Jameson Farn is very well known on the Riviera as the one to go to for high-end gay friendly vacations on the Riviera through his Experience the French Riviera sites

However, not many people know that Jameson, at one time in his life and prior to moving into the local luxury real estate and villa rentals arena, was involved for a number of years in managing bathhouses. It was during lockdown that Jameson decided to pull his experiences together which culminated in his first book which was a success. He has now found the time to bring out a fuller version with more detailed recollections of his experiences in his latest book, Bathhouse Babylon: Full Release. It is now out on Amazon including Kindle.

The concept of the bathhouse as a men-only meeting place goes back to pre-Roman and very prevalent in Roman times. Then there are the famous Turkish baths. So, there is actually nothing new in the concept. Bringing this way of meeting into our modern culture is something else again. The concept of a place where gay men can meet and feel free has been, until the recent past, something that was in the shadows, the subject of gossip and it was taboo. That has all changed. People can now engage in a way that is natural to them without having to worry about others and their proclivities. It is a safety valve, being able to be free without recriminations.

There are many styles of bathhouses though they have mostly sizeable premises. Generally, the most that a guest can wear is a towel! There is no protocol except to be respectful. Guests are able to meet others on a one to one basis or as they wish. There is privacy if that is required. Many have gyms for those who simply want to have a safe place to be themselves, relaxing their way. Of course there are saunas and steam rooms as with any spa type environment. One great aspect to bathhouses is that they are democratic, in that it doesn’t matter what you do or how much money you may have, everyone is on the same level.

In Nice there is a long established and discrete bathhouse on rue Gubernatis, Les Bains-Douches.

Back to the book! Jameson provides a lowdown on how to run a successful and safe bathhouse. They have to be scrupulous on how they handle their business, both financially and health wise. He talks about providing mental health nursing in this safe environment. Naturally there are, no names sadly, some very racy happenings that verge on the scandalous. Jameson’s style of writing is engaging, which matches his real life easy going, open and very ‘real’ persona perfectly.

Recommended reading!

Bathhouse Babylon: Full Release – Print version | Kindle

All images courtesy Jameson Farn