24 Apr LGBTQ+ Students’ Guide to Internships Abroad: Safe Spaces in Paris
LGBTQ+ students often have extra things to consider when planning an internship abroad. “Will I be safe? Can I express myself? Will I be discriminated against?” Choosing an international internship program isn’t just about finding the right fit for your career, after all—it’s also making sure you’ll feel safe, welcomed, and supported in a whole new environment.
In this guide, we’ll highlight why internships in Paris, France are a fantastic choice for LGBTQ+ students. We’ll explain what makes the city so inclusive and share some amazing safe spaces you can visit outside of internship hours.
Is Paris LGBTQ+ friendly?
France is one of the most progressive countries in the world. They were the fourteenth country to ever legalize same-sex marriage, and was ranked the 11th safest country for LGBTQ+ travelers in 2023. A recent survey also showed that 71% of LGBTQ+ participants felt safe to be open about their identity or orientation.
As for the French capital, Paris—it is actually the LGBTQ+ hotspot of the country. There are lots of safe spaces, the annual Pride events are extravagant to say the least, and there’s even an entire neighborhood for the community! The City of Light is definitely a welcoming destination for students of all identities.
LGBTQ+ friendly spaces in Paris
Whether you’re out to grab coffee during your break or meet new people outside your internship program, there are plenty of exciting spaces for the Parisian LGBTQ+ community. Below, we list down some of our favorites, and break them down into cool hangouts, yummy eats, and must-visit events.
Let’s get started!
Hang-out spots in Paris for LGBTQ+ students
When you’re not busy with your internship, Paris offers plenty of LGBTQ+ friendly hangouts where you can relax, soak up the local culture, and connect with the queer community. Here are four places to get started:
Le Marais
Le Marais is pretty much synonymous with the LGBTQ+ culture in Paris. This neighborhood has been around a long time, but was transformed into a space for the queer community in the 1980s. With so many queer-friendly cafés, boutiques, and nightlife spots to choose from, you’ll never run out of places to explore!
Les Mots à la Bouche
This bookstore in Le Marais boasts a curated collection of literature on all things LGBTQ+. It opened in 1983 and has become a vital part of the neighborhood. If you’re looking for a new read—and honestly, even if you’re not—Les Mots à la Bouche is a classic and a must-visit during your internship in Paris.
La Mutinerie
Also located in Le Marais, La Mutinerie is a feminist space committed to community-building and accessibility (no door charge!). They host workshops, group discussions, shows, and more. Its name translates to “the mutiny,” and it’s perfect if you’re looking to join important conversations and get more involved in queer culture.
Violette and Co.
Another bookshop! Violette and Co. focuses on feminism and LGBTQ+ issues. It actually shut down in 2022, but reopened thanks to volunteer-led fundraisers and the support of feminist and LGBTQ+ communities. Today, it continues to operate as a bookstore, but also as a café and venue for workshops and discussions. Drop by for a productive afternoon in this meaningful space!
LGBTQ+ friendly cafes and restaurants in Paris
Good food and welcoming spaces are pretty easy to find in Paris. Here are a few of the many cafés and restaurants that are recognized as LGBTQ+ friendly:
Le Cactus
Le Cactus is a bistro in Le Marais popular among the LGBTQ+ crowd. It has this relaxed and friendly vibe, which is great if you’re looking to unwind and/or meet new people after your internship. They also serve all sorts of tasty tapas!
Café Contresort
Probably the most magical place in this list is Café Contresort. Think mystical decor, witch-themed food that’s too pretty to eat, colorful drinks—or perhaps, potions—and weekly tarot readings. This tea room and restaurant is openly feminist and LGBTQ+ friendly, and proudly vegan, too!
Le Ju’
Located in Le Marais, Le Ju’ is a proudly LGBTQ+ friendly restaurant with an extensive (and colorful) menu. It’s also along Rue des Archives, a street lined with queer cafés and restaurants, and is pretty close to the famous rainbow crosswalk. If your internship is within walking distance, Le Ju’ could be a nice spot for lunch!
More restaurants and cafes in Paris that are LGBTQ+ friendly:
Events in Paris that celebrate LGBTQ+
We mentioned that La Mutinerie and Violette and Co. occasionally host events, but plenty of other places in Paris do, too. A stroll along Rue des Archives will lead you to countless spots hosting gatherings for the LGBTQ+ community; there’s always something happening if you know where to look.
Outside the Marais, though, there are two LGBTQ+ events that we highly recommend checking out while you’re in Paris:
Flash Cocotte
A famous LGBTQ+ collective known for its colorful, themed gatherings, drag performances, and high-energy music. If you’re in Paris during a Flash Cocotte night, it’s an unmissable experience for students looking to dance and celebrate trans and queer culture.
La Marche des Fiertés LGBTQIA+
Paris’s annual Pride parade is one of Europe’s biggest, if not the world’s. It draws hundreds of thousands of people each June to celebrate love and queer culture—and of course, advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
There are also plenty of extra events that you can attend, like after parties, festivals, and smaller gatherings. If you’re going for a summer internship in Paris, then you pretty much have no excuse to miss this. Don’t forget to plan and pack your fabulous outfits!
Your LGBTQ+ friendly internship adventure starts here
Paris is home to many thriving industries. Whether you’re interested in Hospitality & Tourism internships, Accounting, or Finance internships, you can make it happen in this inclusive city.
When you intern abroad with Absolute Internship, your program will include a guaranteed placement, student housing, weekend activities, and 24/7 onsite support to help you feel safe, supported, and welcomed in the city.
Apply for an internship in Paris today and experience its vibrant queer culture while growing your career in one of the world’s most beautiful cities!
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