La Civette du Cours

La Civette du Cours has quietly become one of the LGBT community’s best places to relax, eat, drink with friends and watch the world go by.

Walking through the market area of Vieux Nice, you will come across restaurant after restaurant serving all types of food and drinks both inside and outside their establishments, all wonderful.

At La Civette du Cours you will notice something different though, it is not so filled with tourists, although it is in an ideal location, it seems filled more with the locals, table after table of gorgeous LGBT locals.

I found myself naturally drawn to the place.

To find La Civette du Cours, go to the heart of the food and flower market area of Vieux Nice, the market is a very popular tourist area of the city near the sea.  You can even just follow the crowds, stay on the north side of the market and you will come across the brasserie at: 1 Cours Saleya.

 

I had the chance to take a lesbian couple I know that had just arrived into Nice for the first time that afternoon from Canada to La Civette du Cours.  At first to help them get their bearings I took them for a walk to the beach from their hotel, and then we went into Vieux Nice and directly to La Civette du Cours.

They loved it instantly!  They were able to relax, we had a couple of drinks, the food was fantastic, as was the service, and they loved being surrounded by the beautiful buildings and people.  They thought it was the best atmosphere to sit back and 'people watch', I recall them saying it set the tone for their trip.

The moderately priced menu at La Civette du Cours offers a full range of choices so it’s easy to find something you might be hungry for: sandwiches, bruschetta, fries, and salads and there are plenty of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to choose from.

During the week, La Civette du Cours are open from noon until 1am, Friday and Saturday they stay open until 2am.

La Civette du Cours is great anytime you decide to go.

Malabar Station Cruising Bar

It seems everywhere I go throughout Nice I come across these cool-looking club flyers for a gay cruising bar by the name of Malabar Station.

Malabar Station 

Since I love checking out places that I haven’t been to before and am always up for an adventure, I thought I would see what Malabar Station was all about and I’m glad I did!

Malabar Station can be found at: 10 rue Bonaparte, in the area of Nice near the port that the LGBT community has affectionately called, “le petit Marais”.

One way to get to Malabar Station is to take the tram towards Place Garibaldi and step off at Garibaldi Station.  Walk from there through the square towards the port to rue Cassini.  Once on rue Cassini, you will immediately notice the street will fork: to the left is rue Bonaparte, stay on the right side of that street and you will come upon the club about three minutes away.

Although the building itself is very unassuming on the outside, what goes on inside is a whole different story.

Walking into Malabar Station you will notice immediately that this is a very popular establishment filled by a variety of patrons laughing and enjoying reasonably priced drinks served by some very sexy bartenders.

The initial bar area itself may not be huge, but that doesn’t seem to bother the customers.  In fact, when one of their many types of events is taking place, such as their underwear parties, the tight squeeze just makes it all that much more fun.

But if you wanted to know where the real action takes place, after all, Malabar Station is a cruising bar; you’re going to want to venture through one of the two darkened doorways on the opposite side of the room.

Without going into too many details, this is the area where you can meet that person who perhaps has caught your eye in the club.

Venturing through this part of the establishment, you’ll notice it is much bigger than the main bar area and also quieter.  Since this section is purposely dimly lit, it may take a moment for your eyes to adjust but is exciting to explore throughout with the other patrons.

Within it you will find slings, glory holes, small cabins and porn.  And not to worry, this part of Malabar Station is just as safe and fun as the bar.

Malabar Station is open every night of the week until 2:30am; I suggest you head down one evening to see for yourself where the night takes you.

After over a decade in the community, unfortunately, Malabar just closed for business on June 30, 2023.

Phare et digue (Lighthouse & Breakwater)

One of the many outdoor locations in the city that is known for gay cruising is at the head of the Port of Nice at Phare et digue, or Lighthouse and breakwater.

Given it's location and purpose, means you take your own risks when cruising.  That said, on one of the many hot and sunny days in Nice, you might just find some action with a sexy local or two tanning.

As you can tell in the above picture, there is a very long breakwater to protect the Port, but getting there couldn't be simpler.

If you are coming from the main beach area of Nice, just follow Promenade des Anglais until it turns into Quai des Etats-Unis going West and around Le Chateau.  As it is going around Le Chateau the street turns into Quai Rauba Capeu.  When you see the gigantic Monument aux Morts on your left, you will also see the lighthouse and breakwater to your right.

Walk through the parking lot (and past most of the tourists) to proceed along the breakwater.  The water is brilliantly blue, although I wouldn't advise swimming there as the currents seem strong.
 
The cement blocks are called, Pains de Savon or 'Blocks of Soap' as that is what they resemble.

Please be very careful when maneuvering around the breakwater.  Although there are hand ladders and steps along the way, some areas do not have these supports in place. 

You won't be able to tell where an exact gay area might be and having only been there a couple of times myself, just look for the hot guys usually congregating in Speedos (or even less) and find an area to lay in the sun near their vicinity.

The breakwater blocks are insanely huge and can be tricky to get around, but they are also big enough for you to sprawl yourself and belongings on.

As for action, well that's all part of the adventure of cruising, isn't it?  Some days can be hit, some days miss.

Even if cruising is not your thing, it's still a great place to tan and relax in the sun enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.

Le Méridien Hotel - Nice

If you're looking for a place where everything is right outside your hotel's doorstep and still want a peaceful night's sleep, then I highly recommend a visit to Le Méridien in Nice.

Le Meridien Nice

What a great hotel!  From the moment I arrived by taxi, the porter practically jumped to help me with my luggage and I was promptly checked in.

Le Méridien is a nine story, four star hotel with over 300 rooms situated right across the street from the main beach of Nice.  Your choice in room size ranges from the Classic Room to the Presidential Suite.

The Classic Rooms overlook the large hotel courtyard which can be a standard with any European type hotel room.  If you were looking for a room with more of a view, I would suggest you try one of the many other outside rooms they will have available for you. 

A complete renovation of Le Méridien in Nice was completed in 2008, and by all appearances the management seem to take the maintenance and cleaning of the hotel seriously.

They have done a great job with the interior design, keeping things fresh with an overall classic feeling.  There seems to be an underlying tone of luxury and leisure in the color choices used throughout the hotel and with the rooms themselves.

As for location, this is one of the best in Nice.  What could be easier to find than: 1 Promenade des Anglais?

Le Méridien is along the seaside and is instantly recognizable.  Taxi stands are right outside the hotel, the tram is approximately two blocks away and the buses are also very close by.

Be sure to visit La Terrasse Restaurant on the roof of Le Méridien right next to the pool area.  It is the best place anytime of the day to have a refreshing and relaxing meal.  You'll be in the heart of the city, yet you'll feel away from it all.

Even if you aren't hungry, make sure you head to the top of the hotel anyway, you will get to see some of the most spectacular views of the city!  And I'm not just talking about the hot guys tanning by the pool.

You will also find within Le Méridien a lounge bar, a fitness center, spa and conference centers.

In the summer evenings, with the park being directly across the street, there is an outdoor concert hall where you might faintly hear the sounds of live jazz music or an orchestra playing.  At decent enough hours of course, it's a lovely and very sweet sound in the summer night air.

If you are trying to decide on a hotel to stay at, keep in mind everything you could want is within close proximity to Le Méridien: tons of shopping, most of the gay bars and clubs, the beach, etc.

Le Meridien Webcam


And I have found the staff of Le Méridien to be fantastic!  They speak many different languages, are very pleasant, patient and helpful.  They'll give you tips and ideas on what to go see in Nice, restaurants to try out, local events...

Le Meridien is another gay-friendly option in Nice.  Be sure to book early!