Europe
Is France safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is France safe?
Generally safe, but Paris has some of Europe's worst pickpocketing. Strikes and demonstrations often disrupt transport, and the terrorism alert level stays high.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-05-27.
- Homicide rate: 1.3 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 5.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Generally safe alone; street harassment happens in Paris and some suburbs. Use apps or official taxis late at night and avoid empty RER carriages.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Pickpockets on the Paris Métro, RER and at landmarks
- Assaults reported on RER B and D lines, especially at night
- Strikes and protests disrupting trains, flights and roads
- Phones snatched from café terrace tables
Common scams
- Petition or clipboard groups near sights cover for pickpocketing
- Friendship-bracelet sellers at Sacré-Cœur demanding payment
- A 'found' gold ring offered for cash near the Seine
Laws visitors break by accident
- Police can demand ID; without it you can be held up to four hours, so carry your passport.
- Smoking is banned on beaches, in parks, at bus shelters and near schools; fines apply.
- Covering your face in public (balaclava, niqab, mask) is illegal, with fines up to €150.
Safety by place in France
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Annecy | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Colmar | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Carcassonne | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Brittany | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Dordogne | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Paris | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nice | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Provence | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| French Riviera | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lyon | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bordeaux | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cannes | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Strasbourg | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Chamonix | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Corsica | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Aix-en-Provence | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Toulouse | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Loire Valley | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Normandy | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Montpellier | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Avignon | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Biarritz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Saint-Tropez | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Antibes | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nantes | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lille | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Marseille | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is France safe for tourists?
Generally safe, but Paris has some of Europe's worst pickpocketing. Strikes and demonstrations often disrupt transport, and the terrorism alert level stays high.
Is France safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe alone; street harassment happens in Paris and some suburbs. Use apps or official taxis late at night and avoid empty RER carriages.
What is the emergency number in France?
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK: France travel advice
- EU: Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index: France
- EF English Proficiency Index: France
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.