‘Drag Race France’ pit crew hunk Jerome Rouveron offers his insider guide to Paris
Gay and chic recommendations from a beloved Parisian.
Mark
Jerome Rouveron is well-known to anyone familiar with Drag Race France. The hunky Parisian has been a member of the Pit Crew since the French version of the show, hosted by Nicky Doll, launched in 2022.
Jerome was raised in a suburb outside Paris. After studying he began a career in hospitality, with a sideline in modelling. This, in turn, led to some work as a creative director, working with several noted photographers.
Using his appearances on Drag Race as a springboard, he’s now also a content creator with a growing social media following.
Jerome chatted to GayCities about some of his favorite places to hang out in his home city.
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What are your favorite bars in Paris and why?
I love discovering new places in Paris. There are many hidden gems like the Lavomatic, which resembles a laundromat at first glance. La Mezcaleria, specialises in Mezcal and cocktails.
I also love the bar at Arts et Metier Hotel, which offers a small rooftop in the center of Paris. All these places offer a unique experience. The French capital obviously has many bars and cafés. For a drink with friends, it is always nice to go to the Marais and have a drink at Quetzal or Cox, two long-running, gay institutions.
What are a couple of the best clubs in Paris?
I really like Vendredixxl. It brings together lots of different kinds of people and music lovers. It has a pop section, an electro room, and a nice terrace. I also love La Dimanche. It again plays great music that everyone knows, brings people together, and is very welcoming, including to foreigners.
Do you have a favorite drag queen in Paris?
In my contract, I am obliged to say [Drag Race host] Nicky Doll. Just kidding, ha ha ha! This is a hard question because over the past few years I have met many incredible artists. Of course, all the queens from Drag Race are very talented, but I also want to support local drag queens. In this respect, Cookie Kunty has been organising and working for the community for a long time in Paris and in France generally. But if I have to drop a few more names, I suggest you check out Hitsublu, Sasha Miskina and Mlle Kiss.
Which hotels would you recommend to friends from out of town?
One of the best things about Paris is the many options it offers, besides the big chains and franchises. Individual establishments I recommend include The Kube Hotel, La Maison Favart, or Secrets de Paris. But it also depends on your budget because, let’s be honest, French service is one of the best, and we have some amazing and luxurious destinations in the capital.
What restaurants do you recommend?
For everyday French, Les Rupins, close to Paris Gare de L’est. 6 New York offers a fantastic aute cuisine, degustation menu, while Benedict is perfect for lunch or dinner with friends in the Marais.
Where’s a good place to go shopping in Paris?
You will find hidden places and little streets wherever you wander. You go for a coffee and stumble across a street with a shop selling vintage clothes. Take your time and enjoy! Of course, Les Champs Elysees is famous for its shops, as is Rue de Rivoli. However, other options include the mall, Les Halles or La Valle Village, which is close to Disneyland. They offer a huge selection and cover everything you might want.
What’s the one thing you always recommend tourists visit whilst in Paris?
You mean besides seeing the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and going up the Eiffel Tower, right? Personally, I really love the Montmartre area with Le Sacré Coeur. It boasts amazing architecture and many old restaurants. It’s romantic. That would be a must for me, but I also think that everyone has to experience Paris their own way. It depends on what you want from your trip: To visit the many museums, to discover the city’s rich history, to meet the locals, or simply to enjoy the pastries and coffee? The choice is yours.
I’d add one more thing: Paris is a beautiful city and has a lot to offer. There are many reasons why it’s one of the most visited cities in the world. It is true that French people can appear a little rude and don’t always make the effort to speak English, but I think we have improved a lot. LGBTQ people are much more willing to help and be nice to visitors. More than anything, they are just honest and very direct. When you appreciate this, everything goes much more smoothly — ha ha ha!
Related
Here are the best gay bars in Paris
While Le Marais serves as the primary gayborhood of the French capital, gay establishments are speckled all across the city.
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