After eight trips to France spanning everything from Paris and Nice to small villages in Provence and the Alps, I can give you my honest answer about safety: France is generally very safe for travelers, with some standard urban precautions needed in larger cities.
France has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, good healthcare, reliable transportation, and low rates of violent crime against tourists.
That said, like any popular destination, it has its specific safety considerations.
In this article...
General Safety in France
By global standards, France is a safe country with a functional rule of law, responsive emergency services, and infrastructure you can rely on. The country welcomed over 90 million international visitors in 2019 (pre-pandemic), and the vast majority had trouble-free visits.
Crime Reality
Violent crime targeting tourists is rare in France. The main concern is petty theft:
- Pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, especially in Paris near major attractions
- Distraction thefts where someone creates a diversion while an accomplice steals valuables
- Occasional scams targeting tourists (fake petitions, friendship bracelet tricks)
During my visits, I’ve personally witnessed attempted pickpocketing on the Paris Metro and near the Eiffel Tower. These were non-violent attempts that awareness could prevent.
Terrorism Concerns
France has experienced terrorist incidents in the past. However, the statistical likelihood of being affected is extremely low. Security presence is high at major attractions and transportation hubs.
Safety By City/Region
Paris
Paris requires the same street smarts you’d use in any major global city:
- Stay alert in crowded areas and on public transportation
- Be particularly careful around major tourist sites (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sacré-Cœur)
- The metro is generally safe but watch for pickpockets, especially on lines serving tourist attractions
- Areas to be more cautious: parts of the 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements at night, particularly around Barbès-Rochechouart and Château Rouge
Outside these areas, Paris feels quite safe even late at night.
Nice and the French Riviera
The Riviera generally feels secure with standard precautions:
- The Promenade des Anglais is well-patrolled and safe
- Beach theft can occur if items are left unattended
- Exercise normal caution in the Old Town at night
Rural France
Small towns and countryside areas are typically very safe with minimal crime concerns. My experiences in Provence, Burgundy, Alsace, and the Alps have all been trouble-free from a safety perspective.
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Specific Safety Considerations
Transportation Safety
France’s transportation is generally very safe:
- Trains and buses are reliable and secure
- Taxis are regulated and safe (use official taxi stands or apps like Uber)
- Road safety is good, though driving in Paris can be challenging
Health Safety
France has excellent healthcare:
- Pharmacies (marked by green crosses) can help with minor issues
- Emergency care is high-quality
- Tap water is safe to drink nationwide
During one trip, I needed antibiotics for an ear infection. The process was straightforward at a walk-in clinic, though I did pay about €80 out of pocket (later reimbursed by travel insurance).
Natural Disasters
France faces few natural disaster risks:
- Occasional flooding in some regions
- Forest fires in southern regions during summer
- Alpine areas may have avalanche risks in winter
Women’s Safety
Female travelers generally report feeling safe in France:
- Solo women can comfortably enjoy cafés, museums, and most neighborhoods
- Street harassment exists but is not significantly worse than other European countries
- Standard precautions apply for late-night travel in urban areas
My female friends who have visited or lived in France consistently report feeling comfortable traveling independently.
Practical Safety Tips From My Experiences
After multiple trips, here’s what I’ve learned works best:
- Use a money belt or neck pouch for passports and extra cash/cards
- Keep minimal valuables in easily accessible pockets
- Be alert at ATMs and cover your PIN
- Avoid the “bracelet scam” near major monuments (people tie string bracelets on your wrist, then demand payment)
- Ignore petition bearers who are often part of pickpocketing teams
- Make copies of important documents and store them separately
- Register with your country’s travel advisory service if available
When Things Go Wrong
France has efficient emergency services:
- 112 is the general emergency number
- 15 for medical emergencies
- 17 for police
- 18 for fire department
If you’re the victim of theft, you’ll need a police report for insurance claims. Tourist areas typically have police stations familiar with handling foreign visitors.
When traveling, make sure you get travel insurance.
Buying it online can save up to 30%!
The Bottom Line on Safety in France
Is France completely free of risk? No place is. But France is among the safer major tourist destinations globally, with risks that are predictable and largely avoidable with awareness.
The most common issues travelers face are petty theft and scams rather than violent crime. With basic precautions, your biggest risks in France are likely to be missed connections, language confusion, or perhaps overindulging in the amazing food and wine.
Do you have specific concerns about certain areas of France or particular aspects of safety? I’d be happy to address them based on my experiences.
When traveling, make sure you get travel insurance.
Buying it online can save up to 30%!
