France is a mostly safe place for travelers. However, theft, pickpockets and scam artists are common. Here are our tips to help you travel safely.
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- How safe is France?
- Crime in France
- Is Paris safe?
- Crime on the French Mediterranean
- Crime in regional France
- Civil unrest in France
- Airport taxi theft in France
- M'aidez or else: France's “Good Samaritan law”
How safe is France?
France is the most-visited country in the world, attracting 100 million international visitors in 2024. But is it safe to travel to France right now?
France is a relatively safe country. In the 2024 Global Peace Index, France ranked 87 out of 163 countries. In the Global Terrorism Index, France ranked 2.7 on a scale of one to 10, lower than the US or Germany but slightly higher than the UK. The US State Department has France at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory, citing increased threat of terrorism and civil unrest.
However, violent crime involving travelers is very rare. Theft is the most likely risk to visitors – a steady stream of unassuming travelers makes for an easy bunch of targets.
Find out where you should be more cautious and how to keep yourself and your belongings safe while traveling in France.
Crime in France
Overall, the crime rate in France is on the increase. The most common crimes directed at travelers include petty theft such as pickpocketing, vehicle smash-and-grabs, and residential break-ins.
To avoid trouble, follow these general safety tips:
- Carry only the money you need for the day and leave extra cash, valuables, and important documents in a secure place at your accommodation (ideally, a safe in your room).
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
- Always keep a close eye on your wallet, purse, and luggage.
- When on the street, stash money, credit cards, and other valuables safely in a money belt or inside pocket.
- Minimize use of your smartphone out on the street or on public transit, so you stay aware of your surroundings.
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers when possible and avoid taking out cash at night.
- Avoid dimly lit or deserted streets at night and ask your hotel or hostel staff about neighborhoods to steer clear of.
- Be especially vigilant in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
- Never leave your drink unattended as drink spiking has been known to happen.
- Much of the violent crime in France is centered around drug trafficking. It goes without saying you should avoid any interaction with drug dealers or illegal drugs.
Emergency numbers in France
- Police: 112
- Medical emergencies: 112
- Fire and rescue services: 112
Is Paris safe?
While traveling around Paris and visiting the parks during daytime, travelers will feel very safe. Nighttime, however, is a different story. The beautiful, manicured gardens of the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes can be more dangerous when the sun sets. It's much wiser to stick to well-lit thoroughfares when enjoying the city in the evening.
Avoiding pickpockets in Paris
Anywhere that attracts tourists will attract thieves. More petty theft happens in Paris than any other part of France.
Be careful around Madeleine, Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur church at the artists' area of Montemarte, L'Opera, Les Halles and the George Pompidou Center, the Porte de Clingnancourt flea market, and of course, anywhere near the Eiffel Tower, including inside the crowded lifts that take you to the top.
If you are dining at a street-side cafe or restaurant, keep your bag and valuables secure. Don't hang your bag over the back of your seat or leave your bag/wallet on a table. It's a quick grab for any passing opportunistic thief.
Even shopping in Paris's department stores can pose a risk – and not just to your credit card limit. There have been reported bag snatches and theft in stores such as Printemps and the magnificent Galleries Lafayette. People who leave their wallets or credit cards on cashier counters during transactions have turned to find them gone. Never let your belongings out of sight.
Pickpockets on the Paris Metro and RER (regional) trains
The Metro and RER stations are always busy. Keep a firm hold of your bag and wallet, day or night.
Pickpockets are highly organized and skilled. What may feel like someone brushing past you or bumping you in a crowd could be a practiced thief after your valuables.
A common method used by theives is to grab your bag or wallet and jump on/off the train just as the doors are closing.
Use particular caution at these Metro and train stations: Chatelet, Les Halles, Trocadero, Tuileries, Anvers, Bir-Hakeim, Charles de Gaulle-Etoile, Saint-Michelle / Notre-Dame, Montparnasse, Gare du Nord, Auber-Opera-Harve Caumartin, Concorde, Strasbourg-Saint Denis, Republique, Bastille, Nation, and Gare de Lyon.
Crime on the French Mediterranean
While Paris is the haven for pickpockets, petty theft also takes place in other large cities or touristy areas. And violent crime is more common in the south, particularly the Cote d'Azure city of Marseille.
Drug-related gang violence is on the rise in Marseille, with rival gangs competing for the biggest slice of the market. Gun crime is common, but rarely a threat to visitors.
Thefts from vehicles are common on beach roads in the south of France, so avoid leaving anything of value in your car. At traffic lights, keep windows up and doors locked, as thieves on scooters have been known to snatch bags and other valuables from passengers.
Planning a trip to France? Find out how travel insurance can help in case of unexpected illness, lost or stolen baggage, or other travel mishaps.
Crime in regional France
As a traveler, the specific areas where you should exercise caution are at automated service stations in isolated areas and at rest areas on motorways. It is advised not to sleep in these rest areas or in unauthorized campsites on the outskirts of cities.
Rental vehicles are often targeted for theft, even in small towns, so avoid leaving valuables in your car.
Be extra vigilant of your belongings at the military cemeteries around Normandy, especially in summer. Tourists from around the world visit these World War I and II historic sites that attract local thieves.
Civil unrest in France
France is notorious for its planned protests and strikes that grind the city to a halt. In 2023, unrest flared up across the nation in response to the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by police, causing the worst series of riots in two decades.
Stay away from any demonstrations or political rallies as they have the potential to turn violent.
Airport taxi theft in France
Thieves often target taxis carrying tourists or wealthy locals from Charles de Gaulle International Airport into the city.
The traffic to and from the airport is often completely jammed along the A1 highway. Thieves wait until the taxi is stationary and break the windows to get to the passengers' bags.
Keep your luggage in the boot of the cab or take the Roissybus shuttle bus from the airport.
M'aidez or else: France's “Good Samaritan law”
In France, it is a criminal offence not to attempt to help someone who has been a victim of crime (provided doing so doesn’t put you in danger). At minimum, you could summon assistance by calling for help.
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