Is it Safe to Travel to France in 2020?

ViaHero

Updated December 11, 2019

France is the #1 most visited country on the planet—and not just because of the wine and cheese. People love to visit France because it’s safe. Here we’ll break down everything you need to know about staying safe in France, from travel advisories, to the yellow vest protests, common scams, and more.

For even more safety tips—and a few boulangerie recommendations—connect with a local to plan your trip. Not only will they offer a local’s perspective on safe practices, but they’ll help design a unique itinerary based on your interests and style. Why see France like a tourist when you could see it like a local? Learn more.

"Linelly helped us beyond anything we could've planned ourselves. Everything she suggested for us was spot-on, and I feel we got the best experience by following a local's guidance."

—Kate, Recent Traveler

France is totally safe to visit

Is France safe? Yes! — *Les Deux Margots in Paris | skeeze/Pixabay*

Traveling in France is safe. As in most countries, you may be targeted by scammers if you look like a tourist (for tips on how to blend in, get advice from a French local), but violent crime is really rare. That said, exercise caution in large cities and popular tourist destinations.

France’s travel advisory is the same as most of Western Europe

The US State Department gives France a Level 2 Safety rating (the same rating given to the UK and just about all the rest of Europe). Recent terror attacks and street protests have raised the level of caution—and France has responded accordingly, increasing its police presence in large cities like Paris. Still, incidents involving tourists are virtually non-existent. And if you talk to a local, they’ll be the first to tell you that they feel safe in their day-to-day lives.

What kind of traveler are you?

Let’s face it. People want different things when they travel. Rather than spending hours sifting through blogs and top 10 lists written by people who may have totally different interests than you, why not start by sharing a little about what’s important to you when exploring a new destination?

Enter your travel preferences below and we’ll connect you with a like‑minded local in France to help you plan your trip based on your specific interests.

The Yellow Vest protests won’t disrupt your plans

The “Yellow Vest” protests over rising fuel prices and income inequality have waned in the past few weeks, but you may still come across a protest while in France. They largely occur on Sundays in major cities like Paris. As the Yellow Vest protesters are organized, their marches never come as a surprise—check with your local to learn their schedule, and plan around it.

The streets of Paris are largely safe at night

Is France safe? Yes, and the streets of Paris are safe at night — *Paris at sunset | skeeze/Pixabay*

If you’re going to be on the streets of Paris at night, some areas are certainly safer than others. The Le Marais district, the Latin quarter, and the South Bank—popular hubs for tourists and locals alike—are vibrant and safe day and night. Montmartre and Les Halles can be a bit sketchy. Additionally, be on your lookout whenever you’re in a heavily-traveled tourist area like the Champs-Elysées—the crowds are perfect places for pickpockets.

Pro tip: For more info on areas of Paris (or other big cities) to avoid at night, ask a Parisian local.

The Paris Metro is safe to ride

Is France Safe? Yes, as is the Parisian metro — *Metro in Paris | Paris-Sharing/Flickr*

Le metro is safe, but petty theft is common at crowded stations. Just take common-sense safety precautions when using public transportation—like you would anywhere else.

Pickpockets and scams are your only real concern

Pickpockets operate at popular tourist sites and on public transportation. Follow common sense and be vigilant. Parisian thieves are very good at what they do (tourists have been frequenting Paris for centuries), so be mindful and aware of your surroundings.

Work with a local to plan your trip.

See a side most people miss.

Scams

Scammers are everywhere in Europe, especially in big cities. Be especially cautious in places like Paris and Marseilles. Here are some common scams to avoid:

The string bracelet scam

In this scam, a street vendor asks if you want a “friendship bracelet.” If you say yes (and often, even if you say no), a string/bracelet is tied so tightly around your wrist that you can’t move and then they demand money for the bracelet. Their partner may pick your pocket while they have you “indisposed.”

The gold ring scam

This scam involves a seemingly innocent person on the street pretending to find a gold ring on the sidewalk. They then ask you if it’s yours. When you say no, they offer to sell it to you (some have stamped 18k on the ring). If you end up buying it, you’ll own a worthless piece of polished brass. If you say yes, they will give you a sob story about being poor and ask for money.

Pro tip: Parisians watch tourists get scammed every day—so just ask one of them what to look out for.

France is a great place for solo female travelers

Is France safe? Yes, and for solo travelers as well — *Woman in Paris | Tristan Colangelo/Unsplash*

Women traveling solo in France should feel safe nearly anywhere they go. Catcalling is no worse than any other European country and women won’t have any trouble getting around by car, train, or bus.

Here are some quick safety tips:

Don’t walk alone in poorly lit and deserted areas.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
American friendliness can be misinterpreted as flirtation—so be firm if you want someone to stop bothering you.
If you’re on a long train trip using the Intercités de Nuit (night train) on SNCF, France’s national railway, ask for the special compartment for women and families. Even better, splurge on a private compartment on overnight trains.
Speaking of which, most French cities have great hostels with female-only rooms.

Pro tip: The best person to ask for advice about traveling solo in France? A local French woman!

You won’t need to get any vaccines

If you’re coming from the US and are current on your standard vaccines, then you’re good to go. You might want to consider travel insurance however, in case you fall ill or have an accident while in France.

Pro tip: If you do become ill, pharmacies in France can help. Pharmacists are trained to make non-urgent diagnoses and to recommend medicine.

Emergency contact info you should know

Emergency - 112 (European emergency number like 911 in the US)
Police (24/7) - 17
Health emergencies - 15
US Embassy Paris - +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22, enter zero "0" after the automated greeting
Website - U.S. Embassy Paris

The best way to stay safe in France? Connect with a French local. They’ll help design a custom itinerary based on your travel style and interests, suggest places to visit (and spots to avoid), and offer 24/7 phone support in case you run into any issues. Basically, it’s like having a best friend in France.

Still have questions about travel to France?

Why not ask someone who lives there? ViaHero connects you with a local to help plan your trip. They’ll create a guidebook based on your personal travel style.

You’ll see a unique side of a destination and travel independently—all while saving time and money in the planning process. Find a local today.