Let’s Explore The Sexy Side of Paris

As someone who has lived in Paris for over a decade now, I consider myself a bonafide Parisian. What I am not, however, is a Frenchman! Part of it is because I'm really not French and I moved here from a different country, and part of it is I still consider the French very foreign to me. Specifically, their relaxed, very liberal, and often out-there attitude towards sex. Having witnessed all of it over the years, let me explain this to you by introducing the sexy side of Paris, namely its red-light district, the local sex culture here, and more.

Let's Start with The Legalities

Let me begin by explaining the very complex sex laws in France. First things first, prostitution is technically illegal in the country. I say 'technically' because while buying sex is illegal, working as a prostitute isn't. Pretty complicated, right? As an individual, you can legally offer sexual services for monetary compensation but things like brothels and pimping others out are criminal offenses. At the same time, you can't buy in Paris. You simply have to meet anyone willing to offer their services for a price. There's a distinct difference between the two.

La Pigalle: The Red-Light District

Now that we got that out of the way, let's go to the true sexy side of Paris: Quartier Pigalle. Located between the border of the 9th and 18th arrondissements, it has long served as the red-light district of the city. But again, don't expect any brothels here (or if there are, don't expect them to operate and advertise openly). As already mentioned, running such companies is illegal, so the “sexiness” of this district now boils down to its sex shops and provocative cabarets. Here are a few of the former you'll see in the neighborhood.

- Les Cocottes at 75 Boulevard de Clichy
- Fantasy at 51 Boulevard de Clichy
- Toys Star at 51 Boulevard de Clichy
- Boutique Demonia at 22 Avenue Jean Aicard

Is it Safe in Pigalle?

Yes, it is. I can understand if you're concerned about going here since it is the red-light district of Paris, but area is generally safe. It admittedly gets sketchy at times, especially after dark, but it's far from what I'd call a dangerous area. There are other places to avoid in Paris and Pigalle is not one of them. With that said, however, it still pays to keep calm and stay aware of your surroundings while you're here. Pigalle may not be an especially dangerous part of the city, but it unfortunately still gets its fair share of pickpockets and petty thieves.

Le Marais: The Queer Haven

Le Marais is what I consider another “sexy side” of Paris. The famous neighborhood is located in the 4th arrondissement and serves as the LGBTQ+ hub of the city. Now, please don't misunderstand me! I'm not saying that because Le Marais is a queer space that it's automatically a red-light district or the like. I'm not even saying it's a red-light district! That's only Pigalle! But I am mentioning Marais here because it does have provocative gay bars and clubs that feature stuff like shower shows, pole dancers, naked gogo boys, strip teases, and the like. Here are a few gay hotspots in the Marais district that’s not to be missed!

- Le Raidd Bar at 23 Rue du Temple
- freedj at 35 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie
- CUD at 12 Rue des Haudriettes
- COX at 15 Rue des Archives
- Bears Den at 6 Rue des Lombards
- Duplex Bar at 25 Rue Michel le Comte
- Krash Bar at 12 Rue Simon le Franc
- Le Mensch at 34 Rue Charlot

Cabarets vs. Burlesque

For this next one, let's talk about cabarets in Paris. I want to help clear up this misconception that cabarets are sexy places that feature erotic shows. They're not all like that! By definition, a cabaret is a nightlife establishment that allows the audience to eat and drink while enjoying a show. And these shows aren't always sexy and provocative. Cabarets that do offer that are known for their burlesque shows, which are an entirely different thing. But because places like Moulin Rouge, the most famous cabaret in Paris, feature burlesque shows, the rest of the world now things that all cabarets are sexy hotspots. No, they're not. These are the Parisian cabarets that feature burlesque shows.

- Moulin Rouge at 82 Boulevard de Clichy
- Le Cabaret Burlesque at Sur Berges, 3 Quai de Montebello face au
- La Nouvelle Ève at 25 Rue Pierre Fontaine
- Crazy Horse Paris at 12 Avenue George V
- Olala Party at 14 Boulevard Poissonnière
- The Empire Strips Back : la parodie burlesque at 38 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle
- Sweet Paradise at 12 Rue Marie Stuart

Where to Find The Sexiest Parisians

This last one may be contentious, but as a Parisian now myself, I stand by what I say here. While all of Paris has its fair share of good-looking, sexy residents, I think that Montmartre, Pigalle, the Latin Quarter, Le Marais, and Batignolles. Not only these central neighborhoods have some of the best-looking locals in town, but more of than not, they're also more open when it comes to sex. Again, this isn't to say people in other districts are more prudish and whatnot. That's not what I'm saying at all. I only mean that these places are known for their bohemian spirit and liberal attitudes, so they tend to have a more open outlook towards sex.



More than just romance, Paris is also one of the sexiest cities in the world. The French capital’s sexy side is an adventure in and of itself, complete with erotic shops, queer havens, beautiful burlesque shows, and more.