It’s been three years since Lou Queernaval made its last appearance as part of the world-renowned Nice Carnival and not only is the carnival celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, but it can now add the successful return of celebrating diversity with just over 9000 people in attendance this past Friday, February 17th.
One could feel a buzz of excitement in the air as the crowds gathered at Place Massena in the heart of Nice where people of every age, ethnic background, and sexuality attended this most spectacular event.
In past years, everyone tended to meet on the street to mingle around, dance and enjoy the entertainment from the stage set up at the Apollo statue, but this year with so many people in attendance, everyone was directed to find a seat on the grandstands to watch the show about to commence.
With that, an amazing light show, and a DJ playing a number of dance hits set the tone for the party atmosphere as the show was underway with Erwann le Hô, from the Nice LGBT Center as the master of ceremonies encouraging everyone to enjoy the display of colorful floats, drag queens and go-go dancers who were all part of the 350 artists and volunteers putting on a most extraordinary show for two plus entertaining hours making what typically could be just a regular parade feel more like you were in a massive nightclub.
Near the end of the event, everyone was invited to gather back down on the street from the grandstands to dance and enjoy the floats and entertainers up close with their friends and family for an even stronger feeling of the LGBTQ community spirit.
Putting on an event of this size is no easy task and it was definitely the talk of the town the rest of this past weekend as it genuinely showcased a sense of love and acceptance.
A grand MERCI to all of the hardworking individuals, associations, and the city for such a remarkable and memorable event.
Finally, after a 3-year absence, Lou Queernaval, the first gay carnival in France is back.
As part of the now 150-year tradition of the Carnival in Nice, Lou Queernaval makes its comeback as part of the official program of Carnival 2023. For those that may not know, "Lou" translates to "the" in Nissart, the regional dialect of Nice and Queernaval is self-explanatory.
Nice Carnival is one of the most important events in the country and it attracts visitors from all over France and worldwide. The city of Nice has one of the biggest gay scenes outside of Paris and is considered a central hub for almost everything encompassing the LGBTQ community in the region.
Since 2015, Lou Queernaval has been a part of the regular Nice Carnival with live bands, dancers, and traditional carnival floats, including the King and Queen of Carnival so it’s wonderful to have the event back after the pandemic.
Local and national LGBTQI organizations join the party as the streets are covered in glitter and confetti across Place Masséna. The event is lively, colorful, and fun, and is a friendly way to get to know the city of Nice and its local gay community.
This year the main Lou Queernaval event will be held at 20h on Friday, February 17 at Place Massena, with the event being open to everyone, both young and old, no matter your sexuality.
There will be a main stage and elaborate opening show with lots of music, followed by the parade with drag queens, hot shirtless men, various dancers, and elaborate costumes. Think of it as a gay pride parade, just with a carnival twist.
And every night of the whole carnival, the LGBTQ establishments are filled with locals mingling with international visitors with many of the establishments on the weekend of February 17th holding various themed events.
This unique event is free of charge and is proposed by the Nice LGBTQIA+ community in close collaboration with the City of Nice and the Nice Côte d'Azur Region. The event is committed to promoting the values of sharing, and inclusion while living in harmony together.
In recent days, the city hall in Toulouse has canceled readings to children by drag queens at a local library.
Faced with the indignation of a local group and a collective of associations, on Tuesday, January 24, the city hall of Toulouse took the decision to cancel reading workshops for children that were supposed to be animated by drag queens in a library.
"This choice of programming - which has not given rise to any approval or endorsement from elected officials - may destabilize part of the public. This is obviously not the will of the community," explained the city hall of Toulouse, in a statement published on Tuesday.
While a small group presenting itself on Instagram as a "community youth movement Toulouse and rooted" and called "French Fury" had launched a petition to cancel the event, the Toulouse City Council has taken the decision "in a bid to appease" to reorient the reading initially scheduled for February 18 "to accommodate only a major audience."
On Twitter, the collective "La Manif pour tous" was also indignant against these readings. "PARENTS, WAKE UP! This reading workshop in a Toulouse library for 3-6-year-olds led by two drag-queens has nothing educational, playful or aesthetic," it wrote.
To make things extra dramatic, the municipality says in a statement, "Some reactions may lead to public disorder." At the time a petition to stop the activity was started by one of the associations but has since been deleted.
However, Jean-Luc Moudenc, the mayor of Toulouse, intends to ask the Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmain, "for the dissolution of the movement "French Fury", at the origin of the threats and the disturbance of public order."
The reading workshop was intended to "educate the young public about the difference, in a playful way," said city hall.
The Manif pour tous is the main group of associations behind the demonstrations and actions in opposition to the law opening marriage and adoption to same-sex couples in France.
Shanna Banana and Brandy Snap, two of the local drag queens have started a petition to make sure the events still take place that can be found here:
Antibes is a beautiful area on the French Riviera between Nice and Cannes that has a pleasant old-world charm and consistently attracts visitors all year long while encompassing the sophistications that a small city has to offer.
The history of Antibes goes back to the 5th century BC when it was used as a Greek colony due to it being a naturally protected port which also then made it an important trading center.
This way of life still stands today where Port Vauban is in full operation mooring some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts along the Quai de Milliardaires.
Next to the port is what is affectionately known as, “Old Town Antibes” an area still surrounded by many of its original fortified walls.
Seemingly anything one would need can be found by making your way along one of the many cobbled pedestrian streets and by browsing through any number of the outdoor public markets that sell everything from fresh food such as at the Provencal Market to other markets selling clothing and even antiques, plus there are some amazing bars, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy.
There is also any number of sandy beaches close by with seaside restaurants to enjoy. In Antibes, you will quickly discover that many amenities are within walking distance.
Architecturally there is a mix of classic Belle Époque properties reminiscent of when the writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in the area and modern, contemporary style properties on the market all at a wide range of prices.
Here you will find is where people have their holiday homes or even more so in the past few years, people have decided to live in Antibes year-round.
Antibes quickly feels like home, the people are friendly and inviting, and there is a strong sense of community here.
The following is just a small selection of properties currently available on the market.
Antibes France - 2,850,000 EUR
A 5-Bedroom contemporary villa on the market in Antibes.
Area: 343m²
10 room(s)
5 bedroom(s)
Land: 1543m²
Come and discover this superb and spacious villa that is 343m² in size, located in a peaceful and highly sought-after area of Antibes. Just a short walk from the beaches and the local shops and bakeries.
Spread over 3 levels, the villa includes 5 bedrooms, each with a shower room or bathroom. The master bedroom has a bathtub, an Italian shower, and an integrated hammam.
The spacious double living room is located on the main floor and gives access to a terrace overlooking a beautiful garden of more than 1500m ² that is south-west facing complete with a heated salt pool.
You can enjoy the terrace in summer and winter thanks to its outdoor heating system.
The property also has a large covered parking area for up to 10 vehicles.
Antibes France - 2,950,000 EUR
Area: 210 m2
6 room(s)
4 bedroom(s)
Land: 850 m2
Beautiful contemporary villa with high-quality fittings and finishes, a few minutes walk from the beaches of Juan-les-Pins.
It is sheltered from view and nestled in the heart of a luxuriant garden with tropical species and a heated mirror pool.
The interior offers beautiful volumes, a vast and luminous living room with fireplace, a convivial and very well equipped kitchen, 4 bedrooms, each with their shower or bath en suite, and an office.
Closed garage for 3 cars.
Antibes France - 3,200,000 EUR
Area: 234 m2 6 room(s) 4 bedroom(s) Land: 1774 m2
This lovely family villa is located in one of the most desirable areas of Antibes, a privileged quiet, and residential neighborhood, close to shops and schools. This neo-Provençal villa has views of the sea, located in a beautifully landscaped complete with a superb pool area.
The villa has been entirely renovated with top-of-the-range home comforts. Including a spacious living room, a large fitted open kitchen opening onto the terrace and the swimming pool, a laundry room as well as 3 bedrooms and 2 shower rooms.
Upstairs, there is a beautiful master suite with a large terrace, dressing room, and bath/shower room, as well as a large office.
Numerous storage spaces, a technical room, a cellar, and a garage complete this exceptional property.
Antibes France - 3,250,000 EUR
Area: 247m² 7 room(s) 4 bedroom(s) Land: 2638m²
This superb Belle Epoque villa is located close to the town center of Antibes and the beaches.
You will be charmed by its high ceilings, its brightness, and it's quality materials.
The home consists of a living room with a fireplace, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and an office. This property offers 4 bedrooms in total.
On the ground floor, there is also an apartment with independent access, several storage rooms, a laundry room, and the possibility to install a wine cellar.
Three openings give access to the nicely planted garden of 2638 m2.
The swimming pool and the pergola invite you to spend good moments with family and/or friends.
A covered garage and several parking spaces complete this property.
If you happen to see a property you would like more information about or have something more specific in mind you are seeking, feel free to connect with us.
