Folie's Pigalle (Black Blanc Beur)

'Black, White and Arab', this ethnic gay party is the only of its kind held at the historic Folie's Pigalle. BBB has been around for almost fifteen years, a staple of the city's gay nightlife. Previously a theatre, a cinema, then a cabaret, still with hints of its 19th-century décor, this intimate venue in Paris’s red light district has been a club since 1991, where things are known to heat up. Themed soirées are organized by the gay and ethnic association Kelma, promoting cultural awareness as much as good old fashion dancing.  The diverse crowd of twenty to fortysomethings doesn’t start to arrive until after midnight, even though doors open at 9pm. The DJ sets up on the old stage while onlookers can settle on the benches around the dance floor or perch in the tiny balcony overlooking the action.  Drinks are €8 and the menu is limited. Cruising certainly accompanies the dancing, but the atmosphere is friendlier and more open than most events, so strike up a conversation before grooving to a little Beyoncé.