In a word, Yes, France is generally safe if you’re thinking of a solo trip, either for men or women. But you should be mindful of the places you go and your surroundings, like you’d do anywhere in the world.
Hence, just a piece of advice: don’t get lost in the awe of a new culture and place. Just follow the safety precautions and roam around at your own pace.
That’s not all; we’re going to have a detailed discussion on the safety issues and emergency numbers for your solo trip to France.
Keep reading to find out.
Key Takeaways:
Learn some basic French language and etiquette to blend in easily.
Have the emergency numbers saved for any sudden situations or accidents.
Get travel insurance and enroll in the STEP program for a secured solo trip and peace of mind.
Is France Safe for a Solo Trip?
The straightforward answer is YES.
In fact, comparatively, some of the world’s safest areas are in France, including Paris. This makes it a go-to destination for solo female travelers too.
But, obviously, You need to stay aware of your surroundings, as you would anywhere.
Why France Is Safe for Solo Travel?
Now that you know that France is safe to travel alone, naturally, you’re thinking: why?
Well, here are some reasons why you should actually think about going to France alone at least once:
The atmosphere is friendly. Despite the “rude myth” French people are usually welcoming to solo travelers. And it might even open up opportunities for meaningful interactions and new friendships.
Transportation is super efficient. France has a well-connected and reliable public transportation system that is great for moving around the country with ease and safety. They recently introduced a new addition to high-speed trains alongside SNCF that are super fast, covering the capital Paris, and other major cities.
The crime rate is 73% lower than in the UK. Compared to many other countries, France has relatively low crime rates, particularly in its major cities, providing a sense of security for solo explorers.
You have your own time. Traveling alone in France allows you to fully blend yourself into the French way of life, from enjoying a leisurely meal at a local bistro to exploring historical sites at your own pace.
Roaming at your own pace. You get to plan your journey as you wish. Whether you want to spend a day just strolling around the streets or taking a day trip, it’s totally up to you.
Connecting to yourself and others too. Solo travel in France is not just about sightseeing; it’s also about knowing a new culture and discovering the world—and yourself—in a safe and welcoming environment.
Safety Concerns Specific to Solo Travelers
As with any other place, scams or thieves targeting tourists, especially solo female travelers, can happen in France too. So, being alert is a must!
- It’s safer not to take any drinks from a stranger as it’s a classic “safety first rule”.
- Be very clear in your intentions. Cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. For example, that friendly American expression can be misinterpreted in France as flirtation. So, speak your mind clearly.
- For overnight train journeys, there are special compartments designated for women and families for added comfort and safety.
- If you’re a female traveler, opt for female-only hostels. Many hostels in France offer female-only rooms, providing a sense of security and camaraderie with fellow female travelers.
12 Essential Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in France
Although France prides itself on having lower violent crime rates compared to other European countries, travelers should be aware of petty crimes that may happen anywhere.
We made a list of safety tips so you can effectively avoid any kind of risk that may come your way.
1. Always Research Before You Go
It’s pretty interesting, too. Yes, you get to research & learn about the most attractive solo travel destinations in France.
In other words, take enough time to learn about local customs and cultural norms too. It will come in handy.
2. Know the Language Basics
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local language.
Why? Well, communicating with the locals will be much easier if you know some common French words and phrases, and follow some basic etiquette. For example, here are some basic French words and phrases to get by:
- Hello – Bonjour
- Goodbye – Au revoir
- Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous anglais
- Thank you – Merci
- No – Non
- Yes – Oui
- Please – S’il vous plaît (pronounced, seel voo pleh)
- How much? – Combien?
- The bill – L’addition (pronounced, Lah-dee-sy-ohn)
- Where is the bathroom? – Où se trouvent les toilettes?
3. Have Emergency Contact Info on Hand
In case of any uncomfortable or threatening situation, the emergency contacts of police officers, bystanders, or residents can help you immediately.
Hence, make sure to cave the emergency contact numbers in case you need them:
- For medical emergencies, dial 15 to reach SAMU (Service d’Aide Médicale Urgente), which provides ambulance services and immediate medical assistance.
- Dial 18 to contact the French fire brigade, known as Sapeurs-Pompiers.
- Dial 17 to reach the police, either the Gendarmerie or Police Nationale.
- Dial 112 to reach the European emergency number. It’s for all emergency services but is particularly useful for travelers from other EU countries. Plus, it’s a free dial from any phone, including mobile phones. It has English-speaking operators too.
Emergency contacts are also helpful in getting back your lost wallet, passport, debit card, or precious jewelry.
4. Ensure Safety in Public Transportation
Though public transportation in France is highly safe, you should be watchful of your surroundings and belongings.
Be wise about choosing the mode of transport when traveling alone. Avoid empty bus, and overnight trains, especially at night.
For any uncomfortable situation, seek help from other passengers or police officers. And, don’t be engaged with strangers who seem very persistent.
5. Choose Accommodation Carefully
Hotels in major cities like Nice and Paris cost more than in less-touristy spots like Bordeaux.
The costs are considerably higher in the summer months when France has the most crowds. So, you can consider visiting between October and March, the off-season, if you plan for a budget trip.
“The best time to travel is between May and September, when the weather is the most beautiful.”
Lastly, remember to book as far in advance as possible to get the best deals for accommodation. And look for hotels that especially cater to solo travelers like yourself.
6. Packing Essentials for a Safe Solo Travel
Here is a list of the top essentials to pack for a safe solo trip in France:
Pack protective gear and safety tools. Keep a reflective vest and a warning triangle for emergencies. A first aid kit can also be handy for minor injuries. Also, consider an anti-theft backpack to protect your belongings.
Bring winter essentials. Pack warm clothes, hoodies, hand gloves, goggles, and a hat for extra warmth and protection.
Keep your necessary items like passport, smartphone, debit card, and wallet safe in a backpack or crossbody bag that is close to your body. And only carry a little cash with you everywhere you go. Store your necessary documents and valuables in a secure place in your hotel room.
Dress like a local. Blend in with the locals by wearing French clothing. For women, jeans, skinny pants, jackets, striped shirts, or silky tops work well. Whereas, men can opt for polo shirts or button-down shirts for a smart look.
7. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
If you don’t feel safe around somebody, move to a crowded area and seek help from other people or police officers. Also, trust your instincts when something doesn’t seem okay to you.
Although it’s pretty unpredictable, try to avoid scams and unwanted attention by being involved in unnecessary conversation.
Just don’t get lost in the excitement or illusion of a new place. Be mindful, be yourself, and enjoy the solo trip, you’ll be fine. Again, you have emergency numbers with you by now, so there’s help.
8. Stay in Well-Lit Areas at Night
Avoid roaming around isolated areas and poorly lit or dark areas. Crimes like theft, robbery, or pickpocketing happen more often in secluded areas at night. Hence, try to stick to busy and crowded places as much as possible.
9. Stay Informed on Local News
The area of France where you’re planning to go, stay updated on that locality’s news, such as protests, or security and tourist advisories from authorities.
It might save you from any future troubles or inconveniences. Also, you can make an informed decision about where you want to go.
10 Enroll in STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP, offers free services to US citizens when traveling abroad by enrolling them at the local US consulate.
So, in case of any emergency, the US consulate in France or anywhere else can contact you or you can contact them and get free help. So, make sure to get enrolled in the STEP program to get the protection of home while traveling solo in France.
11. Get A Travel Insurance
Although not 100% essential, travel insurance might save you extra troubles when traveling solo in France.
A travel insurance policy will cover the following needs:
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Medical expenses for accident and sickness
- Trip cancellation, delay, or interruption
- Compensation for your lost baggage and personal effects
Some travel insurance covers medical expenses up to $250,000 so that’s a great deal right there. Also, some travel insurance can cover your car rental expenses too. So, it’ll make things easier in the case of unforeseen events.
12. Share Your Location with A Friend
Life is unpredictable, especially on a solo journey. So, in case something were to happen, make sure to share your location and itinerary with someone.
It can be a trusted friend or a family member. This might be useful, for example, when you’re in a low-network area, a friend who knows your last location can contact the police or relevant authorities on your behalf.
Closing Speech
So, are you still wondering if it is safe to travel alone in France? Well, have some faith. The verdict is clear—oui, c’est sûr! Yes, it is safe!
With its welcoming ambiance and traveler-friendly environment, France is certainly one of the best destinations for solo travelers.
Think of all the fun and amazing places you’ll get to visit, and that’ll clear out all the confusion.
Last but not least, make sure to plan ahead, follow the safety precautions, and, mostly, enjoy your solo trip, and you’ll be okay.
After all, you should not give yourself any chance to regret it later on, right?
Bon voyage, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is France safe to travel alone as a woman?
Yes! France is very much safe for solo female travelers. However, use safety precautions anywhere you go. And be careful about your belongings on public transportation and avoid dark, empty corners, especially at night.
Is France safe for American travelers?
Well, they are. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing should be the primary concern of solo travelers.
Are bed bugs a problem in Paris?
Bed bugs are a common problem in hotels everywhere, including Paris. And they are mostly found in Paris metro seats, buses, movie theaters, and hotel rooms.
How do the French feel about American tourists?
French people are very welcoming to people from other countries, including America. However, there are local customs, expectations, and norms that tourists from the US often ignore, but the French never show any hatred for the English.
Is Uber safe in Paris?
Uber is a safe and reliable travel medium in Paris if you are visiting for the first time. You can order and manage your communication with the driver using the app
Can we drink tap water in Paris?
Yes, tap water in Paris is safe to drink. In fact, it meets all kinds of high-quality standards and EU regulations.
