France

Officially French Republic, French France or République Française, country of northwestern Europe.

France

France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is famed for its fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its wines and sophisticated cuisine. Lascaux’s ancient cave drawings, Lyon’s Roman theater and the vast Palace of Versailles attest to its rich history.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
0044 207 008 1500

Post-pandemic travel advice

Coronavirus has changed the way we view travel. Click here to read the latest safety tips and advice.

Details


Before visiting any country make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.

  • Emergency Services: 112
  • Language: French
  • Currency: Euro
  • Capital City: Paris
  • Country Code: FR
  • Travel Visa: None required
  • Population: 65,436,552
  • Driving: Right hand side

Risk Level


Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;

Overall Risk 34%
Pickpickets 73%
Mugging 16%
Common Crimes 36%

Travellers Tips


Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.

France

  • What are the most common crimes in France?

    House theft is a problem in France, when in accommodation keep your door locked and always keep your belongings in a secure location.

    Mugging is on the increase throughout France, although it’s still relatively rare in most cities.

    Pick pocketing can be an issue in crowded areas, keep your bags closed and secure at all times, when eating in restaurants and cafes outside make sure your bag is securely fastened around a chair or table leg.

  • What are the top safety tips for France?

    If you find that hard or do not understand the dialects at least learn to recognise them when written down. Knowing what the sign is for a bus stop, cafe, phone, police or hostel could be very helpful, particularly when arriving somewhere at night.

    Try not to wear highly visible expensive jewellery this could make you a target for opportunists. Be aware when going out on a night out, always travel with someone or take a taxi.

    Politics can be a delicate subject in France, when walking around the city try not to wear clothing that makes a specific statement, for example from a political movement and avoid the subject in general conversation.

    Hiring a car or driving in France can be a challenging experience, be aware that you have to drive on the right hand side of the road. This can often be harder if you are using a right hand drive car. Speeding can results in on-the-spot fines. Make sure you have enough euros to cover the charges.

  • What’s the best time to travel to France?

    Summer and Autumn are the best seasons for weather, the tourist season runs from May to September.

    Spring: 16ºC

    Summer: 26ºC

    Autumn: 18ºC

    Winter: 12ºC

  • Are there any customs & traditions in the UK?

    Introductions

    When you’re introduced to a French person, you should say ‘good day, Sir/Madam – bonjour madame/ monsieur and shake hands. Salut (hi or hello) is used only among close friends and young people. When saying goodbye, it’s a formal custom to shake hands again.

    Kissing and greeting

    It is customary amongst French people to kiss on both cheeks when meeting, a delicate brushing of the cheeks usually the left side first accompanied by a kissing noise.

Improve Your Safety

Knowledge The more you have the better equipped you are.

Research is always number one. Any place you choose to visit usually has something about it that makes us want to find out more, ultimately the more you know the better your experience.

Awareness The more you see the safer you become.

Armed with the knowledge of the possible risks, common crimes and safety advice, your raised awareness and enables you to spot possible hazardous situations before they unfold.

Response The right reaction can change a situation.

How you handle a situation is very important and can dramatically change the outcome. If you have recognised the potential dangers early enough it will give you time to process and decide on the best course of action… Find Out More

For more country specific travel & safety information, please visit the Travel Aware website by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Towns & Cities

  • Glossy canal in Annecy

    Annecy

    Situated in Southeastern France, Annecy is an alpine town that holds plenty of character. From cobbled streets, to twisting canals, there is so much heritage to explore. It is the city for adventure, exploring life on the mountains and surrounding lakes.

    Read more
  • Dark blue ocean with buildings off the coast

    Antibes

    As a resort town, Antibes lies between Cannes and Nice. From its 16th Century character, this city embraces its history in every aspect of its monuments. Bordering the ocean front, it is home to yachts that are moored at the Port Vauban marina.

    Read more
  • Window with planet outside it

    Dijon

    Dijon is one of France’s most appealing cities. Filled with culture and heritage, it is a city that holds character and charm. From medieval to Renaissance buildings, it is a centre for historic stories. As a well connected city, there is so much to explore and see.

    Read more
  • Looking out from the foliage towards Grenoble

    Grenoble

    In the region of southeastern France, Grenoble is located in the mountains between the Drac and Isére rivers. Home to winter sports, this is a visit for family fun and seasonal travel. The city pictures 18th century character on its slops, where historic museums lay open.

    Read more
  • Bright blue waters with a small island out to sea

    Marseille

    Marseille is a port city in southern France. The city holds history having been a former fishmonger land, being at the heart of the Vieux-Port. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the city is home to lots of activities and scenic routes.

    Read more