Cross-dresser, transgender: where to go out in Paris?

Do You Often Go Out in Public as a Woman in 2025 - 2026?

For many, the answer is no, due to the difficulty of finding a place where you can feel free and not judged while expressing your femininity.

But know this: in Paris, many places welcome you whether you are transgender, cross-dressing, or otherwise, all in a caring and often festive atmosphere.

It is Lilly, whom I hosted for a beautiful photo shoot, drawing on her experience with going out, who is our guide in the streets of Paris, searching for the best places to live your femininity in public.

First of all, how to go out in Paris? (when you are transgender or cross-dressing..)

Due to Jennifer’s insistence every time we meet, I finally have to answer her question: Where to go out in Paris?

And I hasten to answer another question: “How to go out in Paris”? That’s more what it’s about. Because, and we will come back to this, you can go out... anywhere.

Indeed, no law, whatever your level of transformation, can forbid you places that are normally open to you. The question, and you know it well, is social.

It is about avoiding the range of rejection from others, which goes from disapproving looks to insults or even physical assaults. Sadly, the world is like that, and this won’t change quickly.

And speaking of “changing,” it is usually the first question: where can we change, have a good time, then change again before going home?

Unfortunately, to my knowledge, there is no longer such a place in Paris since the closure of the MDT (Maison Du Travesti) 3 years ago!

Now, to go out, you change at home, or in a hotel, or, and this is by far the best solution, at a friend’s place, remembering that since our earliest childhood, and for all the great adventures of our lives: we do things together, not alone.

Going Out: “My friends’ friends are my friends.”

So, first of all, make connections.
And for that, there is Facebook, and the old adage: My friends’ friends are my friends.

For example, to start, you can request to join the Transcendance de Kats group, which is more inclusive than its name suggests: Trav, Drag, Trans, Butch, i tutti quanti are all welcome.

You meet people through private messages, which you will bring to “real life” by going arm in arm, skirts flying and heels in rhythm, to the various Transcendance venues (notably, au Mange-Disque, 15 rue de la Reynie, or the Bateau Daphné; 11 quai de Montebello).
Update May 2023: Le Mange-Disque served its last record in early May and is now closed.

Together, and in the Marais or on the right bank quays, it is easy to move about in public spaces during the day.

Going Out to Nightclubs

For the first outing, you will probably prefer the anonymity of a nightclub at night, for example at the Pacha Club, 64 Rte de Versailles, 78430 Louveciennes

Or

at Tango; 11 Rue au Maire, whose reopening is eagerly awaited.

UPDATE: Le Tango, (formerly La Boîte à Frissons), has reopened!

They hosted the first GLITS Queer party.

And afterward, you can head to bars that welcome you well past sunset:
• La Boîte : 15 rue des Lombards, Paris 04
• Elles bar : 12 rue du plâtre,
• Le bar de nuit : 8 rue des Écouffes,
• Le Labo : 37 rue des Lombards,
• Zebaar : 41 rue des blancs manteaux,
• Le RAIDD : 23 rue du Temple,
• Le Bar’Ouf : 182, rue Saint-Martin,
• Bar Le DUPLEX : 25 Rue Michel Lecomte, Paris
• Etc..

There are many others with atmospheres that vary according to the time of day or their occupants’ mood. Here again, recommendations from friends are crucial.

Editor’s Note: We are considering a topic on cross-dressing parties (Soirée drôles de Dames*, L’Escualita etc.) and more... well, you get it.

Transbeauté collaborates with Les soirées Drôles de dames for your makeup in this article. Once a month, a party totally dedicated to cross-dressers and transgender people is organized. Dates on Transbeauté’s Facebook.

Going Out in Paris: How about a Show?

Otherwise, why not a show? The artists won’t blame you for your boldness! On the contrary, here are potential new friends!
• Le Café de Paris : 158 rue Oberkampf,
• L’Artishow Cabaret : 3 Cité Souzy,
• Shows by the Golden Fantazy,
• Les Follivores : Le Club Haussmann 23 rue taitbout,
• Workshow : 173 Rue Saint-Martin,
• Le Who’s : 14 Rue Saint-Merri,
• L’Etage du Gibus : 77, rue du faubourg du temple,
• Madame Arthur : 75/75bis rue des Martyrs,

Since shows change constantly, all that’s left is to subscribe to online alerts or look at flyers and posters scattered around.

Where to Eat in Paris? The “Lilly’s Menu” Restaurants

After all this, you realize you forgot to eat. I therefore advise you to better organize yourself and drop by at some point in the evening:
• at Ju’ : 16 rue des Archives,
• at Tata Burger : 54 rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie, Excellent Burger!!! Approved by Transbeauté!
• Oh Quai Latin: 45 Quai Des Grands Augustins, Paris: a chance to meet Emma and Tara in person!
• at Villa Papillon, 15 rue Tiquetonne, 75004 Paris,

Special mention: “At Transbeauté, we love this place above all and highly recommend it!!!

Update July 2023: We learned of Tara’s departure from the restaurant, and we do not yet know the future of the venue… but it seems a chapter is closing for the T community.

Update November 2023: The restaurant “Oh Quai Latin” continues its activity and does not claim to be a place privileging any particular community. We are convinced this establishment welcomes all clientele from all backgrounds with respect, as it should be.

… and dozens of other restaurants that will welcome you kindly, kindly, and even with good gastronomy.

Going Out in Paris: The Must-Attend Pride March 2026

Finally, and in fact this is where you should start to go out and make lots of friends: “The Pride March“.
2026 Edition: June 27 in Paris.

LGBTQI+ Pride March in Paris, 2026 route:
Start: to be confirmed
Finish: to be confirmed

Moreover, the route and event are protected by law enforcement.

In the meantime, I recommend the program offered on the inter LGBT website.

Okay, I’ll stop here for now, because the subject is endless and I could come back to talk to you about this or that place, but there remains the most obvious place once you’ve made friends: At each other’s places, of course!

And here, there is no guide :-)

Final Word from Jennifer

“A big thank you Lilly!”

Going out as a woman in a public place, whether for the first time or the following times, is always a powerful moment.

Among the services I offer, I am used to accompanying some of you for this moment during a shopping outing. This ranges from makeup to prepare you, to image consulting, so you can be completely confident.

And if, by chance despite Lilly’s advice, you have not been able to find friends or simply want to be accompanied, for the time of an outing, a show or a restaurant, I will be happy to accompany you.

And you might well discover one of the most select evenings: le Diner de Charly

And then subscribe to my BLOG and maybe you will discover the evenings organized by Transbeauté!

The first one took place in December 2025: First Jen’s Girls Party.
Another party is planned for April 2026...