France Travel Safety

Road safety

Roads in France are well maintained. Drive defensively and obey traffic regulations. Excessive speeding poses a risk.

Precautions

Never leave your bags unsupervised at a ticket office or a registration desk. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Ensure as well that your credit and debit cards, cash and any other financial resources are not all kept in the same place. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash On the road. There is a high frequency of vehicle break-ins. Leave nothing in view in the vehicle and above all do not leave valuable objects, passports and other travel documents, money or credit cards in a vehicle. Use secure parking facilities where available, especially overnight. Be particularly vigilant when renting automobiles, as rented vehicles are a target of choice. Theft of parked cars or their contents is particularly common on beach roads in the south of France and at highway rest stops throughout the country, especially during the summer when there are a high number of travellers. Always be suspicious if individuals signal for you to stop on the highway. Drivers are often tricked into stopping their cars by thieves who either obstruct the road or distract the driver (for example, by flashing their headlights). They may also pretend that you have a flat tire (which they sometimes puncture themselves). Once the vehicle is stopped, the thieves seize the opportunity to steal a bag or other valuable objects. Aggravated thefts sometimes occur at isolated rest stops along highways. Be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights, as bags are often snatched from the front passenger seat by thieves travelling on scooters. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times. Victims of crime If you are robbed, go to the nearest commissariat de police (police station) to report the crime. They will provide you with a declaration of theft. Keep a copy of this document, as you will need it if you require a new passport or wish to make an insurance claim. If the theft occurred in the metro, you may ask for assistance from a metro agent, who will direct you to the nearest police station.

Public transportation

Major cities have an effective public transportation system and are served by an extensive intercity rail network. Occasional strike action and migrant activity in and around Calais can cause delays when using cross-channel services to travel to and from the United Kingdom. Contact your transportation carrier for up-to-date information and monitor local news.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis and do not share them with strangers.

Women's safety

France is generally safe, however women should exercise normal precautions during travel.

Fraud

Fraud is committed with credit card and ATM usage in France. Be careful when using your debit or credit card. Be vigilant when your cards are handled by other people for a payment. Use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business. Avoid card readers with an irregular aspect. Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN. Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.

Crime

Petty crimes (pickpocketing and purse snatching) occur in large cities and the following areas: major tourist areas department stores, train and bus stations, public transportation. Purse snatchers operate both on foot and motorcycle. These thieves are very skilled and often work in groups. Limit the use of mobile phones while taking public transportation, to avoid attracting attention. There have been reports of violent attacks on tourists by groups of young people. These usually take place at night around major tourist attractions and railway stations in Paris, the trains (RER) connecting Paris to its suburbs and at main railway stations in other large cities.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks. Expect increased security measures and police/military presence at all points of entry (road, rail, sea and air) and in public areas. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In France, separate attacks causing multiple deaths and injuries have taken place. The attacks were indiscriminate and targeted public places, including an entertainment venue, restaurants and tourist sites. While the majority of attacks have occurred in Paris and surrounding areas, the likelihood of an attack elsewhere in France cannot be ruled out. Further attacks in Europe are also likely. Targets could include: government buildings (including schools), places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.

LGBT

France has frequently been named one of the most gay friendly countries in the world. Paris has been named by many publications as one of the most gay friendly cities in the world and have a thriving LGBT community and nightlife.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Driving

You must be at least 18 years of age to drive a car in France. you should carry an International Driving Permit. Speed limits and other driving regulations may be strictly enforced through heavy, on-the-spot fines and the confiscation of a driver's licence. Numerous roadside cameras have been installed to help enforce traffic regulations. Radar detection systems are prohibited. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless the device is fitted with a hands-free device. Traffic must yield to vehicles entering an intersection from the right even if they are entering from smaller roads. Traffic in a roundabout has priority over vehicles trying to enter it (that is, priority switches to vehicles from the left). Penalties for drinking and driving are severe, especially when an incident causes death. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. A reflective vest and warning triangle are mandatory in all vehicles.