The CeGIDD (Centre Gratuit d'Information, de Dépistage et de Diagnostic — pronounced "seh-gid") is the cornerstone of French sexual health access. These are state-funded clinics that provide free, anonymous HIV and STI testing, counselling, vaccination, and PrEP initiation — available to everyone, regardless of insurance status, visa status, or nationality.
If you're in France and need sexual health care, the CeGIDD is your first stop.
What CeGIDDs Provide
- Full STI testing — HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia (including three-site: throat, rectal, urethral), hepatitis B/C
- Treatment — simple infections (gonorrhoea, chlamydia) treated on-site or with a free prescription
- PrEP — can initiate PrEP, with the first prescription handled on-site
- Vaccines — Mpox and Hepatitis A/B often available free of charge
- Counselling — pre- and post-test counselling, psychosocial support
- Anonymous (anonymat) — you can be completely anonymous; no ID required, no name on any records if you choose
Who Can Use a CeGIDD
Everyone. This is not a theoretical policy statement — French law requires CeGIDDs to serve all comers:
- French residents with Carte Vitale
- EU visitors with EHIC
- Tourists without insurance
- Undocumented migrants
- Asylum seekers
Cost is €0 for all services. No card, no prescription, no paperwork required for most services.
Finding a CeGIDD
Search cegidd.fr or Google "CeGIDD [your city/department]". Every French department has at least one. In major cities there are multiple.
Most CeGIDDs require an appointment via Doctolib.fr (search "CeGIDD" in your area). Some operate with walk-in hours — check the specific centre.
Key CeGIDDs in Paris
Hôpital Saint-Louis CeGIDD 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris (10th arrondissement) One of the largest and most experienced units in France for gay and bisexual men's sexual health.
Hôpital Tenon CeGIDD 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris (20th arrondissement)
Hôpital Bichat CeGIDD 46 Rue Henri Huchard, 75018 Paris (18th arrondissement)
All three: book via Doctolib.fr, search "CeGIDD [hospital name]."
Le Kiosque / Checkpoint Paris
Le Kiosque (also known as Checkpoint Paris) is a community-run rapid testing centre specifically designed for gay and bisexual men and their communities. It operates differently from the hospital-based CeGIDD:
Le Kiosque Paris 45 Rue Rambuteau, 75004 Paris (Marais area) | lekiosqueparis.org
- Rapid HIV test (result in 20 minutes)
- Rapid syphilis test
- Community counselling
- Low-threshold, walk-in friendly
- Explicitly gay-affirming environment
Le Kiosque is particularly good for a fast anonymous HIV check in a sex-positive atmosphere. For full three-site STI panels, the hospital CeGIDDs are more comprehensive.
What to Say at a CeGIDD
On arrival, say:
"Je voudrais faire un dépistage des IST, y compris des prélèvements gorge et anal." ("I'd like an STI screening, including throat and anal swabs.")
If you want anonymity, state it clearly at the desk:
"Je souhaite rester anonyme." ("I want to remain anonymous.")
If you want to discuss PrEP:
"Je voudrais des informations sur la PrEP." ("I'd like information about PrEP.")
AIDES — The Other Safety Net
AIDES (aides.org) is France's largest HIV/AIDS community organisation. They operate drop-in centres in many French cities offering rapid testing, harm reduction services, and community support. Particularly useful in cities without a convenient CeGIDD location.
Find your nearest AIDES centre at aides.org.