In a significant move toward LGBTQ+ rights in France, Noël Mamère, the Mayor of Bègles, conducted the first same-sex marriage ceremony in the country, uniting two men on June 5, 2004. This historic event occurred against a backdrop of growing social movements advocating for equal marriage rights in France, where the legal framework for same-sex unions was still limited. Despite facing political and social challenges, Mamère's decision to proceed with the marriage placed Bègles in the national spotlight and underscored the evolving perceptions of same-sex relationships within French society.

The ceremony was attended by supporters of LGBTQ+ rights, drawing media attention as it was an act that defied existing laws which did not recognize same-sex marriages at the time. Mamère's actions were both a celebration of love and a political statement aimed at pushing for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. This occasion reflected an increasing demand for equality and a change in societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals, challenging the traditional norms entrenched in French law.

While this marriage was not legally recognized by the state, it symbolized a pivotal moment in the fight for marriage equality, galvanizing further activism. Over the next several years, France witnessed a growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights, culminating in the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013. Mamère's initiative was integral in igniting conversations across the nation about the challenges faced by same-sex couples and the necessity for legal reform.