ages and all orientations, in a mad atmosphere where the most eccentric looks are shown off in all their glory! Usually held at Le Sucre, Garçons Sauvages, evenings have been a victim of their well-deserved success: they are often sold out and are now also held in Paris. Don’t miss this cult celebration of all things queer! 

Find out more: le-sucre.eu/garcon-sauvage