The French Riviera remains one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers. From the beaches of Cannes to the nightlife of Nice, thousands of visitors come each year to enjoy the region’s culture, cuisine, events and inclusive atmosphere.
This information is not intended to discourage anyone from visiting or enjoying their summer plans. In fact, there has been very little local discussion about the issue at this time, and for visitors, the French Riviera continues to offer the same welcoming experience that has made it a popular destination for years.
At the same time, European public health officials are urging awareness of a growing health concern: the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of Shigella, a bacterial infection that causes shigellosis. Recent data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that more than 2,300 infections linked to resistant Shigella clusters have been reported across Europe since 2023, with transmission occurring primarily—but not exclusively—among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
What Is Shigella?
Shigellosis is an intestinal infection caused by Shigella bacteria. Symptoms commonly include:
Diarrhea (sometimes severe or bloody)
Stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
General fatigue
The bacteria spread through the fecal-oral route and can be transmitted through contaminated food, contaminated surfaces, close personal contact, and certain sexual activities, particularly oral-anal contact. One reason Shigella is so contagious is that only a very small number of bacteria are needed to cause infection.
Why Are Health Authorities Concerned?
The concern is not simply the infection itself but the growing number of strains that are resistant to multiple antibiotics.
The ECDC recently warned that MDR and XDR Shigella infections are becoming increasingly common across Europe, making treatment more difficult when medical intervention is required. While many cases resolve without antibiotics, severe infections can occur, particularly among people with weakened immune systems.
France has also seen an increase in highly resistant strains in recent years, according to the Institut Pasteur, which notes that some strains now show resistance to many traditional first-line antibiotics.
Practical Advice for Travellers
Enjoying your holiday safely does not require fear or panic. Public health experts recommend:
Wash hands thoroughly and frequently.
Use barriers such as condoms and dental dams where appropriate.
Avoid sexual activity if you develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or persist.
Stay hydrated if illness develops.
Inform healthcare providers about any recent travel or possible sexual exposure so appropriate testing can be performed.
If diagnosed with shigellosis, public health guidance recommends avoiding sexual activity until symptoms have completely resolved and following medical advice regarding preventing further transmission.
Where to Seek Help in Nice
Nice has some of the best medical resources on the Côte d’Azur.
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice is the region’s principal hospital system and can provide specialist infectious disease care if needed.
AIDES operates throughout France and offers sexual health information, testing guidance and support services.
CeGIDD Nice provides confidential STI testing and sexual health services.
Nice is also home to one of France’s largest LGBTQ+ communities outside Paris, with many local organizations able to assist visitors seeking health information or support.
Where to Seek Help in Cannes
Visitors staying in Cannes can access care through:
Centre Hospitalier de Cannes Simone Veil
AIDES outreach services in the Alpes-Maritimes region.
Local pharmacies (”pharmacies”) throughout Cannes, many of which can direct visitors to appropriate testing and treatment services.
The Bigger Picture
The emergence of drug-resistant Shigella is a public health issue, not a reason to stigmatize any community. Health authorities emphasize that infections can affect anyone and that awareness, testing, hygiene and early treatment remain the most effective tools for limiting transmission.
The French Riviera continues to be one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ visitors. A little health awareness can help ensure that your memories of Nice, Cannes and the Côte d’Azur are about sunsets, beaches, culture and community—not an unexpected trip to the hospital.
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