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Update January 10, 2024

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France Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, france - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in France due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Incidents such as pickpocketing and phone snatchings occur frequently and can happen anywhere, especially in crowded areas such as airports, train stations, subway and train cars, and near tourist attractions.

Peaceful demonstrations and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France occur regularly and can disrupt transportation. On rare occasions, demonstrations have included violence and property damage and police have responded with water cannons and tear gas.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to France.

If you decide to travel to France:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and large crowded public venues.
• Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
• Find a safe location and shelter in place if unable to leave the vicinity of a demonstration.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for France.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Is Paris Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

France : Safety by City

• Montpellier

Besides being the most visited tourist destination and the most beautiful city in world, Paris is cosmopolitan city located in the north of France on the river Seine and is home to the world’s finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L’Oréal, Clarins.

Paris is visited by over 30 million tourists every year and many people consider it the most romantic of all cities.

It has a nickname “the city of light” and is the center of culture, art, fashion, food, and design.

• Warnings & Dangers in Paris

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The police are doing their best to make Paris a safe place to live and travel, but the number of tourists attracts a lot of pickpockets on the city’s streets. The overall risk is medium, but still, you need to remain cautious as in any other tourist destination in the world.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Pedestrians need to pay attention when crossing streets because drivers can be very aggressive in Paris. Cars can be even found in pedestrian-only areas. If you decide to come with your car, be aware that driving in Paris is dangerous and there are limited Parking spaces. When traveling by taxi, determine the price before getting in the taxi, since Paris taxi drivers to overcharge tourists. There might be some risk while taking public transport in Paris.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is the most common crime in Paris targeting tourists, so take care of your possessions, especially in trains, metro stations, and any popular tourist areas. You can protect yourself by having less than $100 in cash with you at a time and using your hotel room safe. Never leave your bags or valuables unattended because they might be considered a security threat and can be destroyed by security officials.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Except for a few avalanche risks and floods, there are not any more serious natural hazards in Paris.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Paris is a very safe city when the serous crime acts are in question, so the mugging and kidnapping risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

The high terrorist threat exists in the whole of Europe and in Paris too, since it is the most visited capital and a very attractive one to the terrorists. Due to recent terrorist attacks, Authorities advise people to STAY ALERT and follow their advice. Terrorism is special threat to British travelers and open spaces or demonstrations should be avoided since that attracts the Islamist terrorist group.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

A lot of scammers in Paris try to take advantage of tourists. The most famous tricks are “gold ring” tricks when somebody pretends to find a ring in front of you and demand money for it, fake petitions, groups of teenagers offering help with your luggage. Be especially aware around Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Even though Paris is safe for women travelers, when traveling alone, they should avoid areas around metro Les Halles, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, and Jaures particularly late at night and should stay in well-lit areas. Eye contact with a man is considered as an invitation to make advances.

• So... How Safe Is Paris Really?

Paris is such a great city because it offers the tourist a chance to go to almost every part of the city without being afraid of mugging, kidnapping or any other type of serious crime.

Paris is one of the safer cities in Europe and the biggest problem one may face while in Paris is pickpockets and scammers.

Pickpockets are likely to be found in any area with large crowds, such as train stations and large department stores.

The police are professional and do its best to make Paris even safer, but you still need to practice common sense.

• How Does Paris Compare?
• Useful Information

As in any other European country which belongs to the European Union, the visas are not required for stays under 90 days for the visitors that do not belong to the European Union, while the EU nationals are permitted to stay in the country as long as they want. A valid passport is a must.

The official currency in France is the Euro. The ATMs should be used with care and you need to pay attention to your surroundings when you withdraw money. Paris is one of the very expensive capital cities.

Paris has a maritime climate. The winters are cool and summers are warm. In January, the temperatures are 6°C without frequent snow. Summers in Paris are warm and pleasant and that is the best part of the year to visit it.

There are many airport options when coming to Paris since you can use any of the international airports such as Aéroport de Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Aéroport de Bordeaux, Aéroport de Lille, Aéroport International Strasbourg, Aéroport Lyon-St Exupéry, Aéroport Marseille-Provence, Aéroport Nantes Atlantique, Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur, and Aéroport Toulouse-Blagnac.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance which will cover medical problems, theft, and loss of personal items is essential in any country, as well as in France. Travelers usually purchase travel insurance along with their plane tickets.

Paris Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

France - Safety by City

Explore paris.

• 10 Things to Do in Paris With Kids
• Airbnbs in Downtown Paris to Be Banned?
• Top 4 Most Expensive Hotels in Paris
• Where to Next?

37 Reviews on Paris

It is just awful , people are trying to mug you , you just cant walk and feel safe near the refuges , smell of piss is everywhere , Paris was the most beautiful city I have ever visited , but right now I would not recommend to anyone to go near it .

Probably governed by liberals

I love Paris and I go often. With like any city you just have to be aware of your surroundings. Paris is safer than any American City. The people of Paris are wonderful . The Food is like no other in the world. If you have taste you will love Paris

Don’t come to Paris

I agree and I m French.

Paris is a ghetto nowadays. Be REALLY careful there, and don’t go if you can avoid it. Even the city centre is dangerous now. If what you are looking for is visiting a big European city, there are way better options like London which are way more safe (and beautiful too).

my daughter and her friends visited while in school in europe ,,they were robbed 2x in 2 hours by gangs in train station not non violent pickpockets gangs ……

Dangerous place

Gare du Nord is a horrific place. Swarms of gangs looking for innocent victims to rob. The metro is even worse. Most awful travel experience.

Paris is no longer Paris

Can you believe that Paris has a better safety-rating than Moscow or Ukraine?

I lived in Paristan. It’s 30% safe at best. Such an overly expensive ghetto.

Do NOT go to Gare du Nord.

Do NOT go out at night in town, especially if you are a lady on your own.

AVOID the metro and the RER after dark. Nothing much is open late but kebab shops and halal grocery stores, anyway.

Very sad, I know.

True, Paris needs to clean up its act fast. I went 5 yrs ago, never again. Filthy 3rd world people everywhere. Avoid.

Really Sketchy place

Mugging risk, unlike stated in this article is really high. Just don’t make the wrong turn.

Beware! Pickpockets! Human trafficking! Not safe for solo female travelers!

This rating is way off. Paris is not safe for solo female travelers! Especially young women, even those traveling in pairs. Pickpockets and men pulling at you. Be wary, you could be a victim of human trafficking.

Networks of pickpockets use distraction techniques. Do not take your eyes off your belongings when moving to and from your hotel or rental. You will have to be rude and ignore people who talk to you at times. Hoards of idle men loitering in the streets and especially near metro stations. I was surprised by how many men there were and very few women.

I had my backpack stolen with a computer, hard drives, and pro camera within minutes after arriving – my carry on. Was right at my feet for less than 30 seconds outside my AirBnB in the 18th, before some guy started talking to me – and as I instinctively looked at him for briefly, the other guy grabbed my backpack.

Police told me they can’t keep up with these networks. Found Paris to be a very scary city overall. This is coming from a Chicago native, and very vigilant about safety and belongings. Nothing I could’ve done differently but never take it off or use both belt and chest straps. Thankfully my passport and cards were in an RFID wallet tightly attached.

Lyft/Uber drivers will frequently cancel rides claiming you are a “no-show”, while you get charged the cancel fee – and they get paid.

France is a safe place everywhere except in Paris. You should avoid this city, or stay in rich area. You should discover the real France, not this pathetic third-world city who not belong to France anymore.

Two women felt quite safe

My daughter and I went to Paris recently in summer 2020 and felt quite safe. I would feel worried if my daughter was traveling alone in any large city because she doesn’t have experience with ignoring unwanted attention or requests, nor assessing the level of threat and best response/reaction one should take. However the 2 of us together, we never felt unsafe, with one exception. The exception was COVID-19 in crowded metros, especially with some men speaking loudly to each other with their masks pulled down. In some neighborhoods, there are languages spoken other than french, where the men speak extremely loudly to each other on the sidewalks, forming a sort of corridor that you’d have to walk through. To avoid the risk of contamination, we’d detour around such groups, crossing the street if needed. You have to use common sense and ignore people with weird requests, like asking you to read a postcard or weird stuff, but surprisingly on this visit, those people were non-existant. We visited all the usual tourist spots, traveled on the metro in the evening, and walked a lot, in perfect safety.

Biased review

After reading that page and the one for Shanghai I’m 100% sure the author never visited those cities but instead did little more than naively copy-paste biased reviews from other websites. I am originally from Paris and I live since several years in Shanghai. I find unbelievable a dangerous place like Paris gets higher rate than Shanghai (which is one of the safest city in the world along with Singapore and Tokyo).

You never got the right experience of Shanghai or Paris, sorry ma dude…

Agree with you

Completely agree with you, as another former parisian who moved to China almost 5 years ago. Paris is no longer what it was.

France no longer doing well....

I am french and left the country 20 years ago… for family reasons. The reason why the country drastically changed is due to European borders opening in 2000. The famous Europe! that was supposed to unify…. The rich left and the poor came, But mainly it is due to passive and stupid politicians. They decided to let anybody in and also to let incivility and violence take place. Bad choices, removed also mandatory one year military trainings … a good way to strengthen some minds!! ..Police and teachers are under paid and under respected… i can go on with so many reasons why the country turned bad…Plus Paris attracts more than other cities.

Haven’t been and after reading all of the ratings, I have decided not to go. Stupid politicians and opening the borders sounds familiar (US). Thanks for your input.

you should go,i have been there and it is decently safe,trust me

Beautiful in the centre of the city. But surrounds are some of the worst ghetto suburbs you’ll ever see.

It’s an amazing city to visit, issue is, scams at the Mona Lisa Museum are bound to happen.

Don’t think of Paris as a romantic place for late night walks and everyone is smiling… be safe go elsewhere

It should be more realistic

France is not safe but not because of terrorism but because of France itself

I think thst Paris is super safe and fun

Not at all what we had hoped for

Pretty much in tandem with some of the other travelers! Awful at night, even for a couple traveling together. The whole Parisian vibe we were hoping to experience can pretty much be summed with just one word: overrated. Sure, the pandemic affected the traveling sector but this has happened worldwide. I am referring to the smell, the crowds upon crowds of people, those beady eyes constantly scanning us to look for potential exposed belongings. I don’t know when this became the norm but I know for sure I won’t be coming back anytime soon.

Paris should not be the capital of France anymore, its the terrorism capital of Western Europe.

The safety is much lower than 68. Paris has lot of gun crime even the metro also has lots of crime. In fact, Paris has little peace. The city has lots of ghetto places. Better stick to the place with fewer guns.

Just returned from Paris. I would never visit again. Subways are not safe. Taxis are gross and food is very very expensive. There is absolutely no where to go after dark. I am a 55 year old Dad traveling with my daughters. I was with my 60 year olf brother and his girls. Absolutely run over w trash and filth.

Lived in Paris 22 years ….. i’m safe, thank you. BUT OK. You need to know where, when, whith who, how, you go … it’s not a dangerous place at ALL if you’ve traveled a little … it’s just a capital ….seriously, it’s not so bad, but yes you have to take care of yourself anytime. Like … everywhere ?

Have a Nice trip

Well, I dont like Paris. Some places you don’t see any black people but when you far the Paris everywhere black and you find it white like there’s a needle in a haystack. and a lot bad stuff.

Just so you know, you West asians and north africans overwhelmingly dominate the sector of “bad and problematic” minorities in France and Europe beyond far more than blacks do

What can you expect from a major city?

Remember, Paris is huge. When you have a city of this size, it’s going to have problems. But I’m not sure that the net ratio of problems per capita is any higher than Chicago. Overall, expect large crowds and bad traffic most times, regardless of which part of the city. I personally saw the aftermath of 2 crashes on the road even though I was only there a brief period. Paris is certainly nothing alone the lines of an open war zone, but there are safer cities of similar size elsewhere in the world. Treat it with the same respect you would any metropolis, and you are not likely to be a victim. If you are worried about being pick pocketed, get a chain wallet and Ykooe cell phone holster. If your clothes don’t support wearing a belt, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. For anyone who is not aware… going out to a bar and getting drunk late at night, especially while alone, is an excellent way to make yourself vulnerable, regardless of whether in France or a much safer locale such as Scandinavia. Use common sense…

Only place in the world I have been robbed three times. The first two times I was living in Paris. Children and women are the typical culprits and they are professional. I have been all over Europe, Africa and Asia and only robbed in Paris. This misinformation is why so many traveling to Paris are unprepared, deemed safe because its Europe, not because its actually safe

never again.

We traveled in a large group. After eating in the Georgian restaurant in the Paris center, we where robbed by a black males who ripped off the watches and ran off. Police said don’t wear expensive watches. Overall- durty delipidated city with unfriendly people and nothing interesting created in the 100 years. Go to Asia or Eastern European instead.

Paris is not good to travel

I do not recommend Paris for tourists because of police the Paris police not doing there job well they see there is pickpockets and robbers but they ignore them so why everyone is free to do anything if police do there job that will be the best city for ever i don’t know that police have link with them or what but police is nothing in Paris

Still a pretty safe country to visit. Forget your worries about crime and Emmanuel Macron

My info is probably biased, so it is fine if you get me wrong. I went to Paris and did not sense any insecurity, aside from the strikes and the protests of course. However, you still should be on the lookout for any robbers or pickpockets, as this is common. This year, police efficiency increased, and crimes began to fall. Marseille is still pretty safe, but the number of murders went from somewhere like 32 to 36, so that’s also where police presence increased I think. I semi-agree with what @David above says, but is not like the police don’t want to reduce crime rates (some police officers are like that), they are not told to enough, and political correctness made by “Mr Unnecessary,” aka Macron is to blame!

Visited this November, and had a great time. Felt safe everywhere I went I just saw a few scams from gypsies’ girls. If you don’t talk to them you are fine.

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Article Contents

• Paris : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Is It Safe in Paris?

For first-time and repeat visitors, Paris casts an idyllic glow that promises a quintessentially French experience and the city is generally safe for tourists as long as you stay cognizant of pickpockets and scammers. These petty thieves tend to prey on tourists in crowded parts of the city, in restaurants, and on the metro.

Paris has also been the target of terrorist attacks in the past and the U.S. State Department warns that travelers should "practice increased caution" in the city, as well as other parts of France .   It's also worth noting that while Paris and the whole of France are considered to be quite progressive places, there's a chance that BIPOC, Muslim, Jewish, and LGBTQ+ travelers could encounter discrimination or harassment. However, many note that these kinds of offenses are more likely to happen outside of the main touristic areas.

Is Paris Dangerous?

Paris has seen terrorist attacks in the past, but it is not a daily reality for the city. For the average traveler, pickpocketing is the most prevalent form of crime that targets tourists in the French capital. As a consequence, you should always be vigilant with your personal affairs, especially in crowded areas such as trains, metro stations, and any popular tourist areas. If you find yourself in an unsafe part of the city after dark, such as the suburbs north of Paris, you should refrain from wearing highly-visible jewelry or clothing that may identify you as a member of a religion or political movement.

Is Paris Safe for Solo Travelers?

Paris is a great city for solo travelers and it's very safe when walking around during the day. However, solo travelers, especially women, should stay vigilant when walking around at night and stick to well-lit areas. Especially when traveling alone, avoid areas around metro Les Halles, Pigalle, Gare du Nord, Stalingrad, and Jaures late at night or when the streets appear empty. While generally safe, these areas have at times been known to harbor gang activity or to be the site of hate crimes.   If it is very late at night, you would be wise to take a taxi instead of the metro. Women should avoid smiling at or making prolonged eye contact with men they do not know: in France, this is could be interpreted as an invitation to make advances.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Paris is an extremely liberal city and LGBTQ+ travelers generally have no issues while walking around the city center and exploring the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene , but that doesn't necessarily mean that homophobia doesn't exist in the city and there have been a few troubling incidents of violence in the past. Paris is the city of love but unfortunately, judgment-free public displays of affection are still a privilege that heterosexual couples take for granted. Although LGBTQ+ couples can generally feel safe expressing themselves in gay-friendly neighborhoods like the Marais and even at major tourist attractions, there is always a slight risk of encountering homophobia from a passerby.

Safety Tips for BIPOC, Jewish, and Muslim Travelers

Paris may have a reputation for being a progressive and diverse city and is generally a safe and accepting city. However, BIPOC, Jewish, and Muslim travelers should be aware of any recent incidents that might indicate a rise of intolerance in Paris. Paris is a diverse city made up of immigrant communities from all over the world, approximately 30 percent of which come from African countries.   For BIPOC travelers, visiting Paris is generally pretty safe, although there was a rise in racism against Asians after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Paris has one of Europe's largest and most vibrant Jewish histories and communities, and Jewish travelers should feel safe in a city that in many quarters and instances celebrates Jewish culture. Although in 2018 the French Interior Ministry reported a 28 percent increase in antisemitic attacks   on Jewish places of worship and business in Paris, no attacks on tourists of the Jewish faith have been reported.

France has one of the largest Muslim communities in Europe   and while reports show that Islamophobia is on the rise in France, Paris tends to be more accepting than the rest of the country. Generally, travelers say that Paris is Muslim-friendly   but it's worth remembering that the subject of religious head and face coverings is still a heated topic in France. Since 2010, it is illegal in France to wear a burqa, and Muslim women are sometimes harassed in Paris for wearing a hijab.  

Safety Tips for Travelers

• Never leave your bags or valuables unattended in the metro, bus, or other public areas. Not only do you risk theft by doing so, but unattended bags may be considered a security threat and can be immediately destroyed by security officials.
• Money belts are excellent ways to protect yourself. Also, avoid having more than $100 in cash with you at a time. If your hotel room includes a safe, consider using it to store valuables or cash. 
• Pedestrians should be especially careful while crossing streets and busy intersections. Drivers can be very aggressive in Paris and traffic laws are frequently broken. Even when the light is green, take extra caution while crossing the street. Also watch out for cars in certain areas that seem pedestrian-only (and perhaps are, in theory).
• When traveling by taxi, make sure to verify the minimum price of the taxi ride before getting in the taxi. It is not uncommon for Paris taxi drivers to overcharge unsuspecting tourists, so be sure to watch the meter, and ask questions if you must. Also, giving the driver a suggested route ahead of time with the aid of a map is a good idea.

U.S. Department of State . "France Travel Advisory."

Tripadvisor. "Paris: Safety on the Metro (RATP and RER)." Retrieved on December 22, 2020.

Sud Quest. " Qui sont les nouveaux immigrés qui vivent en France ? " February 12, 2014.

BBC News. " Coronavirus: French Asians hit back at racism with "I'm not a virus ." January 29, 2020.

The JC. "Antisemitic attacks surge in Paris." February 9, 2018.

Pew Research Center. " Europe's Growing Muslim Population ." November 29, 2017.

Mr. & Mrs. Halal. " The Most Handy Paris Travel Guide For Muslim Travelers ." July 30, 2018.

CBS. "France will still ban Islamic face coverings even after masking." May 12, 2020.

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Home » Europe » France » Paris

Is Paris Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Paris is the City of Love; it’s the home of the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the freaky catacombs, too. Even the graveyards are famous in Paris: Père Lachaise Cemetery for one.

It’s easy to think of beloved cultural icons like Paris as these shiny little slices of paradise where bad things never happen. For better or worse, Paris is still a major capital city and with that comes city problems. There are petty theft and reports of violent crime. But tourists often struggle to gauge how likely they are to be affected by these things.

In fact, you may be wondering, “ is Paris safe to visit right now? ”

That is why we have created this epic guide to staying safe in Paris. We are going to help you travel smartly and avoid the dregs of Paris.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or with your family, you’ll find some useful information in our tips and tricks for your visit in one of the most romantic cities.

From driving around the city to the famous Parisian food, or travelling as a solo female backpacker, we’ve listed up a couple of do’s and don’ts to make your trip to Paris enjoyable, and most importantly, as safe as possible.

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How Safe is Paris? (Our take)

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Paris pretty much speaks for itself as a destination, right? It’s France’s capital city and a world-famous city, after all! And that’s for a good reason: world-renowned museums, good food, beautiful architecture. Millions of tourists are drawn into the city every year, making Paris one of the most popular vacation destinations worldwide. Most backpacking trips to Paris end trouble-free.

But it’s not all quite as romantic as you’d think.

There’s a lot of pickpocketing going on, not to mention criminal gangs and some big protests. For all its grandeur, Paris is still a big city and suffers from big-city problems.

Generally speaking, France is a safe country to visit and Paris is not an exception to this. Of course, you need to have a general sense of awareness about your surroundings, but you won’t likely be in immediate danger. The biggest risk while travelling Paris is petty theft.

As a well-developed European city, there might be thefts here and there, but the living standard is still very high. It does pay to keep an eye on the news though, and if you don’t want to get caught up in a large protest, keep off the streets when the French get a bee in their bonnet.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Paris Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Paris. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Paris.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

Most backpackers to France pass through Paris at some point.

40 million tourists visited the city in 2018, which makes Paris the most popular destination for vacation in Europe.

While there have been terrorist attacks over the years in Paris – and while they garner a lot of media attention – the likelihood of one happening while you visit Paris is low. There have been new measures put in place to mitigate the consequences of these attacks as well.

As in many big cities, there are issues for women as well – for example, groping on the metro can be a problem. My personal way of dealing with assholes is to call them out and publicly shame them. But that doesn’t work for everyone. The other thing is, assholes aren’t unique to Paris, so they aren’t a reason to miss out on seeing one of the world’s greatest cities.

The yellow vest movement, an anti-government demonstration, used to be a real safety problem in Paris, but the number of protests has pretty much died down.

These protests are noteworthy because they often take place around popular tourist sites – e.g. the Arc du Triumph – and they sometimes turn violent, too. Trying to find out when protests are scheduled (usually at the weekend) is a good idea. Also, consider avoiding the Champs Élysées during these days.

We’re saying Paris is very safe to visit right now but expectations will still need to be tempered .

Paris is very safe in most areas. The only thing you might have to worry about is pickpocketing thieves around the tourist spots. As long as you keep your eyes open, you’ll be safe in Paris no matter where you stay. However, we’ve listed the three best districts below.

Le Marais – 3rd and 4th Arrondissement

Le Marais is a historic district located on Paris’ right bank. An excellent destination for art lovers, Le Marais is home to some of the finest art galleries and most interesting museums on the planet. Since the overall vibe is more relaxed, you’ll almost be safe from the Paris pickpocketing threat.

Eiffel Tower – 7th Arrondissement

Of course, we’ll have to feature the 7th Arrondissement with the famous attraction – the Eiffel Tower. This district is ideal for sightseeing as everything is practically in walking distance. However, this means that you’ll have to be more aware of pickpocketing and petty theft. Just keep your eyes open and stay aware of your surroundings and you’ll be perfectly fine.

Saint-Germain-des-Pres – 6th Arrondissement

This can be considered as one of the safest districts in Paris. It’s suited for families and culture lovers thanks to its peaceful vibe and plenty of activities. Brimming with history, culture, art and cuisine, this centrally located neighbourhood is home to upscale art galleries, iconic museums, world-class restaurants and brand name designer boutiques.

Places to Avoid in Paris

There are no official no-go areas in Paris. Some people consider a few arrondissements a little sketchy. These areas should mainly be avoided at night but are generally fine during the day. As a female traveller, you should only walk through these districts with company or hop on an Uber instead. Be careful in the following places:

• The 10th Arrondissement: Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est 
• Northern 18th and 19th Arrondissement: nearby Marx Dormoy, Porte de la Chapelle, La Chapelle, Porte de Clignancourt, Porte de la Villette.

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So with all the historic sights and things to do in Paris come a few safety issues. Though a lot of the bad stuff that  does  happen in Paris won’t be affecting tourists, it still pays to travel smartly.

And so we thought we’d share with you some of our top safety tips for travelling to Paris so you can still have an awesome time in this cool city:

• Watch out for distraction techniques  – asking you to sign up to petitions, people working in groups, anything that seems off  probably  is.
• And read up about scams  – like the ‘gold ring’ trick for example. There are loads out there, so  do some research.
• Don’t keep all your things in one place  – if you get something stolen with all your stuff in it, you’ll be screwed. Be smart! Consider keeping an emergency stash in a money belt (you can leave it in the hotel room if you like).
• Keep your belongings close to you  – don’t let your bag dangle around, or hang it on the back of your chair, anything like that. It will disappear from under your nose.
• Be wary of your luggage  – around transit hubs and places like your hotel lobby.
• Use the hotel safe for your belongings  – you never know when things might go missing.
• Be smart with drugs – make sure you know who you’re buying from, if you must partake.
• Pickpockets are a thing  – all over the metro and at big tourist sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Pompidou Centre, Champs Élysées.
• So try not to look wealthy  – it may be a chic city (or seen as one) but try to blend in. Looking like a tourist makes you a target.
• Watch out when you’re getting money out of ATMs  – scammers and potential thieves could be lurking behind you.
• Learn yourself some French  – hey, French people like talking French. This will really help you.
• Steer clear of any political protests – Actually, you could go to them if you’re like me and are interested in the things that a city find important. It’s exciting to get caught up in a moment of history. But do be alert, and if you don’t want to get caught up in a big crowd, it’s best to avoid these protests.

Solo travel is definitely something we’re all about. Getting to challenge yourself, learning new languages , growing as a person, being self-reliant – doing all of these whilst travelling the world is an awesome experience.

Paris is safe to travel alone (though all the stuff we mentioned already applies), we’re sharing a few tips so you can make your solo trip even more secure:

• If you want to be around people, then find yourself somewhere social to stay. There are quite a few cool hostels in Paris . Chatting with travellers from all over the world is a great way to get rid of those solo travel blues.
• Ask the staff at your accommodation for insider info, like food recommendations, where it’s safe to walk around and explore, what things you should see. Local tips are always the best!
• Learn a little bit of French. The effort of speaking the local language will go a long way.
• Stay in areas you want to explore so you don’t have to travel around too much . Most hostels tend to be around the city centre where you can also find lots of great Paris places to visit .
• You may be in a well-developed city, but you should still let people know where you are and what you’re doing. Keep in touch with friends and family back home and tell them what you’re up to.
• Use Google Maps to navigate the city, particularly its massive public transport network. If you don’t want to bother with the metro, Paris is a walkable city as well.

A lot of women travel to Paris by themselves and have a great time. In fact, many women choose to make it their first-time solo travel destination.

Unfortunately, being a woman in any country can come with complications. Knowing how to protect yourself and stay safe in a new country is definitely a necessity for all solo-female travellers (or travellers in general).

We’ve listed up a couple of tips that can make your trip a bit safer and therefore much more enjoyable:

• Be careful on nights out. Looking up your route back home is a good idea, as well as watching the number of drinks you’re having (with that also comes the rule of never taking your eyes off your drink).
• Although you don’t need to cover up in Paris, Parisian women don’t often wear revealing outfits. Doing so will  definitely  bring more attention to yourself, especially after dark. Just dress casual and you’ll be fine.
• If someone’s flirting with you or making advances, and you’re not interested tell them to fuck off. No point beating around the bush, be direct and move away from them quickly.
• Don’t be overly polite with strangers. It’s ok to chat to people, obviously, but they don’t need to know everything about you.
• In general, you should be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant. A no-brainer really.
• Choosing the right area of Paris to stay in  is important. Make sure your accomodation is safe and read the reviews.

We’ve covered the most important safety aspects already, but there is loads more to know about how to stay safe in Paris. Read on for even more detailed safety information.

Is Paris safe to travel for families?

Paris is very safe for families and fun as well! It’s full of museums and art galleries. You’ll find loads of parks too – great for cooling off in summer.

Do just a little bit of research and you’ll find amazing things to do with children in Paris.

Whilst Paris is safe to travel for families, it isn’t always the cheapest , especially with kids. But you can get a Famille Nombreuse   – this is a discount ticket for families of five (that’s 3 children) and covers a ton of different attractions.

And depending on the age of your kids, discounts apply at some places in addition.

Wonder how to spend your weekend in Paris? Head over to our  insider’s Weekend in Paris guide!

Is it safe to drive in Paris?

Driving in Paris is stressful. Drivers can be pretty unpredictable, there’s loads of traffic congestion, you’ll have to deal with huge multi-lane roundabouts (e.g. Place Charles de Gaulle), and much more.

Here are some reasons not to drive in Paris:

• Local drivers can be pretty aggressive
• If you do drive in Paris, you can’t use your phone. Not even an earpiece.
• You can also get some pretty heavy fines if you’re caught speeding.
• Renting a car can be very expensive. And you need good luck finding a parking spot.

So while you totally can drive in Paris, it’s probably easier to stick to local transport.

Cycling in Paris

Riding a bike, in general, is one of the safest ways of transport since you’ve got full control of your speed and where you’re going. Just make sure you wear your helmet!

Paris has a massive and constantly expanding bike path network since 1990. There are over 800km of bike lanes, all distributed through the city. Since the normal streets can be quite busy, and the metro is usually quite packed, choosing your bicycle to get around is, in most cases, the fastest option.

Although you’ve got the bike lanes to yourself, you need to be aware of traffic, especially in the inner city where the bike lane is only marked by white lines on the ground. If you ride your bike further from the centre, the bike path will be separated by little speed bumps that stop anyone from crossing your lane. 

Is Uber safe in Paris?

Uber in Paris is safe and super convenient! Here’s why:

• It’s an easy, cost-effective way to get around and connects you all over the place.
• No worries about hailing a cab or dealing with pushy drivers.
• As an added bonus, the language barrier also won’t be an issue.
• You can track your journeys and even share your location.

Are taxis safe in Paris?

The taxis are safe in Paris but just make sure you don’t get in an unlicensed taxi. These are illegal and sometimes unsafe. You’re more likely to encounter these kinds of taxis at transport hubs, airports and popular places like Gare du Nord.

Spotting an illegal Taxi is pretty easy since licensed taxis have Taxi Parisienne  written on the top. If the light’s on, it’s vacant. On the front right of the car, there will also be a plate showing the taxi license number. Check for these and you’re good to go. Just make sure that the taxi has a working meter that you can actually see.

Is public transportation in Paris safe?

The public transport in Paris is safe but you should probably be a little wary when it comes to the metro line. Some are easy to use and are very secure, while others are crowded, chaotic, and sometimes crawling with thieves. Note these:

• Line 9 that passes through the Trocaderoand Champs Élysées is well known for pickpockets. It’s actually not uncommon to find someone with their hand in your bag.
• Heavily touristed Line 1is the same.
• RER Line B has also been known for assaults. Take care not to be in an empty carriage, or travel late at night.

If you plan on using these or any line for that matter, be sure to maintain awareness of yourself and your belongings.

• Number one rule: Don’t fall asleep on the train. Thieves actively look for sleeping passengers. Your wallet, phone, or whatever, will be gone before you know it.
• You also see strange characters on the Paris metro. They’ll jump on at one station, walk through the carriage, ask for money, play the accordion, anything to get a euro or two. These folks are usually harmless and it’s best just to ignore them.
• Make sure that you listen out for the buzzer indicating the doors are going to shut. And stand away from the doors. It’s a tactic of thieves to grab stuff and jump off the train just as the doors close.
• Try to avoid rush hour.

All that being said, public transport in Paris is still quite useful. It’s pretty efficient and fairly affordable. It may be intimidating to first time visitor, but with a little practice, you’ll catch on quick.

Is the food in Paris safe?

It’s no secret that France is famous for food and Paris, being the capital, is no different. This is literally the home country of the Michelin star system. You’ll find so many gourmets eats in Paris, like foie gras , s teak tartare, escargot and – of course – a lot of wine.

But the thing is, not all food in Paris is guaranteed to be good – some places are really shitty and you can still get sick.   Granted, the chances of you getting ill are very low, but it still pays to be cognizant.

So here are our top foodie tips for Paris:

• High prices do not equal high deliciousness . You shouldn’t have to shell out a lot for good food in Paris.
• Be careful with scallops , which is a favourite of ‘gourmet’ dishes. If you’re going to order something like that on a Monday or a Sunday , you should know that the fish markets are closed on these days. It won’t be fresh and it will most likely be old (probably purchased on a Saturday).
• Street food exists in Paris. Choose the stalls with the highest turnovers and the most costumers.
• And for the most basic tip ever,  wash your hands before you eat , especially after a long day of exploring the city.
• Travelling with an allergy ? Research ahead of time how to explain your allergy. Keep in mind that store owners and restaurant staff might not know all the foods that contain allergens, so it’s helpful to know the names of some of these too. If you’re gluten-free, pick up a handy Gluten-Free Translation Card with descriptions of Celiac disease, cross-contamination risk, and local Paris ingredients in French.

Can you drink the water in Paris?

Yep, it’s perfectly safe to drink the water in Paris. However, some people do find that it doesn’t quite agree with them. The tap water has been filtered and cleared of all sorts of bacteria. If you are staying in an Airbnb or a homestay in Paris , ask the host, as some areas are better than others.

Investing in a great water bottle is definitely worth it. Most accommodations have water fountains where you can refill for free. Having a bottle with you while exploring the city will also stop you from spending a fortune on 250ml water. When you invest in a grayl georpess, you can rest easy knowing that you’re doing your part to be a responsible traveller and not add to the plastic problem.

Is Paris safe to live?

Paris is safe to live in and (no surprise) quite desirable. The cheese, wine, baguettes, croissants – who could blame people for moving here for these pleasures!

Whilst some areas have high levels of crime, most violent crime is pretty rare in Paris. Honestly, you’ll have to go to some sketchy areas to actually feel like your safety is at risk. These are outside the city centre.

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Is it Safe to Rent an Airbnb in Paris?

Renting an Airbnb in Paris is perfectly safe, as long as you read the reviews. Staying at an Airbnb during your trip will also open up new possibilities and options to experience the city. The local hosts are known to take great care of their guests and give the absolute best recommendations of what to do and what to see.

Not only can you save a little money, but you can also feel good about it going directly into a local host’s pocket. The hosts often have heaps of valuable insight about padding out your Paris itinerary, too!

Is Paris LGBTQ+ friendly?

On the whole, Paris is a very welcoming city to our rainbow communities! There is no need to stick to one part of the city in order to feel accepted, as across the city there is broad acceptance of LGBTQ rights. That being said, there are also gay bars and clubs that are an extra celebration of what it means to travel gay!

Unfortunately, like anywhere in the world, there are some sections of the community who can’t find it in them to tolerate someone different from themselves. Gay travellers should still be wary and trust their instincts in parts of Paris. You can expect a supportive gendarmerie if something does happen though.

Above all, you can expect to have a great, gay time when you travel to Paris. It is unlikely to be unsafe and there is a lot of stuff to see and do!

Planning a safe trip to a popular city can be a bit overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked question on Paris’s safety.

What should you avoid in Paris?

Avoid these things to have an even safer trip: – Don’t walk around looking flashy and rich  – Avoid the 18th, 19th, and 20th Arrondissement  – Don’t cover your face, it’s illegal – Don’t let your belongings out of sight 

Which areas are the most dangerous ones in Paris?

There aren’t any areas that are really dangerous but the 18th, 19th and 10th Arrondissement are known to be sketchy at night. Avoid them to add another level of safety to your stay.

Is it safe to walk around at night in Paris?

While we don’t recommend walking around at night anywhere in the world, you can walk in Paris after the dark and still be safe. However, you’d be better off with a group of friends rather than by yourself.

Is Paris safe to visit right now?

As of 2021, Paris is very safe to visit and has probably never been safer. Since it’s a big city, you’ll have to deal with big-city crimes like petty theft and pickpocketing, but apart from that, there’s hardly anything to worry about.

On an everyday level,  Paris is safe – safe to visit, safe to live in, and safe for your kids. There’s nothing really unsafe about the French capital. It may be sketchy at times, but what major city isn’t?

It’s all about knowing what areas you should and shouldn’t be in. The areas with the highest crime rates definitely won’t be being visited by you.

And, yes – there are pickpockets and scammers of all sorts. But not falling for their tricks is the best way to go about keeping your money safe in Paris. Not being oblivious to your surroundings and keeping everything close to you – especially in crowds, tourist areas and on public transport – is the thing to do if you want to keep all of your money for yourself.

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

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I’m replying to Aiden’s comment “…Paris does have a bit of a crime problem”.

Really? It sounds to me that not only do they have a crime problem they have a police problem. Especially noted after reading Cindy’s story.

It’s one thing for a large city to have crime; quite another for the city’s police to be unable or unwilling to protect the people they serve.

I came across your site while searching for a place in Paris to stay this summer (’23).

Under “Places to avoid in Paris”, above, the first area you list is the 10th Arrondissement: Gare du Nord.

But then, following your “Cool hostels in Paris” link, the #1 hostel is located in the 10th Arrondissement along with the bar Belushi’s.

Makes no sense.

I bet you’re load of fun at parties Bill.

Enjoy Paris.

I would like to add a caution for those traveling to France. We have been here many times and traveled throughout the world. We made one poor decision and payed the price. We entered a very crowded metro car and were standing near the doors. A group of men entered right after us and “pinned” my husband and I against the center post. My husband said he felt many hands entering his pockets. I was wearing a backpack and my husband saw them open it and steal my purse. Passport, credit cards and other ID was gone in an instant. We chased the fellow but after some altercation it was clear he had passed my purse to a friend! I post this to reinforce the comments made here. You are never a “seasoned” traveler!! You are always a target. Be careful and follow this advice. Our event took place at Chatellet! We live Paris and will return, just with added locks and personal storage devices. ?

I am sorry to hear that. You are right that Paris does have a bit of a crime problem. My French girlfriend had her phone stolen from her hand whilst she was living in the city.

It can, and does happen, to anybody.

I wish i read your blog before our trip to Paris we were only one hour in the metro with our suitcase and a gang of man total of 3 , tried to pull the suitcase and another hold my husband and third one reach for his front pocket. My husband tried to defend himself and i was screaming in the plataform of the metro 5 rush hour 9 am. Nobody help us , nobody seem to care. My husband held one of the guys against the wall , the guy was pushing, shoving. Fell off and ran. I live in the nyc aerea and i take the train every day. Trust me people will try to help , only one italian man with my spanish help us to go to the police. Not even the ticket operator wanted to help us. While in the police quaters in Garu Du Nord filing a police report , a couple from Denmark same situation and later a group from Philipines got everything stolen. Seems to be common there , luckily i was holding passports and other credit cards, but j have to call and cancel everything. The area around Garu du station is horrible and trust me i see a lot things in other countries. After that we meet nice people and some other scammers like the ring tried to pull it off. The vacation was like looking over my shoulder at all times. Some areas were nice, some full of graffiti and chaos. Despite i will come back to France . There is more good than bad but i wish more order and police around and inside metro . Thanks for your blog.

It’s terrible to hear this happened, Maria. As most long term travellers agree, it can happen anywhere. Im most glad to hear you would be willing to return tho. Hopefully Paris can sort things out.

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Paris Travel Safety Guide for 2024

Paris is the most-visited city in the world , with 44 million tourists in 2022. But is this capital as safe as it is beautiful?

Yes. But the long answer is slightly more nuanced.

In this guide, we share safety tips, give you an overview of the capital’s crime rates, pinpoint dangerous areas to avoid, and discuss how safe the major tourist attractions, like the Eiffel Tower, are. On a lighter note, we touch upon Paris’ weather and the best time to visit.

Is Paris Safe?

The Economist ranked Paris as the 23rd safest city worldwide. So yes, Paris is just as safe as other major cities like New York , Amsterdam , and London , but you need to follow basic precautions for optimal safety.

Here are the main takeaways:

• Crime rate: Moderate at 57.76
• Common crimes: Petty theft and drug use
• Extreme weather events: Floods and heatwaves
• Poor air quality: Winter
• Solo travel safety: The city is safe for solo travel, but walking alone at night isn’t advised
• COVID-19 safety: All COVID-19 measures are lifted
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Possible, so bring a portable CO detector

Travel Advisory for Paris

According to the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory , the safety of Paris falls in the level 2 category – ‘Exercise Increased Caution.’

In this advisory, the authorities warn tourists of the following:

“Incidents such as pickpocketing and phone snatchings occur frequently and can happen anywhere, especially in crowded areas such as airports, train stations, subway and train cars, and near tourist attractions.

Peaceful demonstrations and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France occur regularly and can disrupt transportation. On rare occasions, demonstrations have included violence and property damage.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning , targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”

The travel advisories of Canada and the United Kingdom also place Paris in the same “Exercise Increased Caution” category. They emphasize similar points on petty theft, demonstrations, and terrorist attacks, plus the following extra points:

“ Violent crimes are less common but still happen . Occasionally, tourists become targets of violent attacks by groups of young individuals aiming to rob them.

Theft from parked cars, or even the cars themselves, is particularly common on beach roads in the southern regions of France and at highway rest stops across the country, especially during the summer when there’s a high number of travelers.

The urban and intercity public transportation systems are reliable. However, it’s essential to be cautious of illegal taxis operating in Paris airports and train stations. These fraudulent operators charge significantly higher rates than the official taxi services.”

Keep in mind that these travel advisories apply to all of France, but since Paris is the French epicenter, it’s more likely to be the hotspot.

A Comprehensive Look at Paris Crime Rates

On Numbeo, France has a moderate crime rating of 57.76. The most prevalent types of crime are property crimes, vandalism, theft, verbal insults, drug-related incidents, and home break-ins—so, most of the crimes in Paris are non-violent, as major travel advisories underline.

In fact, violent crimes have actually decreased by 25% in 2023, according to the police . Tourists should feel safe when they explore the city alone during the day. However, the data suggests that Paris is slightly less safe during the night. If you’re traveling alone, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and limit your adventures to the daytime.

The Most Dangerous Areas in Paris

The most dangerous areas in Paris are usually located on the outskirts of the city’s center, such as the Bobingy, Clichy-sous-Bois, and Nanterre neighborhoods .

The major transit hubs like the Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, and the enormous metro station Châtelet-Les Halles are also hotspots for petty crimes, especially at night . So if you’re looking for a way to return to your hotel at night, you might want to take a taxi instead.

Police Presence in Paris

The capital is protected by the Prefecture of Police (Préfecture de Police), which includes both national and municipal police.

Famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Champs-Élysées are under the watchful eye of the police, but seeing officers on the streets, around malls, metro stations, and other spots around the city is also very common.

If you need any assistance or protection, there are regular and tourist police stations throughout Paris that you can turn to. In case of an emergency, you can also dial 112 for prompt assistanc e.

Public Transportation Safety in Paris

Public transport in Paris can attract pickpockets and petty criminals, so it’s important to be cautious while you’re getting around the city. One train, the RER B , is notorious for petty crime . To stay safe, keep your valuables super close to you and pay extra attention to the people around you, especially the ones who are sitting or standing next to you.

Medical Care Quality in Paris

The French healthcare system was named the best in the world by the World Health Organization in 1997 and 2000. In 2021 , it was ranked 25th in healthcare innovation.

When you’re in France, you can choose between public and private hospitals.

Public hospitals might have higher patient volumes but are cheaper. On the flip side, private hospitals often have a higher likelihood of English-speaking doctors and nurses, but they come with a higher price tag. So, budget-conscious travelers, take note!

If you’re in need of medical care while in Paris, we recommend some of the following hospitals:

• The Quinze-Vingt National Ophthalmologic Hospital Center
• Saint Anne Hospital
• The American Hospital
• Trousseau Hospital
• Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital
• Bretonneau Hospital

Is It Safe to Travel Solo in Paris?

Paris is a safe and welcoming city for solo travelers. However, like in any bustling place, it’s a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings so you’re more prepared for the unexpected.

This means not sharing personal information with strangers, like the address of your hotel. Explore the city during the day and avoid wandering late at night. If you think you’re being followed, sprint to a cafe, hotel, or any other place where there are people around.

Police are present around the city for anything you need. But just in case, consider letting a friend know where you are and give them a heads-up once you’re back in your room from a night out.

Perils of Nature: The Risk of Natural Disasters in Paris

In the City of Light, you’re not at risk of witnessing a hurricane, earthquake, or a volcanic eruption, but there are still some environmental dangers you need to be aware of.

Paris is nestled right beside the Seine River, which can overflow when there’s heavy rain and has been known to flood the city .

In 2022 , Paris got a whole month’s worth of rain in just one hour, which resulted in multiple metro stations and streets getting flooded. Then, fast forward to June 2023 , the Seine rose again due to Storm Oscar and roads, venues, and businesses near the riverbanks had to temporarily shut down until the situation got better.

Tourists can’t control or prevent floods in Paris, but what they can do is stay informed. Floods usually happen during the rainy months of November, December, January, March, and May . Be especially cautious around these months, keep an eye on the weather forecast , and plan your trip accordingly. Book a hotel in higher areas or not in the immediate vicinity of the riverbanks.

Paris is more susceptible to heatwaves than any other capital in Europe. In 2023, the hottest day in Paris was September 9th, reaching 95.7°F (35.5°C). It’s estimated that by 2050, the city might start experiencing temperatures as high as 122°F (50°C).

Extreme heat makes Paris almost unbearable. If you go outside during the hottest parts of the day, the heat can make you feel dizzy or you can get heatstroke . Plus, it’s common for outdoor places or events to close or get canceled in the middle of a heatwave.

The hottest months in Paris are July and August . Our recommendation is that you plan your trip around them, or at least try to avoid the hottest days of these months. To have the best time if you do go, remember to drink lots of water, use sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.

Air Quality Issues

Paris is a bustling city with lots of people, businesses, ongoing construction, and a lot of traffic. As the city expands, the presence of airborne dust and microscopic particles do, too — and they pose a potential risk to our respiratory health.

The air pollution in Paris peaks during the winter months . On the worst days, you might feel symptoms like itchy eyes, a sore throat, or a headache. Plus, you won’t be able to see far, which isn’t great if you want to enjoy the cool sights the city has to offer.

If you’re planning a winter trip to Paris, check the Paris air quality index in real-time as you plan for outdoor activities . If the pollution levels are high, stay indoors as much as possible.

The Silent Threat of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Paris

According to the World Health Organization , CO claims more lives annually than HIV/AIDS or skin cancer and just slightly less than alcohol abuse.

The deadly gas took the life of one Parisian woman in 2020 . She left her car’s ignition running in the garage attached to her home, unknowingly exposing herself to this gas. Similarly, during a Christmas Eve service in northern France in 2019 , churchgoers experienced headaches from CO, leading to 21 people needing hospitalization.

As you get settled into your hotel or accommodation in Paris, make sure you ask the staff if there is a CO detector in your room . These devices monitor the air quality in the room and alert you if a deadly gas is leaking. For extra safety, carry a portable CO detector . This device is not expensive (~ $20) and you can take it with you to whatever destination you go to.

Paris Climate: From Temperate Oceanic to the Occasional Heatwave

Paris has a temperate oceanic climate. That means the capital enjoys warm summers and cool winters and gets rain pretty much throughout the whole year.

July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures around 68.9°F (20.5°C). Meanwhile, December, January and February are the coldest, hovering around 40°F (5°C). May is usually the rainiest month, whereas February and March are the driest.

Paris weather has a quirk, too—occasional heatwaves. During these super-hot spells, the temperatures can soar to the mid-80s to low 90s°F (30s°C) and might even hit a scorching 104°F (40°C). If you’re there in the middle of a heatwave, make sure you limit outdoor activity to avoid the risk of heatstroke.

Monthly Average Temperatures in Paris

When is the best time to visit paris.

Paris welcomes around 44 million visitors yearly, and most of them decide to visit during the summer, from July to August . And it’s no surprise—who doesn’t enjoy long sunny days?

But, there are some downsides to the summer rush. The famous spots like the Eiffel Tower get crowded, and it’s very likely you’ll need to book a table at restaurants well in advance every time you go out to eat. Also, hotel prices and airline tickets skyrocket, and there’s always the possibility of a heat wave.

So if you do go to Paris in the summer months, when the city’s tourist season is at its peak, plan to visit its most iconic locations on weekday mornings. Take a leisurely walk instead of squeezing onto public transportation. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan ahead of time for the cheapest deals.

Another alternative is to visit Paris in the fall, from September to October, or in spring, in March or April . The weather is still lovely, and you can sit at those charming Parisian cafes in peace since they won’t be as jam-packed with tourists. Plus, it’s often more budget-friendly.

In the end, Paris is beautiful throughout the year—so the best time to visit it is going to be more a matter of personal preference than anything else. Pick the time that suits you best and enjoy the City of Light!

How to Stay Safe in Paris

• Choose well-known and trusted hotels
• Stick to busy streets, even if it means a slightly longer walk
• Be cautious when crossing streets, even if the walk sign is on—double-check for any cars speeding by
• Keep an eye out for cyclists and scooters, and make sure not to walk or stand in their lanes
• When you get into a taxi, make sure the “TAXI PARISIEN” sign is on the roof. Beware of fake taxis, especially around nightclubs and bars at night
• Carry only the cash and bank cards you need for the day
• Make a photocopy of your passport/visa to carry with you and leave the original at your accommodation
• Keep an eye on your belongings in metros and tourist spots
• Don’t leave your electronics or wallet on the table at cafes, especially if you’re outside
• Use ATMs inside banks if possible and count your money discreetly

Emergency Numbers

• Fire Brigade: 18
• Ambulance: 15
• European emergency number: 112

The Eiffel Tower is very safe—it has a strict security system in place. Once you enter the premises, you go through two security checks: the first one is at the entrance, and the second is just before you get into the tower itself. If the security personnel find anything that could be a risk to people’s or the monument’s safety, they have the right to take it away or forbid the person carrying it from entering the building. Also, there are no luggage lockers in the Eiffel Tower, so if you’ve got big bags, you may not be able to enter. Kids under 4 can enter for free, but only folding strollers are allowed. Scooters and bicycles can’t be brought in because of their size. The Eiffel Tower is a tourist hotspot, so it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings because pickpocketing is prevalent in large crowds of tourists. Keep your valuables super close to you, especially phones and wallets.

Paris might not be your typical coastal city like Cancun or Dubai , but it has its own artificial beach known as Paris Plages along the Seine River. Visitors’ safety is a key priority, and entry is free. You can find plenty of lifeguards keeping a watchful eye on everyone. The pools have different water depths to suit all swimmers, and you can relax knowing that the water quality is checked daily, with the premises disinfected every two hours. In terms of safety, Paris Plages is generally okay. However, like any public area, it’s important to be cautious. Keep a close eye on your valuables, especially in larger crowds.

One reason is that the capital isn’t near the ocean, which usually helps keep things cooler. Paris is also quite flat, which means the air doesn’t move around as much, and with all the buildings, it’s more likely to get super hot. Climate change is another contributor, not only in Paris but all over the world. But whether or not there will be a heatwave depends on many factors, so it’s not something you can always predict. When you visit Paris, be prepared for lovely weather, but remember that sometimes, it might get exceptionally hot.

France has lifted all measures regarding the COVID-19 virus —so wearing a mask is no longer mandatory, and you can enter Paris without the need for a negative test or vaccine. However, it’s crucial to continue practicing safety at all times. This includes social distancing and frequently washing our hands at the least. If you experience COVID-19 symptoms , getting tested is the responsible course of action.

Paris is a real charmer, but as multiple travel advisories recommend, it’s good to be a bit cautious. Keep an eye out for pickpockets and occasional protests, and keep in mind there’s a small chance of terrorist activity, as in any major European capital city.

While COVID-19 restrictions are no longer a concern, common safety practices are always advised. Be on the lookout for potential danger from floods, heatwaves, and winter air pollution. Don’t forget to bring along a portable CO detector to be extra safe.

Whether you’re going solo or with your friends, it’s important to pick safe hotels and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

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Urban Planning and Travel Blog

Is Paris safe?

Travel Blog Last Updated · Jan 10th, 2024 [post_author_posts_link] · [post_comments before=""] -->

Is Paris safe for new and unsophisticated travelers?

It’s the home of the Mona Lisa, Sacre Coeur, Louis Vuitton… oh, and that big tower everyone loves. Paris is both the capital city and the largest city in France.

Full of recent and medieval history, it has an eclectic array of museums and galleries. It’s also one of the best places in France to study fashion and design.

The big question, however, is whether Paris is as safe as visitors make it out to be. Or, is Paris just another European city with petty crime and scams on the rise?

Table of Contents

In this travel guide, we will cover travel safety in Paris so you can ensure your trip to this European capital is a safe one and so you can avoid some of the common pitfalls that happen to some of the more unfortunate travelers who arrive here.

Paris is a smart city that employs innovative techniques to pave the way in residential, business, and commercial energy-saving techniques.

But is it safer than most other European cities? This is one of the most asked questions for new travelers who want to visit the French Capital.

How safe is Paris?

Paris is an interesting place when it comes to the question of safety.

Just like any other European city with petty crime problems, organized crime, and the highest chances of crime happening to visitors is being pickpocketed.

However, it’s still seen by some visitors as a more dangerous place than the likes of Barcelona , Rome or even London in many cases.

This is due to the fact that there is a lot of underground crime such as drugs and trafficking. Tourists have been known to have been accosted by pickpockets.

There are thousands of migrant workers living on the streets but in our opinion, Paris is a very safe city because of just how many tourists visit here.

It’s just like Rome and London , tourists make up a lot of the GDP, so they aren’t typically targeted but in recent years it has been said that the huge influx or immigrants and migrantes is causing a huge social and public safety concern.

If we had to criticize Paris’s tourism, we would say the rat infestation is the biggest problem. Specialists say that over 6 million rats happen to live underneath Paris.

Paris crime rate

• The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory assesses Paris as being a MEDIUM-threat location and has assessed Bordeaux , Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, and Strasbourg as being LOW-threat locations for crime.
• Since the start of the first national lockdown, burglaries of businesses are up 60 percent and muggings have increased by 2.4 percent.
• Tourists are commonly victims of purse snatching or pickpocketing in high traffic and tourist areas, but violent crimes against tourists are infrequent.
• There are three times as many crimes happening in the USA as in France.

Is Paris safe for tourists?

Yes, Paris is safe for tourists and millions of people visit each year without any issues. You will find that the well-known tourist attractions are some of the safest places in Paris to be because they provide the most security and visibility.

French people and Parisians, in general, tend to be more introverted than Americans or rural English people, and tend to mind their own business.

Travelers who are undecided between Amsterdam or Paris for example, may like the fact that the Dutch are more extroverted and straightforward in their dealings and unlikely to beat around the bush when it comes to interacting with visitors.

Beyond that, Paris is full of activities that are wonderful to do on your own: museums, long walks, photography, patisseries, and window shopping. How does a visit to Opera Garnier sound? It is the most beautiful in the world after all.

Is Paris safe at night?

Yes, you can walk around Paris at night but there are some precautions to follow, just as you would in any other capital city in the world. These include avoiding dark strangers at night and not walking down isolated streets or alleyways.

Avoid some areas of the city such as Pigalle also called ‘the red light district’, the area between the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero, Les Halles and Centre Pompidou, and some metro stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est.

There is also the eastern and northern area of Montmartre, Bois de Boulogne and the northern side of Villette that is better to avoid.

Is Paris safe to travel alone?

Yes, you can travel solo in Paris and feel safe at all times. Use your common sense and keep an eye on your belongings as petty thieves and bag snatchers target tourists in the most crowded and popular places and on public transport.

No matter where you go in the city, we suggest that you carry a money stash like this one with you to conceal your belongings while you’re out exploring the city.

If you can, aim to avoid the northern parts of the city as well as the stations and Les Halles if you’re moving around alone after dark. If you stick to the main touristic areas, even at night, there’s no reason to be concerned about safety.

Is Paris safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Paris is also safe for solo female travelers. Book accommodation in the most central areas of the city like Marais, Saint Germain des Prés and Opéra or in what it’s defined as the Golden Triangle area.

Avoid the stations and districts which are far from the city center and that will involve getting on public transport in less frequented areas.

It’s best to not walk around in Pigalle, Champs Elysees, the area of Chatelet and Centre Pampidou and of course, the stations (called ‘gare’ in French) late at night.

If you like the idea of meeting other like-minded travelers Les Piaules is said to be one of the best hostels in Paris for solo female travelers.

Where to stay in Paris

There are some amazing hotels and incredible places to stay in Paris:

• Le Marais : Beautifully kept squares, lush parks with hidden fountains, traditional bistros, and dinky fashion boutiques – if you’re looking for this kind of Parisian romance, the Marais is for you.”
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés : For the five-star Parisian experience, it has to be Saint-Germain-des-Prés. From existentialism to jazz, this is where Paris’s key 20th-century cultural movements thrived, where Godard and Giacometti shared cafés and bookshops with Sartre and de Beauvoir. That golden age lives on in the many independent stores and boutiques, and for authentic café culture, Saint-Germain takes some beating.
• Rue Oberkampf : If you’re looking for some of Paris’s best nightlife, head to the area between Bastille and République, where dozens of bars line the Rue Oberkampf. Here, you’ll encounter everything from fancy cocktail joints to basement dives to sleek wine bars.”

Areas to avoid in Paris

As we mentioned earlier, the heart of Paris is safe for tourists during the day, but to reduce risk, there are certain places you shouldn’t frequent during the night:

• The 19 ° arrondissement for its high crime rate and drug trafficking issues.
• The 18 ° arrondissement near Pigalle, the ‘red light district’ of Paris, for prostitution and low-level bars.
• Gare du Nord station the north side is known for violent crimes.

As a tourist, it’s also better to avoid Paris’s outskirts, especially the in and around the neighborhoods based in the north side of the city.

If you are fascinated by the Pigalle area or staying closeby, why not take part in this special Red Light District Tour so you can dig deeper with a local guide?

Paris: Travel safety tips

Although we can agree that Paris is safe, be sure to take some precautions before and during your stay to ensure that you stay safe no matter what.

Here are some tips to take with you:

• Walking around flashing expensive items and gadgets will attract attention from unwanted petty criminals.
• Don’t show wads of cash when paying for stuff – control how much cash you carry around and use a hotel safe. Also wearing a money belt that is not correctly concealed will attract the attention of pickpockets here.
• Keep your bag close to you at cafes/restaurants, never place your bag in a retrievable position open for passers-by to grab.
• Remember to carry an umbrella and check out this list of things to do on a rainy day in Paris if you’ll be visit during the winter months.
• No matter where you find yourself in the city, always be aware of your surroundings when using the Metro or other public transport.
• If you’re traveling to Paris on a budget be sure to check out FIAP Jean-Monnet is one of the most popular place to stay when you want to be close to the Latin Quarter, Le Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
• Know the typical distraction techniques – pickpockets often work in groups and sometimes pretend to be collecting money for a charity.
• Why not get this book and learn a few French phrases – lots of people speak English but it pays to have at least a few words in French to get by.
• Avoid homeless communities around large train stations – plus groups of people that sit around drinking (believe it or not, it’s not an unusual sight)
• Foie gras, Escargot, Baguettes, and Macarons are some of the best things to eat in Paris so don’t miss the opportunity whilst here.
• Be careful with drink or drug-taking if you’re a fan of the Paris nightlife.

Also, before you arrive in Paris, read some of our best sustainable travel tips to help ensure that your trip has a more positive effect on the environment.

Best time to visit Paris

The best time to visit Paris is between May and September, when the climate is quite warm and you have the ability to sit outside and enjoy the cafés.

Winter on the other hand is a freezing nightmare: but in the summer, the temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are visiting Paris outside of the summer month be sure to carry a compact umbrella like this one to avoid getting caught in the rain.

Paris is expensive all year round, but the busy times are the height of Summer and December (Christmas). If we had to pick a month, we’d say June.

This is because of the follwing reasons:

• The eco-friendly We Love Green festival, a festival that puts the emphasis on music and eco-responsibility.
• Fête de la Musique, which has a history that stretches back to 1982.
• The Django Reinhardt Jazz Festival, located on a small island on the Seine.

It worth getting a river shuttle pass to be able to explore Paris at your own pace within a 24 hours or 48 hour period on the sightseeing cruise.

Is Paris safe? Final words

Turns out, Paris is quite a safe place if you take the necessary measures.

Planning ahead will make your trip stress-free, so make sure you have the right equipment and steadfast conviction if something goes wrong.

Paris has bar none, the best galleries in the world, so if you’re visiting purely for getting cultural, no need to fear. Book your trip to Paris today!

Depending on how many days in Paris you have, you may want to take extra precautions especially when it comes to the area you choose to stay in.

Dear responsible traveler : This post may contain affiliate links, which means, if you click through and make a purchase, book a tour or a hotel, we may earn a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps us to maintain the quality of this site.

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Paris France travel requirements 2024: What American travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Paris France travel in 2024 with official Paris travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

Paris is a destination close to our hearts, as Michelle has relatives in the city and studied in Paris in college.

As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on those affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: January 2024. Originally published: May 2021.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

January 2024 – Agnes Groonwald of Travel on the Reg , expats in France: “Tourism in Paris has seemed light since our move just outside of the city, but we also haven’t experienced the peak summer season yet. It’s still expected to book the big attractions (e.g. Louvre Museum) a few weeks ahead of travel, and dinner reservations remain a must at popular eateries.

Some locals and tourists are still voluntarily masking on crowded public transit and popular tourist destinations. Otherwise, it appears to be business as usual. There are no COVID protocols outside of doctors’ offices where masking is compulsory. Paris attractions, restaurants, and public transit are all operating without COVID-era restrictions. You can travel to/from the city without vaccine cards. That said, the city continues to struggle with regular disruptions to transit/worker shortages that require patience from travelers, but this has more to do with local politics vs. COVID. It’ll be interesting to see what happens during the Olympics.

The general tips for Paris travel apply. Leave plenty of time to get to/from attractions around the city and pre-book the big ticket items as soon as you know when you’re visiting.”

*At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to the Paris so you can get a true sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Can US citizens travel to Paris, France? Can I travel to Paris right now? 

Yes, France is open to American travelers, regardless of vaccination status.

As of August 2022 , France removed all COVID entry requirements for any traveler from any country.

Testing, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, proof of a compelling reason for travel, and sworn declaration about Covid contact and symptoms are no longer required .

Visitors from over 60  visa-exempt countries , including the U.S., will soon be required to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorization to enter Italy and other European countries . The start date has been delayed from 2024 to 2025. 

See details about ETIAS here

Paris, France travel restrictions currently allow traveling between regions. However, as of May 2023 , short-haul domestic flights that can be taken by train in less than two-and-a-half hours are not allowed. 

Effective March 2022, masks are no longer required in indoor spaces and public transport but still highly recommended in enclosed and small spaces, in hospitals, and other medical centers.

Quarantine rules in Paris, France: What happens if I get Covid?

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in France unless presenting symptoms of Covid.

Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 while in France are no longer required to self-isolate but are asked to observe the following guidelines:

• Wear mask, observe physical distancing, practice hand hygiene
• Avoid contact with people who are immunocompromised
• Notify others (family, friends, colleagues) you came in contact with within 48 hours before the onset of symptoms, or within 7 days before testing positive, if no symptoms are present
• Contact a doctor and monitor your health

See details here .

Paris Health Pass/Pass Sanitaire Requirements for Dining, Attractions, and Travel

You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants, public transit, accommodations, and attractions in Paris?

Since March 2022, a vaccine pass is no longer required to enter most establishments.

As of August 2022, Health Pass or passe sanitaire , obtained with a proof of either vaccination or a recent negative Covid test, is no longer required.

Can Americans travel to Paris France in 2024?

Travel to Paris in March is open for US citizens without restrictions. Please read on for details and check back for updates, as protocols may change.

What is it like to fly to Paris, France CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport right now? As of March 2022, wearing a mask is no longer required in French airports. Check with your individual airline about mask requirements on board the flight.

Temperature checks or other screenings may be done at the airport. Hand sanitizers are readily available. 

Do Americans have to quarantine when traveling to Paris, France? No. Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in France. 

Does France check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Health screening procedures, including temperature checks, may be in place at airports and other ports of entry in France. 

Does France require a negative Covid 19 test for American travelers?  As of August 2022, a negative Covid 19 test is no longer required for entry. 

Does France require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for American travelers? As of August 2022, a proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required for entry.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. Quarantine or proof of a negative Covid test are no longer required, regardless of vaccination status.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Paris, France? As of August 2022, booster shots are no longer required for purposes of entry to France. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Paris, France? U.S. Citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test at laboratories and testing centers in Paris. Covid-19 testing centers are also available for certain situations in Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Paris-Orly by appointment .

PCR tests generally cost between 50 and 100 euros, payable in advance. Results for the PCR test are available within 48 hours. Antigen tests cost 29 euros for those not covered by French social security; results are usually available within half an hour.

Testing centers in France can be found on this map.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Paris, France who get the virus? Paris, France hospitals and clinics are open. Testing in labs and pharmacies is available to foreign visitors at their own expense.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Paris, France?  Restaurants, bars, cafes, museums, parks, clubs, attractions (including the Eiffel Tower), and tours have reopened. Stadiums, arenas and other large-capacity venues are allowed to operate at full capacity. 

Are face masks required in Paris, France? Masks are no longer required in France but may still be required in medical facilities. Private businesses may make masks a condition of entry at their discretion, but this is rare. 

Are buses running in Paris, France? Public transportation is available in Paris. A health pass is not required.

Will France impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Paris, France?

France has been one of the hardest hit countries in Europe and went into a series of national lockdowns. Case numbers spiked in Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021 with the Delta variant.

More than 130,000 people in the tourism sector lost jobs in France.

In June 2021, France reopened its borders to more countries outside of Europe with a color-coded system for entry requirements.

France State of Emergency ended in August 2022; France removed all Covid related restrictions for all travelers from any country. 

Over 90% of the population have been fully vaccinated.

For the current situation in Paris France, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in France; and COVID-19 testing in France, please see the French Department of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Paris France?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in crowded places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Paris, France locals and recent travelers say about visiting Paris, France now?

What is it like to visit Paris, France right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect.

The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

January 2024 – Agnes Groonwald of Travel on the Reg, resident of France:  “Tourism in Paris has seemed light since our move just outside of the city, but we also haven’t experienced the peak summer season yet. It’s still expected to book the big attractions (e.g. Louvre Museum) a few weeks ahead of travel, and dinner reservations remain a must at popular eateries.

September 2023 – Lauren of Pack and Paint, UK traveler:  “I caught the Eurostar from London to Paris for five days of sightseeing. Tourism in Paris is in full-swing post covid with adventurers from across the globe hitting up the French capital in their millions. Top tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were busy which indicated a large tourism boom. 

In Paris, it felt like everyone had gone back to pre-covid times. Hardly anyone wore masks or followed social distancing. With large crowds at most tourist attractions, it would have been tough to follow covid related advice.”

June 2023 – Jori of The Tejana Abroad , expat:  “Summer in Europe is back and with it, all the usual summer crowds! Most attractions in Paris have opened up and are welcoming international visitors. If you’re still a bit wary of crowds after Covid though, maybe try to visit France during the lower seasons, such as fall and spring.

The majority of French citizens are vaccinated with booster shots, but the government is no longer testing international visitors. Healthcare in France is easy to access and if you fear you are infected, you are able to get tested at any nearby pharmacy. Local tourist attractions and restaurants are very crowded in the high season, but a nice alternative is ordering food to go and enjoying it in a picnic in the park.”

February 2023 – Laura Bronner of Eternal Expat , American traveler:  “I visited Paris for 4 days as part of a 10-day trip around France in February 2023. Paris feels completely back to normal. All museums and tourist attractions are back open with normal opening hours. The metro is clean and operating at normal and frequent times.

It was very busy when I visited in Feb 2023, especially at the biggest tourist sites like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and view points for these places. If you plan to visit in 2023, I highly recommend pre-booking tickets for the museums you want to go to with time slots and make sure to make reservations for restaurants you don’t want to miss, especially if you are traveling as a group of more than 2 people. If you don’t make a reservation, arrive at the time the restaurant opens for the best chance of getting a table for lunch or dinner service.

There is still easy access to testing at most pharmacies around Paris. You can definitely get the at-home tests at every pharmacy and many have testing centers outside the pharmacies which are conducted by pharmacists. There are no other restrictions on public transportation (no masks required, but they are “recommended” for public transport). There are lots of lines at museums and restaurants near the main attractions were incredibly busy.”

January 2023 – Amber Everywhere , American traveler: “Tourism seems to be back to normal in Paris, with large crowds in many of the most popular parts of the city. You’ll see masks and social distancing in some spaces, but most places are crowded and maskless. 

Testing appears to be widely available in Paris, with some visible testing tents throughout the city. There does not appear to be contact tracing in place, at least for crowded public spaces; locals did not mention any trouble accessing healthcare. Most local attractions appeared to be open, same with restaurants and other amenities. I didn’t notice any COVID-related restrictions, though many people chose to wear masks when in public areas (like the metro).”

September 2022 – Alyssa, American traveler: “We arrived in Paris with our two little kids, getting ready to caravan with some friends here in France. So far, I would say Paris is medium to low in terms of crowdedness. Public transit hasn’t been too packed. Everything is open and mask free for the most part.”

June 28, 2022 – Gretchen of Chasing Advntr , U.S. traveler : “We flew to Paris for several days as part of a month long European trip and to celebrate my twins birthday. We walked to all the major sites and while it was crowded, we had no trouble enjoying the attractions. We were glad we booked a river cruise and tickets to Musee D’Orsay in advance as tickets sold out for the river cruise and the museum line was at least an hour wait.

There were very few people wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Lines were long at the major attractions, but we never waited long for a table to eat. We also experienced a partial train strike which added to the difficulty of getting to the airport on already busy trains. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get to the airport.”

May 2022 – Mike C., American traveler: “Travel in Paris was pretty relaxed. There’s no more green pass or need to show vaccine card. Technically there were some rules on public transit to wear a mask. But it felt more like a choice as it was 50/50 on who did and didn’t. Transit was literally the only place with masking in Paris. Crowds felt like Paris is back to normal.”

March 9, 2022 – Erica of Nice French Things, French resident: “It’s the perfect time to visit Paris. Lines are short (or nonexistent) and monuments and tourist attractions are under capacity. Asian tourists have not returned yet and other Europeans are visiting their own countries they haven’t seen in the past 2 years.

Testing and tracing has been perfected here. Our vaccine pass will stop being required on Monday so we will be free to go to museums, theaters, restaurants without showing pass and we will not be required to wear masks. Pharmacies are the go-to for everything. Easy, fast, cheap tests done there. Paris area just reduced price permanently on regional rail tickets. Very advantageous for visitors.”

February 15, 2022 – Ingrid of Second Half Travels , U.S. traveler: “I’m spending 5 weeks in Paris and Montpellier currently studying French. COVID case numbers are dropping steeply in France. However, tourism numbers in February are still very low, so it’s a great time to visit to enjoy uncrowded museums and other sights.

My flight from Dallas to Paris in February was almost empty. I had a whole row of 9 seats to myself. Rapid and PCR tests are readily available at French pharmacies. It was easy and quick to get my Pass Vaccinal at an airport pharmacy when I arrived for 36 euros; I just showed my CDC vaccination proof of my vaccines and booster.

The Pass Vaccinal is supposed to be checked at all restaurants, museums, and long-distance trains. In practice, restaurants and trains sometimes fail to check. The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay in Paris were uncrowded: no large tour groups, only individual tourists from neighboring European countries like Spain. A Parisian friend told me, ‘You will never see Paris uncrowded like this again.’ I have actually extended my trip to add on more days in Paris to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

October 23, 2021 – Jennifer A., American tourist: “ We had a fantastic time. We were very careful the entire week we were in Paris. Wore our masks everywhere and washed our hands a lot.  Instead of doing two or three things in a day, we just did one major tourist thing each day. To be honest, that made the trip more enjoyable. We used the Paris Museum Pass and that was great. I ordered the five day passes and they mailed them to me last month. A couple of the museums required us to book a time slot to get in. I was of course concerned about passing a COVID test 72 hours prior to returning to the U.S. My sister and I walked about 500 feet from our hotel to a pharmacy to take the COVID test. The cost was 25 Euros for each one of us. The gentleman in the pharmacy was so professional. We also received our results via email in about 30 minutes. Unbelievable. We were able to upload the COVID results to a VERIFLY app that American Airlines wanted us to use. It made things a lot easier to go home.  The French residents were all so nice to us. I am so glad we went.”

October 6, 2021 – Nick Winder, Illness To Ultra , American digital nomad: “I flew to Paris in order to transit to the south of France to visit family. Although there are still people visiting Paris, it’s obvious the tourist rates are reduced. Locals are more than welcoming, but the requirement of a health pass, even for foreign visitors proves challenge for both tourists, and local business owners. Nearly every local was compliant with city regulations, which is a must, especially considering public transport can still be busy. Access to testing and healthcare is abundant among pharmacies, although Sundays many pharmacies are closed. Most local attractions still remain open, although at a reduced capacity, but the reduced tourist level lines are not much of a problem. Just be aware that many attractions are ticketed.”

September 13, 2021 – Susan, US traveler: “ We’ve been in Paris almost 2 weeks finding it somewhat changed in several ways. We read that you can get the Passe Sanitiaire at pharmacies, yet, we’ve gone to more than I can count always being told that pharmacies are not providing them. At one yesterday, the owner said he believes that people were getting antigen tests at the pharmacy which gives a 72-hour Passe Sanitiaire. Tourists are few especially Americans. Some stores are permanently closed in touristy areas while nothing has changed in our neighborhood that is more residents of Paris.”

November 2021 – Roobens, French citizen in Paris, Been Around the Globe : “Everything reopened in May (bars, restaurants, gyms, clubs, etc.) in France. Meaning life is more or less back to normal. You just need to have a health pass to prove you’re fully vaccinated. And you have to wear a mask indoors (at the supermarket, when taking the metro, etc.). People are more than ready to travel in Europe only right now. Outside Europe it’s a different story since many borders are still closed. It’s very easy to get tested and to get vaccinated. There’s also an app for contact tracing, most people use it (it’s called “AntiCovid”). Everything is open (museums, restaurants, tourist attractions, etc.).”

September 2021 – Susan, traveling to Paris from US: “My husband and I flew to Paris in August-September 2021 for a 3 week visit with my daughter who lives there as a digital nomad. Tourists are very welcome if fully vaccinated. Major tourist attractions were uncrowded, though online ticket purchases are still recommended. Restaurants were full, especially the venues with large outdoor seating areas. (Travelers should be aware that diners frequently smoke in the outdoor areas.) Nevertheless, this may have been the best time in recent years to be in Paris, due to small crowd size.  Paris was very ready to serve customers in the time of Covid. The French population is >70% vaccinated and the digital vaccine passport works well for French residents (but not visitors). Visitors should bring their original vaccine card to get on the airplane, but a laminated photocopy worked well at every location.

A vaccine card (or proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours) was required at every.single.sit-down eating establishment, hotel, museum, or major tourist destination. Proof was not required to ride public transportation.

Surgical (not cloth) masks are required in every indoor space. Indoor mask-wearing was being strictly followed, with an occasional scofflaw in the subways. Compliance was certainly better than most places in the US. Almost all restaurants had outdoor patio seating available, though the desirability of this may change as the weather cools. Take-out businesses and park-bench dining were thriving. I did not see evidence that contact tracing (in restaurants) was happening. There are Covid testing tents in most busy squares, but many are not accessible to non-residents because they don’t have the ability to charge the required fee there. Covid testing (required for return to the US, and elsewhere) can be done in pharmacies and labs. Your hotel desk may help you find a location. Caution – our results did not arrive via text, as promised, probably because we didn’t have a French phone number. We ended up waiting in a very slow line at the lab to get the results.”

August 30, 2021 – Melissa Suzuno , U.S. visitor: “I’m spending a week in Paris in late August/early September 2021 and my trip is just for fun but as a freelance writer, I’m also doing some work here.  I’m not sure if I’d really describe Parisians as “welcoming,” (haha) but tourism is alive and well in Paris. I did an Airbnb Experience and about half of the participants were French and half were American. The guide said that the number of Americans had decreased for a while but seems to be bouncing back. There are restrictions in place and they seem to be followed quite consistently. For example, you need to show your health pass (or recent negative COVID test) to eat in a restaurant (even outside) or enter a museum. Everywhere I’ve gone has enforced this. Local attractions like museums are open, but they recommend (and sometimes require) you to reserve your time in advance. I’ve gotten a few tests since I’ve been here (to get the temporary health pass). Tests are available in nearly any pharmacy and cost around 30 euros.”

June 2021 – Leyla, Offbeat France , French resident:  “I took a walking tour in the Marais a few days ago and we had one American tourist – the guide said it was her first of the season. Most tourists are French or European in Paris, but with the lockdown now lifted, a few Americans are beginning to arrive. In Paris, I’d say about 90% of people are following the rules. There is the occasional person who doesn’t cover their face in the subway or bus but they do get sideways looks from others. Everyone is masked in shops, because the owners will get fined otherwise. There’s usually plenty of gel at the door or at the cash register. In the streets, quite a few people still wear masks, considering that they are no longer mandatory. As the hot weather moves in, there will probably be fewer masks in the streets. The attached photo shows people do occasionally wear masks outdoors.”

June 2021 – Lena, Salut from Paris , French resident: “ Paris experienced a collective sigh in relief during the past weeks and enjoys the pure presence of normality – and travelers clearly belong to this normality.  Just a couple of weeks ago, the obligation to wear masks outdoors got lifted. Indoors, it is still mandatory and the vast majority is complying. Food services and attractions are open again. However, while the online booking service of attractions assures that the number of visitors is not exceeded, I observe often that bars and restaurants are way fuller than they should be. It is recommended in France that everyone, locals and travelers, are downloading the app #tousanticovid for tracing and alerts. If a visitor requires a covid test, they can easily get tested in pharmacies.”

May 2021 – Audrey, French Resident in Lyon: “Since May 19, the curfew is now starting at 9:00 pm. Restaurants (only outdoor dining), boutiques, movie theatres, museums… have re-opened, only accepting half of the possible guests (which means you need to book everything or wait long lines on the sidewalk). Travel between regions is fully allowed before curfew and after if you’re filing an exemption form (if your train or flight arrives at 9:30 pm for example). All French people over 50 are being vaccinated. Our next milestones are the following: – May 31: opening of vaccination to everyone – June 9: opening of indoor dining and more people allowed in boutiques and such. Of course, wearing a mask is still mandatory everywhere public, inside and out.”

Planning a trip to Paris France?

Check out our other Paris, France travel resources: – Preparing for a Budget Trip to France   – Where to Stay in Paris France: Best Neighborhoods Hotels Airbnbs – Travel Seasons: The Best Time to Visit Europe

If you have questions or updates about travel to Paris, France during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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38 Comments

https://www.euronews.com/2022/03/03/covid-in-europe-france-to-scrap-face-masks-and-vaccine-passes-on-14-march

Looks like things may be loosening up by March 14th hopefully

Michelle, I have seen articles with Forbes, euro news & Reuters on the vaccine pass getting scrapped by March 14th in Paris except for in hospitals and on public transportation. Do you have any knowledge of this? Thanks Wendy

Hi Wendy! Thank you for visiting our blog. That information is correct. The French Government has recently announced that effective March 14, the vaccine pass will not be required to enter most businesses such as restaurants, bars, cafes, ski lifts, museums, cinemas and other cultural venues and theme parks. However, proof of vaccination will still be required in hospitals, retirement homes, and health centers.

I am a fully vaccinated/boosted American who will be arriving in Brest, France for one day, May 10, on a cruise ship followed with a one day stop in LeHavre, France on May 12. I’m aware of the French Vaccine Pass but can’t find anything about what is needed for a cruise ship arrival. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Susan. The French government does not specify restrictions for cruise ship passengers, therefore, the current entry rules for air travelers may also apply to travelers who want to go ashore in French ports. I understand that you are fully vaccinated/boosted, which is already compliant to France’s entry rules (you can find the details in our blog). Your cruise ship operator may also have information regarding entry rules to France. We will update our blog if the French government releases information regarding cruise ship arrivals. I hope this helps.

I just received this from Eurostar “You are considered fully vaccinated for travel purposes if you are aged 18 and over and: *you received a COVID-19 vaccine booster*

*you received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine at least a week ago, but no more than nine months ago*

So the important word here is “OR”. Sounds like it’s just what you said Michelle…thank you so much!!!

Thanks for following up, Debbi!

The new booster requirement is very confusing to me. I’ve read other articles where it says, if you don’t get a booster “within 9 months of original vaccine” then you’re considered unvaccinated.

I’m hoping you or someone you know can confirm this. My vaccination dates are as follows: Moderna – 4/5/2021 Moderna – 5/3/2021 Moderna Booster – 2/12/2022

Traveling at the end of March 2022 – As of now, will I be considered fully vaccinated and allowed to enter France? Or did I get the booster too late?

Thank you. Your article is very helpful!

Hi Katherine. We acknowledge that this requirement has been confusing. The way the official rule was translated in English makes it sound like the booster must be done *within* a certain timeframe. However, an expiration like this would be highly impractical and, in fact, most reporting on the requirement say more clearly: “Travelers aged 18 and over who had their full vaccine course over 9 months ago and have not since received a COVID-19 vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France.” We have been researching this closely and have not seen any evidence of travelers being denied for a “late” booster, nor does France ever mention needing a second booster. We are keeping a close eye on this and will share any updates as they become available.

Thank you so much for your reply! I will keep a close eye on your page for any other updates.

Hello Michelle,

I am confused about the new protocol in France re: vaccinations and boosters. If I had my 2 vaccinations last Feb and March 2021 and then my booster 6 months later, am I considered “fully vaccinated”? Also, my adult son had his 2 vaccinations, the second being May 6th. He has not yet had his booster. I am reading that there is a 9 month expiration of his initial vaccinations so as of Feb 6 (3 days ago) he can no longer be considered “fully vaccinated” even if he gets his booster immediately?

Debbi, I hear you. This particular requirement can certainly be confusing, not to mention constantly changing. The way France has written the booster rule (“no later than nine months following the injection of the last required dose”) makes it sound like the booster must be done *within* 9 months of the second dose to enter France (or soon to be 4 months for the vaccine pass to enter restaurants). However, an expiration like this seems highly impractical and, in fact, most reporting on the requirement say more clearly: “Travelers aged 18 and over who had their full vaccine course over 9 months ago and have not since received a COVID-19 vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France.” This would indicate that your son can be considered fully vaccinated once he gets a booster, even if the booster is done after 9 months. I’m assuming it’s just a translation/wording problem because I have not seen anywhere that travelers with “late” booster doses would lose any chance of being considered fully vaccinated. We are keeping a close eye on this and will share any updates as they become available.

Boosters every 4 months??! Wow

Yes, it seems to be the case. Like so many protocols, though, it could very well change.

I have a trip planned to Paris March 18,2022. I am reading that everyone needs to have the booster shot after being vaccinated for 4 months or you will not get the Vaccine Pass. Do you know if this rule is also mandatory for people going to France from the US? Some articles I have read say it is mandatory and others say it is not. Do you happen to know?

Thanks for your question Susie. I think part of the confusion is that the rules have changed recently. The following update is directly from the French government website in regards to foreigners vaccinated outside of France: “Since the 15th of January 2022, people aged 18 years and 1 month or more and who completed their initial vaccination scheme more than 7 months ago will need to present a proof of a booster dose to be eligible to receive a vaccine equivalency health pass.” I’m not sure why this site does not list the change to a 4 month rule that reportedly goes into effect in February. Perhaps confirmation is still forthcoming.

I am fully vaccinated. I had my booster in Dec. of 2021. I am going to France in June 2022, 6 months after my booster. Do I need a second booster in order to get in the country, or the receive the Health Certificate to allow me into restaurants and museums?

Hi Rebecca. We acknowledge that this requirement has been confusing. The way the official rule was translated in English makes it sound like the booster must be done *within* a certain timeframe. However, an expiration like this would be highly impractical and, in fact, most reporting on the requirement say more clearly: “Travelers aged 18 and over who had their full vaccine course over 9 months ago and have not since received a COVID-19 vaccine booster must follow the rules for unvaccinated passengers to enter France.” We have been researching this closely and have not seen any evidence of travelers being denied for a “late” booster, nor does France ever mention needing a second booster at this time. If you are boosted, you meet the current requirements to enter France and to receive the vaccine certificate. We are keeping a close eye on this and will share any updates as they become available.

I am wanting to plan a trip to take my 14 yr old daughter to Paris the last week of March 2022 on her spring break. I am fully vaccinated, but she is not. She has lab proof of antibodies – also sadly I’m being treated for a blood clot from my Covid vaccine which leads to my hesitation to vaccinate her. All of that aside- I see the paragraph that says travelers ages 11-17 are considered vaccinated if traveling with a fully vaccinated parent (I understand we would both need negative Covid test as well) I have read multiple other sites and I’ve seen this same info but have also seen on other sites everyone 12 & older must be vaccinated unless they’re going to quarantine for 10 days. Do you know what the policy is on this as we do not have 10 days to quarantine. IF she is able to come & not quarantine what would we do to get her a health pass or QR code to enter tourist sites? These are questions I cannot seem to clear up & I want to be sure before I would plan this. I am willing to email or call to France if I had the appropriate number and email contact. I’ve already sent an email a week ago through a government site and still do not have a response. Thank you in advance for any help/info you may have.

Thank you for visiting our blog. Current France travel rules states that “The measures applicable to fully vaccinated adults will be extended under the same conditions to minors accompanying them, regardless of vaccination status.” Since you are vaccinated, your 14-year-old daughter will be treated as vaccinated as well and will not need to quarantine. A negative test is however required for all travelers aged 12 and over. You can check the U.S. Embassy in France or the France Diplomacy websites for more information.

Regarding the health pass, persons age 12-15 require a health pass everywhere a vaccine pass is required. You can obtain a vaccine pass (or a health pass for your daughter) from designated pharmacies in France for a fee of up to 36 Euros (approximately 41.18 USD). You can check here for the map of designated pharmacies in France. You can check our blog for more information about the health pass and regular updates about France’s travel requirements. Hope this helps.

Thank you for your reply. As far as the health pass goes for my 14 yr old daughter, since she is not vaccinated am I understanding that in order for her to obtain one from the French pharmacies she will have to pass a Covid test every 24 hrs. for a fee of 36 euros each time to keep it active in order to be admitted into restaurants, museums, etc.? I have clicked on the map of pharmacies to actually check with one but everything on that page is in French. I am just making sure I understand this. Thank you

Wendy, an unvaccinated 14 year old would need a test within 24 hours in order to enter restaurants, attractions, and long-distance travel. She would not need to test daily unless you are visiting places where the pass is required each day. Antigen tests are 25 euros (36 was for the vaccine equivalent, sorry for the confusion). Here is a more direct link to pharmacy testing location map, you just have to keep clicking to zoom in on Paris: https://www.sante.fr/cf/carte-depistage-covid.html

Excellent information! Merci! It is January in the US right now and we are planning our trip to Paris for mid April 20 22 very excited but also so concerned because of the omicron variant now. I will follow your blog and see if any new postings are out as January comes to an end I am getting ready to book our trip now. Thanks again so much.

Great blog! Thanks for sharing paris travel restrictions, really helpful content.

I am planning a trip to Paris September 22 through 29th with a one day bus trip to Normandy. I understand that since I have a CDC proof of vaccination I do not need a test to enter France. However I do need a Travel Pass which would be obtained at a Pharmacy. I had read that the French government was paying for tests in order for tourists to return to their country of origin but not sure that is correct. My main question, does this process of receiving the Travel Pass work “smooth” or could there be snags. Same question for the required Covid-19 test upon returning, are there ample Pharmacy and testing sites for tourists? Has anyone taken a survey of recent travelers? Thank you

Thanks for visiting our blog. The French health pass for non-EU citizens is still relatively new and the protocols for visitors in September don’t seem to be fully established yet. Official guidance can be found here . At the moment, visitors coming before August 18 are able to submit their proof of vaccination by email before arrival to get the pass (a QR code). In case it’s not processed in time, getting tested in France is a temporary “back-up” method, valid for 72 hours. I’ve also seen that some travelers have been able to show their CDC vaccine card at a pharmacy in Paris to receive a QR code within 15 minutes, but I’m not sure how common that is yet. We will continue to seek out on-the-ground reports from recent travelers to find out how it’s going, and we’ll regularly update this post as we learn more.

We are scheduled to arrive Paris September 7, cruise to Normandy from the 9th through 16th, spend two more days in Paris, returning to U.S. on the 18th. The CDC and State Department alerts say “do not travel” and also warn about demonstrations and violence in tourist areas of major cities. We are in our 70s, fully vaccinated, but also cancer survivors. Should we cancel our trip?

I understand your concern. It’s a question I’ve been getting a lot lately with all the uncertainty around Europe travel so I wrote an article about it here: https://intentionaltravelers.com/should-i-reschedule-my-trip/ There is no right answer, as it depends on your values and risk tolerance, so I can’t really make that call for you. Demonstrations in Paris are certainly an additional factor to consider. But just to give some perspective… I’ve never been to Paris when there *wasn’t* a demonstration going by on my Uncle’s street, although they can vary in intensity. Usually protest locations are known so they can be avoided. However, if potentially dealing with that sounds too stressful, it may be a reason to cancel. Being fully vaccinated makes a huge difference but even so, cruising and travel in France during the pandemic is not without risk. Does the benefit of this trip outweigh that risk? Will worry get in the way of your enjoyment? That’s up to you.

Is there an app to use to show proof of vaccine status for visitors from outside the EU?

Thanks for your question. The E.U. vaccine app is only available to citizens and residents of the EU so far. Whether this will eventually be made available for non-EU tourists to facilitate travel in Europe is not yet clear, but we’ll be sure to update our blog posts here if that changes.

I am a US citizen planning a trip from USA to London and then to Paris. Is there any rules for US citizen traveling to Paris, via London by train?

Good question. Traveling through some countries to France can complicate the requirements. Whereas the U.S. is on the “green list”, the U.K. is on the “amber list” for France and the rules for the UK would apply since that’s where you’ll be departing from to enter France. Fully vaccinated travelers can enter France without an essential reason and would need to present a recent negative Covid test and proof of vaccination status. More details can be found here: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/#sommaire_1

Hi Michelle,

It looks like France is no longer requiring a negative PCR test for vaccinated travelers from “Green” countries (the US included).

Or is it? Later on that page it states “(if you are aged 11 years or older) you agree to submit to a virological RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 upon arrival in France.”

What are your thoughts?

Hi Ben. Thank you for visiting our blog. It is correct that France is no longer requiring a negative PCR test for fully vaccinated travelers from the United States and other Green countries. If a traveler (aged 11 years or older) from Green countries is not fully vaccinated, then a negative PCR or antigen test is required. A negative PCR or antigen test is also required for allowed travelers coming from “Orange” and “Red” countries.

A quick update from France: Since May 19, the curfew is now starting at 9:00 pm. Restaurants (only outdoor dining), boutiques, movie theatres, museums… have re-opened, only accepting half of the possible guests (which means you need to book everything or wait long lines on the sidewalk). Travel between regions is fully allowed before curfew and after if you’re filing an exemption form (if your train or flight arrives at 9:30 pm for example). All French people over 50 are being vaccinated. Our next milestones are the following: – May 31: opening of vaccination to everyone – June 9: opening of indoor dining and more people allowed in boutiques and such. Of course, wearing a mask is still mandatory everywhere public, inside and out.

Hi! Thanks so much for sharing these updates from France!

I have friends in Paris and I’m thinking about going next month…. Will the restrictions ease by then?

Hello and thank you for visiting our blog. I understand your concern about your trip next month, though we don’t have any special insight as to when protocols might change, beyond what we’ve already shared in the article. We will do our best to keep updating this post as the situation progresses.

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How safe is Paris for tourists right now?

Everything you need to know if you are planning a trip to the French capital in the coming weeks as strikes and protests continue

Paris in the springtime is usually considered a lovely little jaunt. However, in recent days concerns have been raised about the escalation of strikes and protests in response to France’s proposed pension reforms. 

On a coordinated day of action on March 23, hundreds of thousands took to the streets of the French capital, leading to violent clashes with police and destruction of property. Some 457 were arrested and 441 security forces injured, French ministers said on Friday. Protestors also blocked the motorway leading to Charles de Gaulle airport and the tracks at the Gare de Lyon, causing widespread travel disruption. 

Discontent has been building for months over the reforms, which raise the national pension age by two years from 62 to 64. Currently, pensions cost the French government 330 billion euros annually, but President Macron’s attempts to reduce the burden have been met with outrage and a narrowly survived vote of no-confidence.

And now, a state visit from King Charles on March 28 has been cancelled after French unions called for another day of action to coincide with the trip. If the strike goes ahead, it will be the 10th day of protest over the reforms. 

But is it safe to travel across the Channel and how likely are flight delays and cancellations? Here we run through everything you need to know if you are planning a trip to Paris in the coming weeks. This page will be updated to reflect the latest information. 

Is it safe to travel to Paris right now?

As March 23 was a designated day of walkouts and protests across the country, there is an expectation that the streets will be calmer in the coming days. However, French unions have called for another day of nationwide strikes on Tuesday, March 28 to coincide with King Charles’ official visit, which has since been cancelled. And with no obvious resolution over the reforms, more action will likely be announced.  That said, there are no travel warnings in place for France and travellers are simply being advised to monitor the situation. 

It should be emphasised that, despite the dramatic scenes, the vast majority of protests have been peaceful and travellers are more likely to face strike-related delays than safety issues.

Are there any travel warnings in place for France?

The FCDO has not issued a warning against travel to France, but does offer some advice to travellers. 

The official page reads: “On March 16, large scale demonstrations started in central Paris and elsewhere in France and police presence increased. Protests could turn violent and/or continue. These could lead to disruptions to road travel.

“Several unions have called for rolling cross-sector strike action from March 7, with coordinated cross-sector action planned on Thursday, March 23. Industrial action may start the evening before the strike day and run for several days. Localised or sector-specific strikes could also occur outside these dates. Industrialised action may lead to disruption to services.

“You should monitor the media, check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.”

Are restaurants and attractions open as usual?

The Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles and Arc de Triomphe were closed on March 23 but have since reopened. Most restaurants and shops should also now be operating as usual, but could close at short notice due to more strike action or violent protests – indeed a McDonalds outlet was ransacked on March 23 . Visitors may also notice piles of rubbish littering the streets as bins haven’t been collected in two weeks.

Are other French cities being affected by the protests?

While Paris has seen the most dramatic protests, other French cities have also been impacted. On March 23, Bordeaux’s town hall was set ablaze, while the cities of Lille, Nantes, Rennes and Lorient also saw clashes between police and protestors. Meanwhile,  a fifth of flights were cancelled from Marseille airport on March 21 and 22. 

Will my flight be cancelled due to the protests?

Widespread industrial action has led to a raft of flight and a few Eurostar cancellations in recent days. On March 21 and 22 around 20 per cent of flights were axed from Paris Orly.

Ahead of the strike action this week, EasyJet warned: “Air traffic control staff are joining the strike action and therefore like all airlines, our flights to and from French airports, as well as those flying in French airspace, could be affected.

“We expect that there will be delays and some disruption due to the industrial action, therefore we advise all customers to check the status of their flight on our flight tracker either on our mobile app or website.”

More strikes or indeed spontaneous blockades at stations or airports could lead to further travel disruption. 

What should I do if my travel plans are impacted by strike action? 

Before travelling, be sure to check whether there are any strikes on the ground in your destination and plan accordingly. Even localised train strikes, for example, could create issues travelling from the airport upon arrival. 

If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to strike action, contact your airline immediately. Airlines are obliged to offer assistance such as food and drink or accommodation for extensive delays due to industrial action. Most will endeavour to place you on another flight where space allows.

For flights which are cancelled outright, whether you are entitled to compensation depends on if the strike is considered to be something the airline could feasibly control. Under UK and EU law, you're only entitled to a refund if your carrier informs you your flight is cancelled less than 14 days' from the date you're due to fly.

For more information on what to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled, read our comprehensive guide, here . 

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Is Paris Safe? A Full Guide on Safety in Paris

It’s easy to picture Paris as this magical place overflowing with romance and beautiful city lights (hence the name… the “City of Lights”), but it’s not always as perfect as it may seem. If you keep asking yourself “ is Paris safe ” and aren’t sure whether or not you should visit, keep reading.

Similar to much of the world, Paris has its good – and not so good- arrondissements and its own unique problems. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t travel there, it just means that you need to be educated on safety in Paris before you visit!

In this post, I’m going to answer some essential questions regarding safety in Paris so you have all the information you’ll need to make a responsible decision on whether or not you should visit Paris.

I always recommend visiting, but the answers to these questions will help you decide if you personally will be comfortable with making the trip.

* While we try to keep the information in this article updated as best as possible, travel restrictions and requirements could change at any time. Please do not use this article as your primary source of travel information, as travel requirements will vary among travelers, places of origin, and destinations.*

Happy Travels!

Is Paris Safe to Travel to?

In short, yes. Paris is safe to travel to for the most part. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing remain the primary concern for tourists with violent crimes happening far less frequently. Most violent crimes also occur more often on the edge of city limits and usually happen after dark.

To stay safe inside the city of Paris, just follow these simple steps:

✔️ Try to stay with groups when possible ✔️ Avoid public transportation and taxis after dark ✔️ Avoid street games and streetside ATMs ✔️ Keep your belongings close to your person ✔️ Travel in well-lit areas (avoid residential neighborhoods and side streets)

If you’re able to do these things, you shouldn’t have any problems during a normal day in Paris. What do I mean by “ normal ?” Well, just like many other European cities, protests, riots, and the occasional terrorist attack aren’t unheard of.

Keep reading to learn more about these issues in Paris.

Is Paris Full of Crime?

Regardless of what you may have heard, no… Paris is not full of crime . Just like most cities, Paris isn’t a stranger to smaller crimes like theft, but the idea that you can’t walk the streets of Paris without witnessing crime around every corner is absolute rubbish.

Yes, you need to watch your belongings (as I’ve mentioned time and time again) and be mindful of who’s around you, etc., but you need to be doing these exact same things practically wherever you travel around the world!

Ignore the people that claim Paris is so full of crime that it is unvisitable, because more than likely, they haven’t actually even visited Paris themselves.

Take the proper precautions before visiting and do your best to follow normal safety guidelines as you would in any city and you are more than likely to have a wonderful experience.

Is Paris Safe at Night?

Just like any European city, crime rates rise at night . Especially on public transportation (the metro in Paris should be avoided after dark), in taxis, and in residential neighborhoods, crimes take place far more often.

That being said, this type of crime is rather easy to avoid as long as you know where you’re going. If you plan to visit a few bars or clubs after dark, then try and do so close to your accommodation. This will limit your walking distance (good in general but especially if you are under the influence).

By limiting the distance you’ll need to walk after dark, the less likely you are to fall victim to these crimes. As I said before, walk through well-lit areas that are well-populated and avoid taking any “ shortcuts .”

Also, unfortunately like many cities in Europe, date rape drugs aren’t uncommon in bars and restaurants at night. Be mindful of who you’re with, where you’re going, and who is around you at all times.

So, to answer the question, “ is Paris safe at night? “, the answer is mostly yes , but in certain areas… definitely not . Do your best to avoid shady areas altogether after dark and don’t trust anyone you don’t know personally.

In my opinion, Paris is the most romantic at night, so it’s definitely worth checking out as along as you follow basic safety precautions. In fact, here are 10+ Seine River cruises to consider for a romantic evening on the banks of Paris!

Is Paris Safe to Travel Alone?

Since it will be slightly harder to stay in groups as I mentioned, Paris will become slightly less safe if you’re traveling solo . That being said, this issue can easily be fixed by sightseeing in groups such as free or guided walking tours and making friends at your hostel or hotel.

But, even if you are traveling alone, as long as you follow the above guidelines and tips , you should avoid most crimes that occur more frequently (i.e. avoid the metro and walking long distances after dark).

Also, if you plan on backpacking, keep your backpack on the front of your person … especially if you’re carrying your passport, wallet, etc.

Yes, you may look silly, but having backpacked across four countries in Europe, it saved my butt a couple of times! I watched a woman try to sneak into Sean’s bag right in front of me in a train station in Prague… these things do happen , so be sure to keep your wits about you at all times.

So, Paris is absolutely safe to travel alone , but you won’t have anyone else to watch your back. This makes you an easier target for crime, but as long as you are taking the proper precautions and are mindful of your decisions, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Is Paris Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

I personally have not traveled through Paris solo as I’ve always had my trusty travel buddy with me, but from what I’ve heard and learned from other travelers, it is perfectly safe .

Again… follow the above guidelines and you’ll greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to crime in Paris. However, unfortunately for us girls, there are additional risks with being a solo female backpacker …

✔️ First, don’t ever let your drink out of your sight . Now, this is something that you likely already do (and if you aren’t you should start doing), but take particular care in European cities .

They are no stranger to common date rape drugs and sedatives, so watch the bartender open your bottle or can and never put an open glass on the bar.

✔️ Additionally, be wary of groups of young men or anyone trying to walk you home. If you need to, call your hotel or hostel and have them order a taxi for you.

Accommodations typically use reputable taxi companies , so if you feel like you need to get out of a situation, make sure that your cellphone is charged.

✔️ Also, always know your way back to your accommodation before leaving a bar, shop, museum, etc. There is no easier target than a girl wandering around with a map in her hands, unfortunately.

✔️ None of this is meant to scare you and you will likely have a fantastic trip to Paris without any issues. But in the event that something does happen, it’s better to be prepared… and keep in mind, that any of these issues can happen in your own hometown , so that’s no reason not to get out and see this beautiful world!

✔️ Next, I would suggest opting for an all-female dormitory in a hostel or a private hotel room for accommodations in Paris.

These are typically slightly more expensive, but the extra cost is well worth your safety. It is worth noting that something can of course still go wrong in one of these situations, but the chances are reduced.

✔️ Lastly, consider joining free walking tours or guided tour groups where you’ll get the chance to sightsee with other tourists. This might not be what you were hoping to do if you decided to travel solo, but it will likely keep you safer to travel in a group versus on your own.

If you would prefer to sightsee on your own during the day, consider joining a food and wine tour at night !

This way you’ll get to experience the city at night without the added dangers of being alone. Score ! Plus you’ll probably gain some awesome stories from sharing food and drinks with your new friends in Paris.

How Can I Avoid Pickpockets in Paris?

Sadly, pickpockets are extremely popular in Paris , especially among the big crowds surrounding the major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Le Louvre. But, luckily for us, there are plenty of things we can do to help deter pickpocketers from choosing us as a target.

✔️ First, keep all of your belongings in a zipped-up bag . Do NOT carry open-top purses or magnet-close backpacks.

These are super simple to get inside and are a sure target for pickpocketers. Not to mention, it’s easy for your belongings to simply fall out of these bags if you aren’t careful.

✔️ Next, carry your zipped-up bag on the front of your person .

This means wrapping your backpack across your chest instead of your back and keeping any purses or moneybelts in front of you.

Pickpocketers look for people not paying attention to their belongings, so by keeping them right in front of your eyes, you’re a harder person to target.

✔️ You can also use baggage locks to secure your zippers together .

This way, even if someone does try to get inside, it will take them significantly longer and they’ll be far more likely to get caught… another great way of deterring pickpocketers.

✔️ Lastly, keep your wits about you at all times .

If a local comes up to you asking if you’ll take a picture of them in front of the Eiffel Tower, chances are their partner is sneaking into your stuff while you take the picture.

Just politely say no and move on. If they are actually a tourist, they’ll have no problem asking someone else.

Is Paris Safe to Visit in 2024?

France was one of the earliest countries during the pandemic to reopen its borders to foreign tourists in the summer of 2020, only to shut its doors twice following that decision.

Now, France has some of the strictest travel requirements in the world owing to its steadily increasing case numbers.

✔️ So, if you are hoping to visit Paris during the pandemic, you’ll need to be prepared with a few things including but not limited to proof of vaccination , a negative PCR test result , a French Health Pass (costs up to 36 euros), and the ability to quarantine at your own expense .

Depending on your country of origin, you may not be required to have all of the above listed items. However, on the other hand, you may be required to provide all of the items above.

If you’re able to follow the above guidelines for entering France , then you may visit . However, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to follow more strict guidelines while visiting.

✔️ Masks and social distancing may be required depending on the business or attraction, some businesses may be temporarily closed due to the ongoing pandemic, and restrictions may become more severe without advance notice at any time.

So, answering the question: “ is Paris safe to visit in 2024? “, is difficult. If you happen to be immunocompromised, over the age of 60, or are or plan to be pregnant, then it would be best to talk with your doctor before planning any travel. Again, you know your body best , so it isn’t up to me to say what is safe for you .

If none of the above apply to you and you’re feeling comfortable with the risks, then you can absolutely visit Paris in a safe way ! In fact, you’ll likely be able to social distance better and come into contact with fewer people owing to the ongoing pandemic.

We have found that there are shorter wait times at most major attractions, reduced seating capacity at restaurants and bars, and overall far fewer people wandering the streets of the French capital.

This will really help your ability to social distance effectively and can possibly even reduce your risks of contracting in comparison to where you’re living now if such strict requirements aren’t in place.

What are the Current Requirements for Visiting Paris?

Unfortunately, entry requirements are going to vary by country and owing to the ever-changing guidelines, it’s best to research your country’s requirements directly.

✔️ Please keep in mind that travel requirements can change at any time (and do frequently), and it is always best to consult your Embassy or government website for the most up-to-date travel information before planning any travel. For travel requirements for U.S. citizens, click here .

✔️ As of now, fully vaccinated travelers going to France only need to provide proof of full vaccination and a sworn declaration stating that they are symptom-free and have not been in close contact with any positive cases in the previous 14 days.

✔️ If you are not fully vaccinated, then the restrictions will change depending on if you are traveling from a “red”, “orange”, or “green” list country.

✔️ For the vast majority, a PCR test must be taken within less than 24 hours before your flight to France and a negative result must be provided.

✔️ Quarantine may also be required for up to 10 days and most citizens from “red” and “orange” list countries must have an extremely important reason for travel ( no, tourism doesn’t count ).

If you want to stay updated on the travel restrictions to France, watch the France Diplomacy website .

Is Paris Safe for American Tourists?

Overall, yes, Paris is safe for American tourists . I will say that there is still a stereotype revolving around “stupid Americans” in the French capital, but it is much more petty and ignorant than aggressive or violent.

Just like any city that gets a lot of tourism, tourists tend to be rude. So, Parisians may seem to be rude just to Americans, but in fact, most locals in most cities are rude to most tourists of most nationalities… that’s just part of traveling in major cities across Europe… and even most parts of the world for that matter.

I am an American and found the locals in Paris to be very nice and hard working . I can speak a good bit of French which I’m sure made things easier for them, but even still they were polite. Very few were overly happy, but you shouldn’t expect that of a perfect stranger anyway.

Unfortunately, there have been spikes in violent crimes against Muslim and Jewish tourists, however. In recent years, anti-Semitic attacks have continued to rise throughout Europe and are a source of terrorist attacks in Paris .

But, for the most part, Americans don’t need to worry much about having issues related to their country of origin. As usual, if you are kind to the locals, they will likely reciprocate . It goes a long way to be polite and not fall into the stereotypical category of “stupid Americans!”

Is Paris LGBTQ+ Friendly?

YES! Paris actually happens to be one of the most gay-friendly cities in Europe with gay bars scattering the city. They also host the infamous Paris Pride Parade , or the Marche des Fiertés LGBT , in June in celebration of pride month .

You won’t need to worry about public displays of affection in Paris… don’t forget that it is also called the “ City of Romance ” for a reason!

In fact, most cities across Europe are gay-friendly . Because of this, there are always some hopping bars and nightclubs everywhere you go.

Very unfortunately, we still don’t live in a world where the LGBTQ+ community is fully accepted , but you can be sure that you’ll have a fantastic time in Paris if you or a friend are an LGBTQ+ member! And if you’re not a member, that’s okay too… because being an ally is equally great 😊

There are rare occurrences of hate crimes against members of this community, but these can and do happen everywhere and at random for the most part. This can happen in Paris as it can in any city, so don’t decide not to visit out of fear of acceptance.

For the most part, Parisians are a very diverse bunch with open hearts, so feel safe to be you !

Is Paris Safe to Travel for Families?

Yes, Paris is safe to travel for families . However, parents can easily be distracted by their children . This can make them easier targets for pickpocketers , but as long as they follow the simple steps to deter pickpockets above, they shouldn’t have any problems.

Also, it goes without saying that kids are a whole lot of fun… but, they can run off in an instant. Paris is a very big city and it would be easy for a child to get lost . So, it’s important to keep your eyes on them at all times.

It may seem strange or even harsh, but having your kid wear a backpack with a leash attached isn’t a bad idea… this way they can walk around on their own but still be connected to you if they’re a little bit older.

It’s also very helpful if you’re crossing busy roads or are at popular attractions or landmarks with a lot of people.

I’m no stranger to this if it helps you not feel like this is silly… my parents had a leash attached to my backpack between the ages of 4 and 8 and they still say to this day how many times I would have gotten lost had I not been literally attached to them!

Overall, Paris is a very safe place for families . The trick is evenly distributing your focus between your kids and your belongings !

Is Paris Safe from Terrorism?

There is no denying that Paris has had its fair share of horrific terrorist attacks in previous years. In 2015, a series of coordinated attacks took place within the city that ended up killing over 100 people and injuring hundreds more.

So, unfortunately, no. Paris is not safe from terrorism … but, neither are most places in the world. Boston, New York, London, Las Vegas, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, Austria, New Zealand, and dozens of others have been victims of terrorist attacks over the last 20 years .

Terrorism has been and will continue to be a concern for many years ahead, very unfortunately. But, that shouldn’t stop you from traveling .

Statistically speaking, you are far more likely to become injured or perish in a local accident near to your home on any given day than in a terrorist attack. This fact isn’t meant to downplay the seriousness of a terrorist attack, but just to help you see how unlikely it is for you to fall victim to one.

So, instead of avoiding Paris due to fear of falling victim to a terrorist attack, there are a few things you can do to help you stay safe.

✔️ First, read up on any recent issues in the city .

If protests, riots, or terrorist attacks have occurred more frequently in recent weeks or months, possibly consider pushing your trip out until things settle down.

✔️ Additionally, check your government’s embassy website before visiting.

In the United States, they rank each country on safety from levels 1-4, with 4 being “Do Not Travel.” Your government will provide you with the most up-to-date safety information on Paris that you can use to help guide your decision on whether or not it is safe to visit.

I always take this with a grain of salt, personally, since many countries that I have visited had a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning but I felt perfectly safe the entire time, including France.

For other countries, you may not see a 1-4 safety scale, but they will provide you with the safety information you need nevertheless.

✔️ Next, try to avoid mass public gatherings and outdoor demonstrations as well as places of worship .

These are typically larger target areas for terrorist groups and typically have a higher likelihood of attacks.

Overall, everywhere you go there is a risk of a terrorist attack happening. As sad as this is, don’t live in fear ! Get out and enjoy Paris by taking the above precautions and making the most out of your time.

Essential Safety Tips for Traveling to Paris

Whether this is your first visit to Paris or your 10 th , there are a few essential tips that can help keep you safer while traveling through the city.

✔️ First, try to avoid taking the metro after dark .

While most crime that happens during the day is petty theft and pickpockets, at night crime typically becomes more severe. This also goes for taxis .

✔️ Also, aim to walk through more populated areas , especially if you’re traveling during the evening hours.

Though this will increase your chances of falling victim to a pickpocketer, as long as you keep your bags zipped up and in your arms at all times, you’ll actually have a lower chance of falling victim to more severe crimes.

✔️ Don’t exchange money with locals or use the streetside ATMs .

Counterfeit euros do exist in Paris, and ATMs located randomly on the streets are well-known for being hacked and stealing people’s credit card information. Instead, opt only to buy euros in the airport, local bank, or at an ATM that requires your bank card to access.

✔️ Next, avoid locals asking you to take their picture in front of iconic landmarks .

As I mentioned before, this is an easy way for their partner to sneak into your bag if you aren’t paying attention.

✔️ Never put your bags in the overhead compartments or under your feet on public transportation!

This one I really can’t stress enough. People have been known to crawl under the seats and slice bags open as well as grab other people’s bags from the overhead compartments then jump off at the next stop.

✔️ Lastly, avoid street games .

For the most part, these are rigged and the people standing around who look like they’re getting ready to play are actually in on the scam. Don’t fall for people who are acting as if they just won big… they’re also in on the scam!

Is it Safe to Drive in Paris?

While it is safe to drive in Paris , I don’t think you’ll necessarily want to drive in Paris. The streets can become extremely crowded with people and other cars, and traffic can be a real nightmare.

You’ll also quickly notice that parking can be difficult to find and usually requires payment or a residential sticker and many roads are one-ways or pedestrian-only . So, if you’re thinking that a rental car will allow you to park right in front of the Eiffel Tower so you can hop out, grab a few pictures, then be on your way… think again!

So, yes, it is safe to drive in Paris , but that doesn’t make it enjoyable . Instead, I would opt to take the metro to anywhere you don’t feel like walking to. It’s extremely affordable and easy to use!

If it is late at night, have either your hotel call you a taxi from a reputable company or just take an Uber . Both are perfectly safe as long as you check that the taxi is legitimate and the car and person match the details of your Uber reservation before getting in.

Is it Safe to Drink the Water in Paris?

Overall, it is very safe to drink the tap water in Paris . It can be confusing to know which cities and which countries across Europe the tap water is safe to drink, but all you need to know is that Paris’ is just fine.

If it makes you more comfortable, you can always opt to travel with a reusable water bottle with a filter . This way you can be sure that you’re not consuming any bacteria that may be harmful. You can also opt to simply stick to bottled water .

However, if you want to avoid the water entirely, then you’ll need to be mindful of avoiding fruits, vegetables, and legumes in your meals since they are typically rinsed in tap water before serving. This can become quite difficult since most Parisian dishes have some form of produce in them.

I wouldn’t worry though, as I found the water in Paris to taste quite good and it was perfectly clear without any obvious dirt or rust. I also didn’t experience any stomach issues and was drinking it rather consistently during our visit.

What is the Safest Way of Getting Around Paris?

In my personal opinion, there is no “safest” way of getting around Paris . It entirely depends on the time of day, the size of your group, and other factors.

But, to help you decide what method is best for you, here are a few tips. First, I never took the metro after dark alone . If I absolutely had to, I was sure to travel with other people and keep my belongings on my lap at all times.

✔️ I personally prefer to walk everywhere in new cities since you get a better perspective of the city as a whole, and found this to be very safe.

Most places you’ll want to visit in Paris other travelers want to visit, as well. This means these areas will be well-lit and heavily trafficked, so the risk of more dangerous crimes isn’t as high.

✔️ What I’m saying is, don’t wander down dark alleys no matter what time of day it is.

This isn’t a tropical beach paradise with hidden coves scattered around the island, so if you don’t see other people somewhere, that doesn’t mean that it’s likely a secret gem that no one has discovered yet… it means you probably shouldn’t go there either!

✔️ Driving a rental car is safe , but boy would it be frustrating.

I don’t recommend this option as it will be expensive and finding parking and dealing with the tens of thousands of pedestrians is going to make it take a lot longer to get between landmarks and attractions.

✔️ Ubers and taxis can be quite safe , but be sure that the taxi is from a reputable company and the Uber driver and car match your booking reference before getting in, especially at night.

I would also suggest only taking taxis or Ubers if there is someone else with you if you’re traveling at night !

Overall, during the day the metro, taxis, Ubers, driving, and walking are all quite safe . At night, keep your wits about you and try to travel in a group , if possible.

Is Paris Safe to Live?

Considering Paris just so happens to be one of the largest and busiest cities in all of Europe, it is actually a very safe place to live .

Typically, bigger cities, especially ones with high tourist populations and almost any level of poverty, have higher crime rates than more rural or small destinations.

Of course, things like petty theft and pickpocketing are an issue in places like the metro, at the train stations, and near iconic landmarks, but for the most part, locals aren’t the main target for these crimes… tourists are!

Pretty much all of the neighborhoods in Paris are considered safe places to live with no single arrondissement flying red flags to newcomers.

Keep in mind that Paris is a bustling metropolis, and every area will have its good and bad people. The same goes for any rural village and big city across Europe.

With that being said, while Paris is a rather safe place to live, it isn’t necessarily the easiest . Living situations can be expensive and difficult to find, with most apartments and flats being snatched up the first second they go on the market.

Finding long-term accommodations can also be competitive , especially if you need one close to the metro station to get to work.

Also, if you’re looking for a nice flat with a view of the Eiffel Tower, get in line . Those typically run as some of the most expensive accommodations in the city for tiny studios and rarely go on the market.

As for houses, there are only a few residential neighborhoods with nice-looking houses and they are going to cost you a pretty penny. Paris’ housing district remains one of the most expensive in the world , with prices increasing by over 8,000 Euros per square meter!

So, while Paris is a safe place to live, it typically is out of reach for the majority of the population.

So… How Safe Is Paris Overall?

Overall, Paris is a very safe city that you surely shouldn’t miss ! It’s very similar to other cities found throughout Europe, where the worst issue that you may or may not experience is the common stolen phone or wallet.

To prevent this, be diligent in watching your belongings and opt to leave any unnecessary bags, money, or items in your hotel room.

Otherwise, it is on the rare occasion that you would experience more violent crimes and you shouldn’t let the small chance of something like this occurring hold you back from visiting Paris.

In fact, the most you may witness during your travels is if you decide to visit during a protest. Public transportation (primarily the metro) workers have protests (called “transportation strikes” ) that are actually scheduled throughout the year!

You can view this information ahead of time online, and plan your visit around these protests if they make you nervous.

For the most part, the only thing they affect is your ability to ride the metro since the workers refuse to work during these times. Otherwise, they are rarely violent and can be planned around. If you want to take a peek at the protest schedule, click here .

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The 5 Credit Card Hacks that Will Change Your Life

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I’ve been traveling Europe with these 5 incredible credit card hacks in my back pocket, and I’m here to share them with YOU !

Whether you decide to stay in the comfort of your hometown or travel the world with only a backpack full of clothes to your name, safety will still become a concern from time to time. Don’t let this mere fact of life stop you from exploring the magical cities of Europe, especially Paris!

Paris is full of tons of beautiful sights and activities that would keep you busy for months on end, so it would be an absolute shame not to visit. Simply follow all of my tips and guidelines for staying safe in Paris, and you’ll never have to ask yourself “ is Paris safe? ” again!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

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Is it safe to visit Paris? Latest France travel advice

A terror attack took place in the french capital on december 2, with one person killed and two injured. here’s the latest foreign office travel advice.

A n attacker killed one person and injured at least two others in the Bir-Hakeim-Grenelle area of Paris, close to the Eiffel Tower, on the evening of Saturday, December 2. The suspect was arrested and the French authorities advised people to avoid the area, where there was a heavy police presence. This follows a terror attack in the town of Arras on Friday, October 13, after which the country raised its national threat level to Emergency Attack Level — the highest. This threat level is described as “maximum vigilance and protection in the event of an imminent threat of a terrorist act or in the immediate aftermath of an attack”. Here’s what you need to know if you’re travelling to Paris soon.

Main photo: the Pont des Arts in Paris (Getty Images)

What’s the latest on the attacks in Paris?

A 26-year-old man has been arrested and anti-terrorism prosecutors have started an investigation into the attack. Anti-terrorism prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard said the suspect had pledged allegiance to Islamic State in a video recorded before the attacks took place. The victim is a German tourist who worked as a nurse and the two other injured were a French man in his sixties and a 66-year-old British tourist, who was hit in the eye with a hammer.

Is it safe to travel to Paris right now?

The Foreign Office does not warn against travelling to Paris and the safety advice is the same as for the rest of France — be vigilant in public places, stay alert and follow the advice of local authorities.

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What’s the latest government advice about travelling to France?

The Foreign Office has warned that, given the heightened threat level, evacuations of crowded places may take place. These can include airports, public transport stations and stops, tourist sites, major sports venues, schools, places of worship, and large commercial centres.

The likelihood of a terror attack in France is also considered very high, with shopping centres, entertainment venues, cultural events, public transport and places of worship the most likely targets. Previous terror incidents have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings and vehicle attacks.

There’s no specific advice for those who might be transiting through France, for example at the airport or via Eurostar, but delays may be possible at border control due to increased checks. If you’re driving, there shouldn’t be any delays once you get into France as it operates an open border with its EU neighbours.

Additional reporting by Lucy Perrin

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Is Paris Safe in 2024? A Traveler's Safety Guide

After all that's happened in Paris, it can be confusing to know whether Paris is still safe for travelers to visit. I've done the research, and here's what I've found on the important things to know + tips to help travelers stay safe while visiting Paris!

Leah is a freelance travel writer for Pilot. Her work has been published in travel magazines, including Eternal Arrival and Estes Park Magazine. When she is not traveling she is summiting mountains in her home state of Colorado. Her current travel goal is to visit all US National Parks within the next two years.

Picture this.

You are standing in front of the Eiffel tower and the soft glow of the lights twinkles in the distance. For a moment, your full attention is on marveling at its beauty.

You go to reach for your phone to take a picture when all of a sudden something sends shivers down your spine. you can't find your phone. You also notice that your wallet is missing as well.

You could've sworn you've just had it and never took it out of your pocket. A set of panic enters your body and you realize you just got pickpocketed.

That definitely rings true for me, as I get anxious about my surroundings when I travel abroad. Especially in crowded attractions, I'm always never enjoying the views but worrying about my stuff getting pickpocketed.

Traveling to a new country can always impose fear or new threats. It is quite normal when exploring an unfamiliar place. Certain countries and cities are safer than others.

After all, Paris is a major city with a population estimate of nearly 11.3M people . It's also one of the biggest tourist hubs in the world.

So that has me wondering, "Is Paris actually safe for travel?"

Paris, France is perceived to be a romantic and beautiful place. Movies highlight solo travelers standing in front of the Eiffel tower, on a beautiful summer night. Is it as glamorous as the movies and pictures portray it to be?

Don’t worry, we will break it down for you, from statistics to tips.

Let’s talk about how safe Paris really is.

Is Paris Safe to visit in 2024?

Short answer: Yes, but exercise a higher degree of caution.

Paris is generally considered a safe city for travelers, and millions of people visit each year without incident.

However, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Paris and France is both listed in the US and Canada's Travel Advisory as "Travel, but Exercise Increased Caution".

Towards the end of June 2023, several demonstrations against police violence occured. Further demonstrations may continue to occur. As a result, it's advised that visitors monitor local media for latest information, follow instructions set by local authorities, and modify plans in case of disturbance.

Is Paris Safe to Travel in General?

The answer is still Yes! The general advice is to travel while exercising caution.

This includes keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, avoiding walking alone in deserted or poorly lit areas at night, and keeping a copy of your passport in a secure place.

It's also a good idea to research local laws and customs before you visit to ensure that you're aware of any potential cultural differences. In general, taking the same precautions you would in any other major city should help you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Paris.

Street crime is the biggest concern in Paris. Tourist areas are considered on High Alert, always. Tourists typically tend to let their guard down, especially on vacation.

When you are surrounded by new and gorgeous places, your mind begins to enter a state of awe, which some individuals with nefarious intentions might take advantage of.

Is Paris safe for solo travelers?

Paris is one of the most popular solo travel destinations in the world and for good reason. For that reason, many travelers love to solo travel through Europe and often may stop in Paris.

The City of Light is renowned for its beauty, its culture, and its cuisine. However, solo travelers often wonder if Paris is safe for them to visit.

The answer is a cautious but resounding yes! Paris is an incredibly safe city, and solo travelers should not hesitate to explore everything it has to offer. In fact, solo travelers often find that they feel safer in Paris than they do at home.

There are a few simple precautions that all solo travelers should take, such as staying in well-lit areas and avoiding deserted streets, but these are common sense measures that are necessary for any large city.

For solo female travelers, make sure you plan ahead with your family members or friends so people can check up on you to make sure you're ok! It's also good to memorize emergency numbers in case you lose your phone or wallet.

With a little common sense and a sense of adventure, solo travelers will find that Paris is one of the safest and most exciting cities in the world.

Common Crimes to Spot in Paris

With Paris being an international tourist hub and a major city with millions of people, the city has its fair share of crimes.

While terrorism, protests, and civil unrest are the ones you've probably heard of most often, visitors of Paris are more likely to prone to crimes, especially those targeting unsuspecting tourists.

Here are some of the common crimes to spot in Paris, but I highly encourage you to do more research beyond this blog as theres definitely more to what I'll cover here!

Petty Theft - Pickpocketing in Paris

Petty Theft, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams are very common in Paris.

Pickpockets in Paris, especially, are known to target tourists as they're oftentimes distracted.

Apple products are among the most stolen. This is because Apple computers and phones are sold for more money in France than in the United States.

Pickpocketers in Paris are also commonly under the age of sixteen. Do not be fooled by any teens that are standing too close to you.

Thieves usually operate around major tourist attractions such as the Montmartre or Eiffel Tower, as well as on public transportation such as the Metro and RER train stations.

They might try to quickly grab your phone or wallet and run away. The best way to avoid this is by being aware of your surroundings at all times and keeping your belongings close to you.

Do not put your phone in your back pocket, as this makes it easier for someone to quickly grab it and take off running. If possible, keep your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe or locked bag.

The best way to prevent thefts like pickpockets or bag-snatching is to get a cross-shoulder bag instead of shoulder bags or storing them in your pocket. You can also opt for a money belt and store them inside of your clothes, and store some backup cash in your shoes.

Stay Cautious & Alert

Being cautious, alert, and using common sense can prevent most travel-related crimes.

There are also some items you can purchase to help you with this! My mom used to rave about how convenient her fanny pack was.

Alongside the cross-shoulder bag and money belt, a fanny pack can keep your personal belongings glued to your side the whole day. Even better, you can put a coat or jacket over it in the fall and winter months.

Purses can be an easy target as they normally stay to the side, in the plain view, making it an easy grab for robbers or pickpockets.

What happens if you get pickpocketed?

We always think about our credit/debit cards whenever our wallets are lost, but you shouldn't be. Credit cards and debit cards are easily replaceable and are usually very secured these days.

First, call your bank and credit card company to put a stop on your card. This is helpful to do before any purchases are made by the robber.

Your licenses and credentials will be the most crucial and hard-to-replace items. This is why it is recommended to never carry your passport with you. Leave it locked in your safe in your hotel room.

Replacing your local IDs and credentials should be easy once you're back home, but your passport is everything. If your passport is stolen you will need to contact the nearest US Embassy (or whichever embassy your nationality permits) for the next steps.

Don't forget, some embassies are closed on Sundays and federal holidays.

If your iPhone is lost and you have Find My feature enabled, you can lock and/or track your device with a secondary device (Macbook, iPad, etc) easily.

Robberies in Paris

Robberies, often Violent, have happened in Paris, especially with tourists.

The most common neighborhoods for robberies include Latin Quarter and areas near Gare du Nord, but also places with public transportation like trains from the airport.

Can't stress planning ahead enough. Whether you use Pilot to plan your trip or not, you should always have a plan on what you'll do when things go wrong. If possible, take a taxi instead of the public transport.

This is especially true if you're planning on going out at night, drinking, solo-traveling, and/or a women.

Having a plan on where you'll meet up and who to check up on you is crucial to help you have a peace of mind when going out for drinks. Plan your routes accordingly, and make sure you know the way back to your stay.

It's always good to be safe than sorry!

Shams & Scams - Confidence tricks in Paris

Confidence Schemes are the second most common crime in Paris. This type of crime includes asking pedestrians to sign a petition or even take a survey.

They normally ask for money or donation, which does not end up going to the cause. This is an easy way to guilt-trip tourists, who think they are helping the city. When in return, the money will go to the criminal who is ripping you off.

Other scam tactics in Paris

Other ordinary tactics are locals selling goods on the streets.

If someone shows you a bracelet or ring, do not touch it. Once you lay your hand on the item, it is yours. They will force you to pay for the item. This can also be used as a distraction tactic.

While you are arguing with the seller, someone could come behind and pickpocket you. It is important to buy your local items from markets in the area, rather than directly off the street.

What Precautions can I take?

For those who are worried about being safe, don't be.

Luckily, there are precautions you can take before traveling and boarding your plane. Certain things can make you less of a target.

The first rule I always follow when I travel is to dress NOT to impress, unless necessary. I know, your instagram pics may take a hit, but you can always pack ahead to change if need be.

If you dress to blend in or dress not to impress, you're less likely to be the target for robberies or pickpockets. These individuals target victims that carry or wear designer apparels, expensive jewlery, or pricey tech like iPhones and Apple Watches.

In addition, here are some items that can help you discretely protect against theft and crime.

The Daitet Money Belt , similar to a fanny pack, is gender neutral and perfect for keeping your money safe. It has a hidden travel wallet and a secure passport holder.

This Travel Security Belt has a hidden money pocket inside the belt! This is recommended for those who don’t want to carry anything except their ID and cash for the night.

For girls, you can even hide your money and ID in this Anti-theft wallet that attaches to your bra! There is an option for everyone, thanks to Amazon! These items can give you extra security when heading out into Paris.

What should I do if I am a victim of crime?

If you unfortunately become a victim of crime, the first thing you should do is stay calm.

Then, try to remember as many details as possible about the perpetrator. If you can, take a picture of the person with your phone or make a mental note of what they look like. The more information you have, the better.

After that, you should contact the police and file a report. The police will then be able to help you and give you further instructions on what to do next. You should also contact your bank or credit card company to cancel any stolen cards and notify them of the situation.

And finally, you should contact your travel insurance company and let them know what happened. They will be able to help you with anything you need and may even cover some of the costs associated with the incident.

Even though Paris is a relatively safe city, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your trip to Paris is a safe and enjoyable one.

So, how safe is Paris?

To answer the question of “ Is Paris Safe ?”. Yes, it is. Paris is pretty safe compared to other European cities. All big cities, inevitably, have crimes. Crimes in Paris seem to be more focused on robberies and shams rather than shootings and murders. Big-name cities such as Istanbul, Athens & Naples are ranked more dangerous than Paris. Stay alert and aware when traveling to other countries.

If you're looking to avoid areas that might be questionable, check out all the Paris arrondissements that you should stay in and which districts to avoid.

Travel to Paris!

The best part of traveling is being open and free while you explore new destinations. Don’t let the fear of being a part of a crime ruin your trip! All you have to do is remember to stay alert and cautious.

Go ahead and book that flight to your dream destination! Just remember to keep your wits about you and use our tips for staying safe while traveling.

Plan your trips with Pilot

And when in doubt, check out our social travel planner Pilot– it’s the perfect tool for keeping all of your trip details organized in one spot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Is Paris Safe To Visit Right Now? A Complete Guide

Is Paris safe to visit right now? This guide has the answer, with info on the latest protests and general crime levels in the city.

Paris is unquestionably one of Europe’s bucket-list metropolises. From the priceless collections of the Louvre Museum to the soaring outline of the Eiffel Tower, the majestic domes of Montmartre to the moody literary haunts of the Latin Quarter, there’s all sorts to get through on a trip to the bustling French capital. But is Paris safe to visit right now?

There’s no denying that 2023 has been a tough year for the city. Waves of violent protests were unleashed in the aftermath of the brutal police killing of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk in late June. They kick-started street actions that all but shut down key neighborhoods and had oodles of travelers rethinking their plans to hit the home of the Mona Lisa and Notre Dame.

On top of that, Paris lays claim to some of the most dangerous areas in the whole of France ; spots where the murder rate, levels of gun crime, occurrences of property theft, and more are something like 100% higher than in other parts of the country. This guide will deal with the lot, by looking at the situation on the ground and what you can expect from a jaunt to this town of crispy baguettes and Loire wines at the moment. So, is Paris safe to visit right now?

Table of Contents

Is Paris safe to visit during protests?

The number one question people have when it comes to planning jaunts to the French capital is whether it’s safe to visit during protests. Right now, there’s no official warning against travel to France or Paris listed by the UK Foreign Office (FCDO). That’s generally seen as the gold standard of travel warnings. However, the FCDO do advise that travelers “avoid areas where riots are taking place” and “monitor the media” for updates on the latest developments.

The Foreign Office also warn about the potential for disruption to travel plans because of local transportation shutdowns and curfews. However, it’s worth noting that the Paris metro network and light rail network are now both running as normal.

The US Embassy in Paris and the US State Department have increased their security warnings for travel to the country but have stopped short of recommending against travel to Paris. They say that all travelers heading to the big city should “exercise increased caution,” and be certain to avoid “areas of significant police activity.”

The good news is that most of the rioting in Paris has been limited to specific areas in the greater Paris Metro Region. The suburb of Nanterre on the far northwestern edge of town has borne the brunt of the violence. There have also been flashpoints in more touristy areas, such as the Champs Élysées and the Rue de Rivoli, though things seem to have subsided in those districts as of July 1 st .

Is Paris safe for tourists to visit in 2023?

Let’s put things into perspective a little: Paris is among the most visited cities in the world. It sees upwards of 44 million travelers every 365 days. That’s more than Bangkok; more than London. The vast majority of people who come and go do so without any issues or troubles at all, which means it’s probably fair to say that Paris is safe to visit in 2023.

Of course, the sudden eruption of street violence and mass protests in the wake of the killing of Nahel Merzouk does add extra concerns. For that reason, it’s more important than ever that you plan your trip to the French capital well and avoid areas that are known epicenters of violence – notably the district of Nanterre.

As per foreign office advisories, it’s also a good idea to stay in touch with the latest updates on protests via the media. That way, you can stay abreast of changes on the ground and dodge big gatherings and areas where there’s more likely to be problems. On top of that, we’d always recommend avoiding or being extra careful in known crime hotspots in Paris, such as the quarter of Barbès-Rochechouart, the Gare du Nord, and Saint-Denis.

Is Paris safe to travel alone?

Maybe. There are higher risks associated with solo travel wherever you choose to go, whether it’s the museum-fringed streets of Paris or the rolling steppes of eastern Russia. The point is that you’ll always have to have your wits about you to a greater extent if you’re planning a trip on your own than if you were going as part of a group.

Perhaps the most important thing to note here is the higher prevalence of petty crimes, thefts, and pickpocketing perpetrated against travelers who aren’t in a group. It’s a simple fact that being without company means you’re a more tempting target for thieves and muggers. That’s why we’d reiterate our advice to steer clear of the most crime-heavy parts of the town.

It’s also always a good idea to follow the basic safety principles of traveling alone: Never carry expensive goods on your person; Try to avoid being alone at night; Dodge neighborhoods and areas that haven’t got the best reputations (there are quite a few of those in Paris); Don’t drink too much or take drugs.

Is Paris safe at night?

Paris is about as safe as any other major capital city when the sun goes down. Most locals and regular visitors report walking alone after dark without any major issues. Many also use the public transport system until it closes (around 1.15am) without any problems.

All that’s backed up by Numbeo’s crime stats for the metropolis, which reveal that there’s only a moderate risk of being mugged or attacked in the stomping ground of the Mona Lisa. That might not sound overly encouraging, but it means Paris has better numbers than a whole host of cities in the US and Mexico, for example.

Sadly, Numbeo also ranks Paris as low on the safety scale when it comes to walking alone at night. That’s largely because most of the crime in the city occurs after dark, protests and rioting typically turn violent after dark, and there’s a heightened risk when traveling solo at night (see above). This all makes it more important than ever to avoid the most crime-ridden parts of Paris, especially the areas of Sant-Denis, the Gare du Nord, and Barbès-Rochechouart, after 8pm.

Is Paris safe to live?

Yes, Paris is a safe city to live in. We can say that because it was named the 19 th most livable city on the planet back in 2018 and consistently scores highly when it comes to health provision, public health, provision of urban green spaces, cultural events, clean water – the list goes on and on.

Mind you, the picture wasn’t always that rosy. The Local reported that Paris recorded the worst drop on livability rankings of any major capital prior to 2018, all due to the mounting dangers of terror attacks in the town. What’s more, Paris still has some work to do to get into the top 10 most liveable places on the planet. It currently sits behind other major European and North American first cities, such as Vienna, Vancouver, and Copenhagen to name just three.

It’s also worth pointing out that there are certain areas in Paris that you should be sure to avoid if you’re looking to settle down in the French capital. The 19 th and 18 th arrondissements are widely known to have some of the highest crime rates in France, for example. Meanwhile, other areas like the 1 st arrondissement, are likely to prove outrageously expensive and full of tourists.

Is public transport safe in Paris?

On the whole, the Paris metro, rail, and bus system is considered safe for travelers. In fact, it’s hard to imagine how you’d ever get to see the bucket-list draws of the city without using it. Even key sights within the central districts – the Louvre, Notre Dame, Montmartre – are a little too far to walk between, even if you’re pumped up with strong French coffee and plenty of baguettes!

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the Parisian public transport system is 100% safe. Period. There are always risks traveling in big cities, especially when it comes to pickpocketing, which the UK Foreign Office lists as the single biggest threat faced by international travelers in France.

To combat that, always keep a keen eye on your valuables and consider using a specialized travel belt to keep your money and important documents safe. People carrying backpacks can also sling them onto the front of their bodies for the duration of the trip, especially when riding busy trains and buses. Also, be extra vigilant at night, when the stats show that there are more incidents of theft throughout the whole city.

Travel safety tips in Paris

We’ve already touched on a couple of the most important travel safety tips for Paris in the sections above. But it’s probably worth running through them one more time to hammer home the things you can do to make your trip to see the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe the once-in-a-lifetime city break it’s supposed to be:

• Avoid dangerous neighborhoods – Probably the number one best thing you can do to ensure you trip goes off without a hitch is to stick to the less-dangerous parts of Paris. That means avoiding areas that are known crime hotspots – like Barbès-Rochechouart and the Gare du Nord – but also areas that are flashpoints for riots and protests – such as Nanterre.
• Don’t travel alone – While Paris is generally seen as a safe city for solo travelers, there’s always a higher chance that you’ll fall victim to anything from pretty crime to serious assaults when you travel on your own.
• Keep up to date with the media – Recent protests and riots have caused plenty of trouble in the French capital. The UK Foreign Office and US State Department recommend staying abreast of updates on the news so that you know what parts of Paris to avoid if things continue to happen.
• Keep your valuables hidden – The most-reported crime against British nationals in Paris is pickpocketing. To reduce the risk that you fall victim to that, ensure you keep your valuables well hidden and make use of money belts and smart wallets.
• Get travel insurance – Travel insurance is a must, no matter where you decide to go. It offers coverage for healthcare if things go wrong, but can also be a safety net against theft, loss of valuables, and even travel cancellations, which are all the more likely while protests continue on in Paris.

For more than 11 years, Joe has worked as a freelance travel writer. His writing and explorations have brought him to various locations, including the colonial towns of Mexico, the bustling chowks of Mumbai, and the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand. When he's not crafting his next epic blog post on the top Greek islands or French ski resorts, he can often be found engaging in his top two hobbies of surfing and hiking.

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Paris Safety Tips: Advice and Warnings for Tourists

Traveling to a place like Paris, every tourist should know how they can avoid annoying events during their trip.   Occupying 105 square kilometers, the city is undoubtedly one of the major European cities and is a global center for art, gastronomy, culture, and especially fashion. 

Although everyone has a beautiful, dreamy image of Paris in their mind. People often tend to be shocked when they arrive and get to know about the crime, pickpocketing, thefts, street harassment, and constant targeting by con artists. 

Paris is one of the best cities to travel to; however, you should know about the dark side of the city so you can stay safe, as tourists can be easy targets. 

If you ask about the rates of violent crime rates, they are comparatively low here, and that is the biggest relief. Not that you are not going to experience anything traumatizing and life-threatening  per se , but some crimes like pickpocketing, are very common. 

So if you are traveling to any big, crowded, and loud city, like Paris, these basic safety tips can go a long way in making sure that you avoid dangerous and unpleasant experiences.

Some travelers select guided tours, while some choose to make travel arrangements without any help. There are times, however, when traveling with a tour group might be the safer option.

First, you should know the details of the crimes that often occur, especially on streets mostly frequented by tourists.

>>Also Read: Is Paris Safe?

Lets Take A Look At Some Common Safety Concerns and Safety Tips For Paris

Pickpocketing.

First, you can’t say or claim that pickpocketing only happens in Paris. Obviously, all the big cities where tourists are headed has got to be populated with petty people like these. Nobody would expect to get looted in a lively city like Paris. Pickpocketing is an old common problem in Paris, and it can ruin your day or even your tour. But there are some simple things you can do to make it less likely to happen as a visitor.

You should know the techniques and methods that petty thieves deploy. This is because they are experienced to the point that you will not notice you had been robbed. These Pickpockets and petty thieves mostly prey on confused and unsuspecting tourists, who are not aware of the country’s rituals. As such, most of the battle is about being aware.

You need to be confident in public and look ‘less novice’ so you do not look like a complete stranger (though you are). Be casual and do not make eye contact with suspicious people. These Pickpockets thieves are so smart, they can tell by your body language that you are confused and new to this place, so they will always approach you and try to confuse you. 

They could be polite for the sake of ending up believing them. But the key is to remain confident. It is extremely rare for people to be physically hurt, the thieves do not hurt the victim, and anyone who is a victim of a theft is advised not to chase the thief and not try to recover items but go straight to the police station and seek help.

>>Also Read: Areas To Avoid In Paris

Take Precautions

You should not be keeping anything else in your pocket or bag, than the stuff you are willing to lose. Yes, keep only a little amount of cash and avoid keeping cards, checkbooks, and any expensive jewelry. You should never keep your passport in a bag or wallets while roaming around the city, it could be a reason of grief for you.

The places you are most likely to be robbed are crowded places like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Champs-Elysées. According to research, these thieves and Pickpockets commonly work near tourist attractions like museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels, beaches, trains, train stations, airports, subways, and target vehicles. They are mostly people who have non- local license plates. Adolescents because it is hard to get minors jailed there. They could also be in groups of boys and girls belonging to all races. 

Very importantly, make copies of your passport, visa, and credit card numbers. Put these in your main bags and luggage, so that if the originals are robbed or stolen, you still have all the information for insurance and changing purposes.

Street Harassment In Paris

Sadly, abuse and street harassment prevail in every country. But Paris being the biggest destination for tourists, happens to have the most cases of street harassment. It is a culture in France that has been ignored for a long time.

According to a study, a woman out of two has been subjected to harassment. Men in France are not as polite as in UK or US, they whistle at you, weirdly stare, and you are going to notice this as soon as you arrive there. People comment at you more in general, and that is kind of annoying. And if unluckily you end up being in the notorious area of Paris, there is a chance of you being chased up or asked by a random French for your number, so be careful.

Not to terrify you, but if you are a tourist and looking to withdraw some cash out from ATM, you need to be very careful, especially if you see a group of young people roaming around. They can be a big scam. Many young people try to confuse people at ATM, especially by making loud noises, or they will randomly start talking to you. You have to be very careful. Appear to be confident and bit rude to them, so they back off. Do not talk to people at ATM. Otherwise, you are going to be regretting soon. Also, do not go alone if you are new to the city.

Not that kind, boys! I am talking about overcharging, of course. When   you land in the city, you are going to get many offers from people, offering you a ride to the central city at a cheaper rate; Ubers and taxis are quite expensive in Paris. But you should not hop into any car without inquiry. 

These scams offer you cheaper rates, but at the arrival, ask you for double money, and you are going to get confused. Always ask the driver for their names and license. Also, do research before hopping into any taxi, because you can end up giving out a lot of money. The trick is that you need to see taxi signs, if there are no signs, say NO. 

It is advisable not to hire a battered or damaged car. And avoid taking cars that do not have meters. Do avoid drivers that are trying to be overfriendly.

Stick to Public Transport

If you are staying in Paris for more than two weeks, it is advisable you only book public transport because taxis and Ubers are expensive. So you invest in public transport as they are cheaper and safer. There are many short-term passes to travel in public transport which can help tourists.

>>Also Read: Public Transport Guide For Paris

Gold Ring Scam

It is a very common scam in the French capital. When you are roaming around the city, you are probably going to hear the tinkle of metal ring coated in gold color hitting the ground. You are going to get confused, but when you turn around, a lady, who is basically a scam, is going to ask you about the ring, and you are probably going to say that it is not yours.

But that lady insists people take that ring saying that it is for lucky charm or that your better half would like it. And when you agree to take the ring, she demands money and says that you have bought it; and now you are paying for it. Be careful.

>>Also Read: Most Common Tourist Scams And How To Avoid Them

Fake Charity Collection Groups

You are going to meet these unscrupulous groups close to the Eiffel Tower and in most of the touristy areas. They are undoubtedly con artists. If somebody demands money on the spot, walk away. That is not how one collects for charity. 

Legitimate charity collectors ask for contact details and gather information but do not put you on the spot and embarrass in public. These fake charity collectors often pretend to be gathering charity for deaf and mute, so you cannot question their authenticity. They are known to operate heavily in areas frequented by tourists.

Be Careful Around Protests

Parisians are very expressive when it comes to their political ideologies; they do not hold it back. So you got to know if there are any protests going on the place you are planning to go. The situations can sometimes go out of hand, like burning vehicles, etc.

Travel With Tour Groups

It is always good to travel with tour groups. The authentic groups will help you manage everything during your stay in Paris. They are the experts who are experienced in helping visitors settle and enjoy the city. 

Also, these groups make sure you are aware of every scam and any other thing that can happen. 

Perhaps you have always wanted to visit Paris or France, but worry that you will not be able to make yourself understood in the city or find your way. A tour group led by a guide that speaks French fluently can be an excellent way to see your dream city. Your tour guide knows the local area better than you do and can give you tips for the best time there.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings While Sitting In Cafes

When you are sitting at a café- most commonly when you are sitting outside of the café or any cheap shop- someone will randomly come to you with a big paper map to ask you about getting directions to someplace, just to confuse you. You can be sure that after you are done talking to that stranger, all the valuables on the table and around are gone and had been robbed. 

This is a very common trick to steal mobiles and digital stuff from locals and travelers. It is most preferable to sit inside the café, and you might want to avoid going to cafes, which look cheaper or unpopular as these petty thieves mostly appear in those places where there is less or no security.

Metro Stations

It is very hard to avoid unpleasant experiences while you are at a station in Paris because it is a place where a lot of random people are going to approach you. Mostly at the metro station, people pretend to be official and ask you for your information. 

They can also appear with badges, so it is very hard to acknowledge them. They will ask you to buy a bogus ticket or a cheaper ticket, and obviously, want you to pay them. Always go to the ticket teller behind glass or research online. Many people fall prey to these scams because they look legit.

>>Also Read: How to Use Public Transportation in Paris

The Moulin Rouge 

The Moulin Rouge is on drag with a lot of sordid and debauched areas, sex shops, etc. Although this place is usually active and busy with tourists, there are fewer chances of any crime or inconvenience to occur for the visitors as the area is quite safe – in terms of violent crime, but yeah quite weird and tacky. 

It is advisable to avoid going to that place. It is maybe not as swanky as other places. You can shop at the grocery store across the street in the basement, and there are many well-dressed Parisians there, so you can get inspiration for your looks during the stay.

Friendship Bracelets

Bracelet scams are common in Paris. That feels unbelievable, but with a bit of foreknowledge, you will be amazingly prepared to deal with this common scam in the city. What happens? There is a random person on a crowded street that approaches you or even before talking to you, forcefully ties a friendship bracelet to your hand, and then the obvious, ask you to pay for it. You have to be careful in crowded areas because they often prey on the unaware.

Health Precaution s

Diseases that are common in paris.

The most common disease there are Insect borne diseases   which include zika, chikungunya (in Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy), dengue, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus, you need to do good research on these diseases. The other diseases that can prey on you are food and water-borne diseases, which can cause diarrhea and schistosomiasis. Because there are lots of animals and pets in the city, animal-borne diseases are also common, which are rabies and measles. 

How to Stay Safe from These Diseases in Paris

Get sufficient  travel insurance  as Emergency health services can cost you a lot. But insurers can make complex manipulative arrangements to get you the best of medical treatment as fast as possible.

You should also consider vaccinations, especially the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, flu shot.

Prevent Insect Bites:

You can always wear protective clothing, jackets, jeans, etc. Also, use insect repellents, insecticide-treated bed/cot nets, that you can buy from nearby, snap-in insecticides. Avoid wooded and grass areas with high bushes.

Food Safety

Practice better hygiene when you are traveling (e.g., washing hands with hand sanitizer). Always try to drink purified bottled water or water that has been cleaned and boiled. Try to avoid unpasteurized or unpurified dairy products while traveling. Also, avoid ice cubes, uncooked, and under-cooked food.

Emergency Numbers of Note in Paris

The following numbers can all be dialed free of cost from any mobile/cell in France and from payphones, if available. In any sort of emergency or assault, dial these numbers;

For any Medical Emergencies: Dial “15” For Fire brigade: Dial “18” To Police: Dial “17” Drug Info Service: 0 800 23 13 13 AIDS/HIV Info Service: 0 800 840 800 Poison treatment center: 01 40 05 48 48 Sexually-transmitted diseases: 01 40 78 26 00 SOS Médecins (doctors): 01 47 07 77 77 Dentaire (dentists): 01 43 37 51 00 Burns (Hôpital Cochin): 01 58 41 41 41

>>Also Read: Paris Travel Guide

Pharmacies in the Capital

Paris city has numerous and huge numbers of pharmacies in the main city, which can be easily identified by their green crosses, which are lighting up. Many French pharmacists speak global languages like English and can provide you with instant and over-the-counter medications such as painkillers or cough reliever. Paris does not have USA styled drugstores, so you will have to go to a pharmacy for instant and emergency medication.

Embassy Numbers and Contact Details:

When traveling abroad, including Paris, it is always a smart idea to have your country’s embassy contact details on the phone or wherever you feel convenient. If you run into any problem, the first thing to do is replace a lost or stolen passport, or experience other emergencies. You can consult to the embassies for all the details.

Survival and Safety Tips for Paris

• Never put anything valuable in your pockets, keep everything valuable and pricy in front of you, be aware all the time.
• If you are in escalator and it stops, if anyone insists you to help you with your luggage, decline that politely, do not trust anyone.
• If someone comes up to you and ask you to sign any petition, decline that. Do not buy anything in the middle of the street.
• Whenever you are roaming around the city, travel with as little cash as possible.
• Do not engage with groups of young Parisian teenagers, because they could be disrespectful and can embarrass you in public.
• Do not have your camera and phone out in metro stations.
• Stick to public transport, avoid spending too much money on transportation, because it is expensive in Paris.
• Try to blend as much as possible. This means you should try to look like a long-time resident, try to dress like locals.
• Do not give money to the beggars. While some are genuinely in need, but sadly most of the beggars on the street are scams.
• You do not have to be nice to everyone. If you are feeling uncomfortable, you have the right to leave, without feeling guilty about that.
• Do not consume a lot of alcohol because you do not want to be lethargic in a city where pickpockets are common.
• There are a lot of flirtatious locals in the city; be aware of them, do not make them feel welcome if you don’t want to.
• Do not travel alone there because this romantic city can make you feel alone and miserable.
• Paris is a beautiful and statistically safe city, and one can travel there alone as well, but you always have to take precautions.

Paris Safety Tips – Summary

These pieces of advice have not given to terrify you but to prepare you for a pleasant and safe experience tour and stay in Paris, so your safety would not be compromised. Paris is generally a cool city, but no visitor can be ever careful enough.

Do you have any other Safety Tips For Paris you would like to share? Let our readers know in the comments below.

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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Is Paris safe? Tips and tricks for first-timers

Thinking of a trip to Paris ? Don’t worry, Paris is safe—as long as you know the city and are always aware of your surroundings.

We’ve rounded a list of tips and tricks for first-timers to help you travel safely and enjoy what the French capital has to offer.

1. Keep a lookout for petty crimes

Petty street crimes like pickpocketing and scams are the most common crimes in Paris, especially near major tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre . The culprits often work in groups and in highly organized ways.

You might run into a stranger trying to tie a “free” friendship bracelet around your wrist, or harassing you for a signature on a petition or for donations. If you’re unlucky, you might find your valuables missing after the encounter. If approached, never engage, walk away and make sure that your belongings are still with you. Always be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables in less accessible spots like in a cross-body bag in front of you.

2. Be alert on public transport

One of the best ways to get around Paris is by public transport but be careful during peak hours, especially between 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., when the Metro is crowded and pickpockets strike.

When buying tickets, be sure to get them at official channels like the ticket offices or machines at Metro stations. While the cheap prices are tempting, illegal street sellers may try to offer you tickets that aren’t valid. Watch out for fake inspectors too, who may ask to see your ticket and hand out a fine which requires immediate cash payment. Official inspectors will be in uniform and you’ll have the option of paying the fine by card or cash. For more tips, check out our guide to the Paris Metro .

3. Choose the right area to stay in

While there aren’t many no-go areas in Paris, some neighborhoods in Paris are safer than others. Consider Le Marais , one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods which runs across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements , and known for its narrow cobblestone alleyways and hidden courtyards. Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement near Luxembourg Gardens is also great for families, with its terraced cafés and art galleries. Still unsure? Here are some of the best arrondissements to stay in Paris .

4. Be careful at night

Some areas tend to be more prone to pickpocketing at night, such as major train stations like Gare du Nord , Gare de l’Est and Châtelet–Les Halles as well as the northern 18th and 19th arrondissements.

But nightlife is still safe and enjoyable if you visit the right places. Stick to major tourist hotspots like Pigalle , the “red-light district” of Paris. Located at the foot of Montmartre hill , you can find the famous Moulin Rouge and other theaters , clubs and bars in the area.

5. Check the local news for protests and strikes

Protests are not uncommon in Paris so you should always monitor the local media for updates. If there are protests going on, steer clear of the affected areas as much as possible and be prepared for disruptions to public transport.

Transport strikes are usually announced ahead of time so be sure to keep up to date with the latest information on the official RATP website . And don’t let these inconveniences affect your exploration of Paris. Flexibility is key—don’t be worried to switch up your plans as there’s so much to do in Paris —you’ll never run out.

6. Join a reputable tour

Always book tours with reliable operators that you can trust. Read traveler reviews and check tour ratings on sites like Tripadvisor to help you decide.

There are loads of tours you can choose from, whether it’s a food and wine tour in Montmartre or a walking and metro tour of the city .

7. Stay at social places when traveling solo

Paris is wonderful for solo travelers and it can be safer to stay at communal living spaces like hostels where you can meet and mingle with like-minded travelers. You can also sightsee in groups by joining walking tours or bus tours like the Big Bus Paris Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour .

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Everything you need to know about travel to France right now

By Olivia Morelli

France has raised its national threat level to its highest degree. The UK government website states that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France”, and advises those travelling in France currently to “remain vigilant at all times”. We look at how the situation impacts travel and what you can do to stay safe when travelling in France.

What is happening in France right now?

The change in terrorism threat levels comes after a fatal attack in Arras, northern France on Friday 13 October 2023. On Saturday 14 October 2023, the Louvre was evacuated after receiving a written threat , and the Palace of Versailles has been closed twice since Friday 13 October due to security scares. President Emmanuel Macron has increased the national threat level to its highest point, the ‘Emergency Attack Level’, and ordered 7,000 French soldiers to mobilise to further bolster security in public spaces.

How is this situation impacting travel to France?

On Wednesday 18 October 2023, news reports stated that six airports across France had been evacuated as state security received information of bomb threats. According to The Independent , these airports include Lille, Nice, Toulouse, Lyon, Nantes and two terminals at Paris-Beauvais. This has caused delays and cancellations for flights planning to arrive or depart from these airports.

Can I travel to France right now?

The UK government website does not mention avoiding travel to France; however, it advises travellers to remain extremely vigilant when travelling there. Visitors are told to “stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities”. The site claims that “terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate” and could happen “in places frequented by foreign nationals such as shopping centres, entertainment establishments. cultural events, public transport [and] places of worship”. Travellers are advised to “be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities”.

What shall I do if I am planning to travel to France, or currently travelling in France?

The UK’s Counter Terrorism Policing unit has collated information and advice on how best to stay safe when travelling abroad and important information on what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Advice to consider before you travel includes checking the latest UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice, ensuring you have adequate travel insurance, and knowing the local emergency numbers in your destination (all EU countries can call 112). Read up on further safety tips at counterterrorism.police.uk and gov.uk .

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Is Paris Safe to Travel to? Updates from our Local Team

Our local team shares first-hand insights, tips, and resources to help you plan your summer travel to the marvelous city. Learn what happens if your confirmed Context tour is impacted by a local strike and what safety measures you can take as a traveler.

Given the ever-changing nature of events on the ground, you can view on-the-ground tour status updates for any tour Context operates that is affected by delays. To see upcoming strike dates in Paris specifically, we suggest keeping an eye on the local site C’est la Greve.

Paris, the city of love and light, is a dream destination for many travelers. With its iconic landmarks, rich history, and delicious cuisine, it attracts millions of guests every year. However, as a civically active city and culture, travel can sometimes be impacted by political activities – including the current pension strikes which started in April.

To help you plan your summer travel to this marvelous city, we’ve gathered first-hand insights, tips, and resources from our local team living and working in Paris, and several Context team members recently traveling to Paris.

Updates from Context's Local Team

To gain more insight into the effects of the pension strikes on the ground in Paris this summer, we spoke with members of our local team.

Context's CEO, June, was traveling through Paris with her parents in March. She let us know that while there were a few street closures that impacted their plans, finding an alternative route was always easy to do. The demonstrations that they observed from a distance throughout their stay always appeared peaceful and civil. 

Our Travel Portfolio Director, Sara – an American ex-pat living in Paris with a young child  – noted that she hadn't been impacted by the strikes in her daily life. She advises avoiding areas where there are planned protests, such as Place de la République, a common public space for protests, and that the metro might be crowded or operating at reduced service on strike days.

She also mentioned that strikers are usually ordinary, hard-working citizens – teachers and government workers – and that demonstrations and strikes are a very regular occurrence, happening every year in France. Strikes must be submitted and approved ahead of time, so any strike dates are available well in advance through the local website C’est la Greve.

Koichi, our Engineering Director, who was traveling on business in March, mentioned that the media often exaggerates the situation on the ground and stories about danger and violence may not reflect the reality on the ground.

“For the most part, things felt normal and striking workers you may encounter while en route were pleasant,” Koichi shared, “They are aiming for improvements to normal, reasonable causes – such as their pension plans."

Our company’s Expert Community Director, Petulia, also traveled to Paris on business in March. She noted that while the metros are slightly more crowded than usual, the workers on strike are often in good spirits.

She shared that in Europe, strikes are a normal part of civilian life and doing business. They are generally conducted in a dignified, safe, and organized manner. Since it is illegal for private citizens to carry any weapons in a public place, large crowds and protests like these are considerably less dangerous.

Across the board, our team members who live and have recently visited Paris advised buffering your schedule for potential transportation delays, as roads may be blocked, and taxis may be limited. Visitors should also be aware of potential delays and reduced capacity on trains during strikes.

And after twenty years of operating walking tours around the globe, we would be remiss if we didn’t take this opportunity to mention that seeing a new city on foot is always a terrific option.

What Happens if Your Confirmed Context Tour is Impacted by a Local Strike?

At Context, we prioritize the safety and enjoyment of our clients and experts, which is why we make every effort to alert both parties ahead of time when we learn of a potential strike that could impact your experience.

If your tour is impacted by striking, a Context team member will contact you directly to provide solutions and alternatives.

Venues may be closed during strike days out of solidarity with striking workers. These decisions are often made on the day of the closure so, unfortunately, there are instances when our teams on the ground learn of the strike that morning.

In the event of a strike causing a venue closure, our experts are prepared to pivot to a neighborhood tour or other walk that does not require pre-purchasing tickets. We strive to offer you an alternative experience that still showcases the unique charm and history of Paris.

If there’s one thing our team has proven during the last three years of operating during a global pandemic, it’s that we are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients, even in the face of unexpected events.

Suggested Safety Measures for Travelers

Generally speaking, it is best to always be aware of your surroundings, avoid picket lines and demonstrations, and secure your valuables.

Strikes that lead into the evening hours often dissolve into a crowded gathering that has deviated from the stated purpose of the strike. Teenagers and other folks who are unaffiliated with the striking party may attend in order to sow disruption.

Specific safety measures for tourists in Paris include using secure transportation, such as taxis or official ride-share services, and avoiding unlicensed taxis. You should be prepared to walk if roads in the city center have been closed.

Throughout French History, citizens have flooded to the Place de la République to air grievances and participate in democratic processes. When a strike has been announced, we generally advise travelers to avoid the area. While events are generally peaceful, they can be noisy and overcrowded.

Key Takeaways

At Context, we are committed to providing safe and informative travel experiences. Our team of experts can help travelers navigate Paris and provide context to the city's rich history and culture. Our tours are led by experienced guides who are passionate about sharing their love for Paris with travelers from all over the globe.

Connecting with your expert’s perspective on life in Paris is another way to enrich your travels and learn more directly about what’s happening on the ground. And as a general rule of thumb, by being vigilant and trusting your instincts all Context Travelers can minimize their risk. We encourage travelers to stay informed, plan their routes in advance, and take necessary precautions during their trips.

We also offer virtual tours and learning experiences through Context Learning and On-Demand for France . So, if you're planning a trip to Paris or want to explore the city virtually, we're here to help.

To learn more about our Paris tours and experiences, visit our website or check out our Context Stories for more information.

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Safest Places to Stay in Paris in 2024 [& Where to Avoid]

Looking for the safest places to stay in paris.

I’ve got you covered! Not only have I traveled to Paris several times for vacation, but I have also worked in the city and learned a lot from locals about where the safest places to stay in Paris are for visitors.

In this guide, I’ve included the safest areas to stay in Paris, including some of the best hotels in each area to help you find the perfect place to stay. Additionally, you’ll find a section on where to avoid staying in Paris and some safety tips for visiting.

Get Lost in Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive a very small compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust.

Don’t have time to read this whole post?

The best and safest places to stay in Paris are in the 6th Arrondissement , and here are a few top hotels to consider:

Budget-Friendly: Hôtel La Parizienne

Mid-range: Hotel de Seine

Luxury: Hôtel d’Aubusson

The 7 Safest Areas to Stay in Paris

There are many safe areas to stay in Paris, and while this list doesn’t include them all it does include the best and safest places to stay in Paris for visitors.

Additionally, there are a variety of highly-rated hotels for each area that are perfect for a trip to Paris.

1. The 6th Arrondissement – The Safest Place to Stay in Paris

The 6th arrondissement is a beautiful part of Paris, filled with charming cafes and restaurants, and near many of the main attractions such as the Luxembourg Gardens, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Seine River, and more.

Specifically the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement is easily one of the best and safest places to stay in Paris. 

The neighborhood is filled with charm and has a variety of restaurants, cafes with outdoor seating, boutique shops, bookstores, and art galleries.

Saint-Germain-des- Prés is known for its rich history, and became a cultural hub in the 19th and 20th centuries for intellectuals, writers, and artists.

Why the 6th Arrondissement is a Safe Place to Stay in Paris

The 6th Arrondissement tends to have low crime rates and is one of the safest areas in Paris.

Its central location and beautiful atmosphere make it a very popular area to stay for people visiting Paris. 

I have personally stayed in the 6th arrondissement on several occasions, both on my own and while traveling with my partner. 

During my trips, I have always felt very safe and comfortable in the 6th, which is one of the reasons I love staying in this part of Paris. 

Best Hotels in the 6th Arrondissement

Hôtel La Parizienne is a 3-star hotel that features chic décor and an ideal location, but is still budget-friendly for what is typically a more expensive part of Paris.

The rooms are comfortable and stylish, and it’s within walking distance to the Luxembourg Gardens and other nearby attractions.

Check Availability and Book La Parizienne Hotel

Mid-Range: Hotel de Seine

Located in the heart of St Germain, Hotel de Seine has traditional Parisian décor but with modern amenities such as air-conditioning. Its perfect for those who want a a hotel with an elegant, traditional feel to it.

I’ve stayed here and recommend it – the hotel is an absolute gem with a very friendly staff. I also felt super safe here and would say this is one of the safest places to stay in Paris.

One of my favorite parts about this hotel is the location – you are steps away from charming cafes and restaurants, and just a short walk to the Seine River.

Check Availability and Book Hotel de Seine

Hôtel d’Aubusson is a 5-star hotel in one of the best neighborhoods in Paris. The luxurious hotel is set in a 17th-century mansion and features a jazz bar, elegant rooms, and a beautiful inner courtyard.

A highlight of this hotel is its large indoor pool and spa area – a perfect place to relax after exploring Paris.

Check Availability and Book Hotel d’Aubusson

2. The Latin Quarter – 5th Arrondissement

The Latin Quarter is a historic neighborhood in Paris, located in the 5th arrondissement on the Left Bank. 

The Latin Quarter is known for its rich academic history and was where the first university in Paris, la Sorbonne, was established in 1160 AD. Today, Sorbonne remains one of the oldest universities in the world.

In addition to its historical significance, the Latin Quarter has a vibrant yet charming vibe. On the Boulevard Saint-Michel, you will find many restaurants, bookstores, and cafes. There are also several pubs and bars in the area.

The Latin Quarter is home to several landmarks including the Panthéon, the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church, and the very popular Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. The neighborhood is also a short walk from the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral.

Why the 5th Arrondissement is a Safe Place to Stay in Paris

The 5th Arrondissement is another one of the safest places to stay in Paris. It is home to many university students, but also is popular amongst tourists, therefore the area is well-monitored and safe.

I have stayed in the Latin Quarter several times and always felt safe here – even when walking back to my hotel at night. The area has many other people around at night time (especially on the weekends) so it doesn’t feel isolated after dark. 

Of course, you always should use common safety precautions, but I felt this was a very safe area to stay in Paris.

Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter

Budget: Hotel Minerve

Set in a Haussmann-style building, Hotel Minerve is the perfect place to stay for Parisian charm while on a budget.

The hotel has historic character, with some rooms featuring exposed stone walls. Other rooms have a more modern feel and some have large Parisian-style windows that overlook the front street.

Check Availability and Book Hotel Minerve

Mid-Range: Hotel La Lanterne & Spa

Hotel La Lanterne & Spa is a lovely boutique hotel located in the center of the Latin Quarter, just steps from the Cluny Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.

The hotel features cozy, modern rooms and amenities that are sure to provide a comfortable stay. A highlight of this hotel is its small indoor pool and spa, which gives a relaxing atmosphere.

Check Availability and Book Hotel La Lanterne & Spa

Luxury: Maison Colbert

Maison Colbert is a 5 star hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter. This stunning hotel has an elegant front facade with beautifully styled rooms – some of which have glimpses of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

Although the hotel has a very central location, it is located on a quiet street which ensures you will get a peaceful night’s rest while staying here.

Check Availability and Book Maison Colbert

3. Le Marais – 3rd & 4th Arrondissements

Le Marais spans both the 3rd and 4th arrondissements and is on the Right Bank of the Seine.

It is a very trendy neighborhood with narrow streets, medieval architecture, and a lively atmosphere. It is also amongst the safest places to stay in Paris.

The area has historical significance that dates back to the medieval period in Paris, and it is actually where you will find the oldest house in Paris which is located at 51 rue de Montmorency. 

Highlights of the Le Maris neighborhood include the beautiful historic square of Place des Vosges and the renaissance-style city hall Hôtel de Ville. There are also several shops, restaurants, and a lively and fun nightlife scene.

Additionally, the Pletzl area of Le Marais was once the historic Jewish Quarter of Paris, and today is still home to many kosher shops and Jewish cultural institutions. 

Le Marais is also known for being the LGBTQ+ hub of the city, which gives it a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.

Why Le Marais is a Safe Area to Stay in Paris

Le Marais is considered a very safe area in Paris. It is a very tourist-friendly part of the city and the area is well-monitored. 

Since Le Marais is considered a safe area during both daytime and nighttime, It is a great area to enjoy some of the nightlife scene in Paris. There are several bars, pubs, and clubs around and it is a lively and fun atmosphere.

Additionally, Paris is a great city for LGBTQ+ travelers, but the Le Marais neighborhood in particular is very welcoming and safe for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Best Hotels in Le Marais

Budget-Friendly: Hotel Sookie

Hotel Sookie is an adorable boutique hotel with a small cafe located on the ground floor. The hotel has modern, bohemian-style decor and a great location on the edge of Le Marais.

Check Availability and Book Hotel Sookie

Mid-Range: Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte

Set in a 17th-century building, Hotel de JoBo is a modern hotel that is filled with historic charm. Each room features vibrant and unique décor, which adds to the overall ambiance.

One of the best aspects of this hotel is its location in Le Marais – just a short walk to the famous Place des Vosges.

Check Availability and Book Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte

Luxury: Hotel Dupond-Smith

A 5-star hotel in the vibrant Le Marais district, Hotel Dupond-Smith is a perfect choice for a stay in Paris. The rooms are thoughtfully designed in a modern style, which adds to the character.

The hotel has raving reviews, with guests loving being steps away from several of the cafes, bars, and restaurants in Le Marais.

Check Availability and Book Hotel Dupond-Smith

4. The 7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Tower

The 7th Arrondissement is known for being the neighborhood of the iconic Eiffel Tower, which is the symbol of Paris.

The 7th arrondissement is an elegant part of Paris and has many Haussmannian-style buildings, residential homes, and grand boulevards. 

It is still a central location in Paris, but it has a calmer feel compared to the more lively districts like the 6th. 

Other than the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, highlights of the 7th include the Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, Rue Cler, and Quai d’Orsay.

Why the 7th Arrondissement is a Safe Place to Stay in Paris

The 7th Arrondissement is a safe neighborhood in Paris that has an elegant feel to it. While it is a quieter neighborhood, it is also typically a pretty clean part of the city that has many upscale residences and hotels.

Of course, being the home of the Eiffel Tower there is a police presence to keep the area very safe and well-maintained for visitors.

You will however want to watch out for pickpockets, especially near the Eiffel Tower as they tend to target distracted tourists.

Best Hotels in the 7th Arrondissement

Budget-Friendly: Hotel Duquesne Eiffel

Hotel Duquesne Eiffel is a 3-star hotel within a short walk to Champ de Mars. Rooms are small but cozy, and some rooms even have views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a great choice for a simple, budget-friendly option.

Check Availability and Book Hotel Duquesne Eiffel

Mid-Range: Hôtel La Comtesse

Set in a 19th-century building, Hôtel La Comtesse features beautiful Hausmannian-style architecture. The rooms are a contemporary design, with some rooms offering views of the Eiffel Tower and a small balcony.

Check Availability and Book Hôtel La Comtesse

Luxury: Le Narcisse Blanc

Le Narcisse Blanc is a stunning 5-star hotel near the Eiffel Tower. The hotel features elegant, spacious rooms with all of the amenities you would expect at a luxury hotel. There is also a beautiful spa area, which is perfect for relaxing while in Paris.

Check Availability and Book Le Narcisse Blanc

5. The 15th Arrondissement

The 15th arrondissement is located on the Left Bank, not far from the Eiffel Tower in the 7th. It is a very safe and family-friendly area of Paris and is more residential than touristy.

While this Parisian neighborhood doesn’t have as many tourist sites, it is still a beautiful part of Paris and has a very local feel. 

The area has a great mix of the beautiful Haussmann architecture, as well as more local restaurants and cafes. It is perfect for those who want to experience more of what everyday life would look like in Paris in a quieter, yet safe neighborhood.

Highlights of the 15th include the Parc André-Citroën, Beaugrenelle Shopping Center, and the Grenelle District which has a great mix of shops and restaurants.

The 15th arrondissement is also well-connected to the metro, making it easy to access other parts of Paris.

In addition to the metro, there is a RER C train stop which means it is easy to reach the Palace of Versailles directly from the 15th.

Why the 15th Arrondissement is a Safe Area to Stay in Paris

The 15th is mostly a residential part of Paris, but it is one of the safest places to stay in Paris and is also a very family-oriented area. 

The 15th is a safe place to stay in Paris and you can also get some great hotel deals since it is a bit further from the main tourist attractions. 

I stayed in the 15th arrondissement during my first trip to Paris and felt incredibly safe here. I will say that it is quieter at night, but it still felt very safe. It was also easy to figure out the Metro to visit other areas.

Best Hotels in the 15th Arrondissement

Budget-Friendly: Hotel Korner Eiffel

Hotel Korner Eiffel is a great choice for a budget-friendly hotel. This small boutique hotel has simple, but modern rooms with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

I stayed here on my very first trip to Paris and loved the relaxing feel of the neighborhood. It is also a short walk to the metro, the Eiffel Tower, and to the Seine River.

Check Prices and Book Hotel Korner Eiffel

Mid-Range: Hôtel Gustave

Hôtel Gustave is an upscale boutique hotel with rooms decorated in the Belle Epoque style. Some rooms offer beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and there are also family-size rooms available.

Check Prices and Book Hôtel Gustave

Luxury: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

The Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is a 4-star luxury hotel located next to the Eiffel Tower. It features contemporary-style rooms, some with balconies and incredible views of the Eiffel Tower.

This is the perfect option for families as the hotel offers connecting rooms and family-size rooms.

Check Prices and Book Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

6. Bastille – 11th & 12th Arrondissements

Bastille is a neighborhood that spans the 11th & 12th arrondissements. It is centered around the Place de la Bastille – a large square that commemorates the events of the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille in 1789.

Today, the Bastille area is known for its lively atmosphere and great nightlife options, including a variety of bars and clubs. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area.

Bastille is a perfect place to stay for travelers in their 20s or 30s, or for anyone who is looking for a more lively and fun area in Paris.

The neighborhood is also adjacent to Le Marais, and not far from Canal Saint-Martin which can be considered one of Paris’ hidden gems .

Why Bastille is a Safe Place to Stay in Paris

Although the Bastille area is known for its vibrant nightlife, it is also a safe area of Paris to stay. There are many other people and travelers in this area, which adds to the feeling of safety as you won’t find yourself alone here.

When I was working in Paris, many of my French coworkers mentioned this area and that it was a great place for a safe, but fun night out.

However, as with any city, I do recommend taking a taxi or Uber back to your hotel if you plan to stay out late.

Best Hotels in Bastille

Budget-Friendly: The People – Paris Nation

The People – Paris Nation is a budget-friendly hostel that is perfect for younger travelers or those wanting a more social atmosphere. The hostel has dormitory-style rooms, an outdoor terrace, a restaurant, and a bar.

Check Availability and Book The People – Paris Nation Hostel

Mid-Range: Hotel Bastille Speria

Located on the border of the Bastille neighborhood and Le Marais, Hotel Bastille Speria is a perfect choice in a lively part of Paris.

The hotel features beautiful modern rooms with air-conditioning, which is definitely a bonus in the summertime.

Check Availability and Book Hotel Bastille Speria

7. Montmartre – 18th Arrondissement

Montmartre is a neighborhood in Paris that is perched on a hill overlooking the city. It is known for being the artist’s quarter of Paris and attracted several famous artists including Picasso and Van Gogh.

Montmartre feels more like a village than a city district, which makes it stand out from the other neighborhoods of Paris. The area is filled with a captivating charm and has winding cobblestone streets, Parisian cafes, and boutique hotels that exude the Belle Époque style.

Montmartre is best known for its beautiful white church, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris.

Another highlight of this neighborhood is the iconic Moulin Rouge, which is a historic cabaret that puts on nightly shows with famous dances such as the French Can-can.

Why Montmartre is a Safe Neighborhood to Stay in Paris

Montmartre feels like a charming village and is what many people picture when they think of Paris. The beautiful area attracts many tourists, and because of this, it is a well-monitored area that is kept safe and secure.

Violent or dangerous crimes are rare in Montmartre, which means it is safe to explore. However, it is important to note that pickpockets are quite frequent in this area since it is popular among tourists. Therefore it is important to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in popular sites or crowded areas.

Another thing to note is that the area down by Moulin Rouge and the Piagelle District used to be the red light district of Paris. Today, it still has a variety of adult shops and shows, so it may not be an ideal place to stay with kids.

Best Hotels in Montmartre

Mid-range: Hôtel des Arts Montmartre

Hôtel des Arts Montmartre is an adorable family-owned boutique hotel, that is very highly-rated with over 3,000+ 5-star reviews. Rooms have a modern décor and some rooms feature stunning city views.

Check Availability and Book Hotel des Arts Montmartre

Luxury: Manolita Paris

Manolita Paris is a 5-star hotel located in the charming neighborhood of Montmartre. This luxurious hotel has elegantly decorated rooms, many which have balconies and beautiful views.

Check Availability and Book the Manolita Paris

Areas to Avoid in Paris

First, I want to mention that Paris feels safer than many cities I’ve visited in the United States. 

However, Paris is still a major city, and like any city, some places are less safe than others. 

Part of this also comes with being a tourist/outsider to the area, so while locals may feel safe in some of these areas it may not be as safe for those that are visiting.

These are essentially places I wouldn’t recommend to friends traveling to Paris and some of the places on this list I was told to avoid by coworkers (especially at night as a solo female).

On the contrary, I’ve stayed in one of the neighborhoods on this avoid list completely on my own while working in Paris (I just wouldn’t recommend it to people traveling for vacation).

Seine-Saint-Denis 

Located in the northern suburbs, this area has higher than average crime rates in Paris. Plus, the suburbs are far out from central Paris which is where you will want to be when visiting anyways. 

19th Arrondissement – La Villette  

I stayed in this area as a solo female traveler (while working in Paris). The area seems fine during the day, and it does have great diversity as well as lovely park areas. 

However, there are high levels of poverty in the 19th and you’ll want to watch out for theft. I was told by several coworkers to avoid walking around here at night, as it gets rather sketchy after dark in certain areas.

Again, it isn’t as dangerous as some parts of US cities, but I wouldn’t recommend the area to people traveling to Paris for vacation. 

The area around Gare du Nord Train Station

This may be overgeneralized, but I try to avoid staying near train stations in European cities. They tend to have a lot of pickpockets circling about, and Gare du Nord is no different in this. 

During the day, Gare du Nord is safe (minus the pickpockets) but late at night, it can get kind of sketchy here.

I’ve traveled through Gare du Nord several times with no issues, but again I wouldn’t recommend staying right by here unless you are just staying 1 night before catching your next train.

Where to Stay in Paris for First-Time Visitors

One of the safest places to stay in Paris and the best area to stay for first-time visitors is the 6th arrondissement, specifically the Saint-Germain-des- Prés neighborhood.

The 6th arrondissement is one of the safest areas in the city and is a great place to stay for couples, families, or solo travelers. 

Not only is this one of the most beautiful areas of Paris, but it is also very central to many of the top attractions including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Luxembourg Gardens, and much more. 

It is also well-connected to the Paris Metro, making it easy to visit other parts of Paris.

Safest Neighborhoods in Paris

There are many safe neighborhoods to stay in Paris, and below is a short list of the safest neighborhoods in Paris for visitors:

Safest Neighborhoods in Paris for Tourists:

– Saint-Germain-des- Prés (6th arrondissement)

– Odéon Neighborhood (6th arrondissement)

– The Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement)

– Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements)

Tips for Staying Safe in Paris

While there are many safe places to stay in Paris, you should always follow common safety tips as you would in any big city. 

Below are a few safety tips to follow while staying in Paris:

• Watch out for pickpockets – especially in crowded tourist areas or attractions and on the Paris metro
• Use a crossbody purse or a money belt, or put your valuables in your front pocket (with a hand on your pocket while in a crowded space like the metro). Never put anything valuable in a backpack or a back pocket.
• While at a cafe or restaurant, don’t leave your phone or purse on an outdoor table where it would be easy for someone to grab it while passing by
• Paris has frequent demonstrations – while these don’t typically pose any danger to tourists it is best to avoid getting in the middle of them
• If asked to sign a petition, accept a flower, put on a bracelet, etc, just ignore or say a firm “no” and keep walking. These are common scams to either distract and pickpocket you or demand money.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended while at bars or clubs or accept drinks from strangers
• Avoid walking alone after dark (as you would in any city). If you don’t have a friend to walk with, it is best to take a taxi or Uber back to your hotel.
• When traveling internationally, US Citizens should enroll in the US Department of State STEP Program which makes it easier for the US embassy to locate or alert you if there is an emergency where you are traveling.

For more tips on safety in Paris, visit the France page of the US Department of State .

FAQ: Safest Areas to Stay in Paris

The 6th arrondissement is the safest place to stay in Paris. This area has a low crime rate and attracts many visitors due to its central location near many of the best attractions in Paris. It is also close to the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) which is another great choice for a safe neighborhood to stay at while in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement, which is a very safe area in central Paris. The 7th arrondissement has a low crime rate compared to other parts of the city. The biggest thing to be aware of in this area is to watch your belongings closely as there are pickpockets that operate near the main tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower.

The safest areas of Paris include the central neighborhoods of Saint Germain, Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, Champs Elysées, Bastille, and the Eiffel Tower. Several more residential areas are very safe to stay at, including the 15th arrondissement, the 16th arrondissement, and the 14th arrondissement.

The Wrap-Up: Safest Places to Stay in Paris

When traveling to a new city (especially internationally) finding a safe place to stay is important. Whether you are going for a weekend getaway or a 10-day trip to the City of Lights , this list of the safest places to stay in Paris is sure to help you find a perfect area to stay in.

Staying in a safe place will not only make you feel more secure, but it will help you to be able to relax and enjoy your trip to the fullest. If you are visiting Paris for the very first time, you may be wondering a few other things like do you need to speak French or can you use your phone abroad? If so, check out these related posts:

Is Paris Overrated or Worth Visiting

How to Use your Verizon Phone in Paris

Do they Speak English in Paris?

Is Versailles Worth Visiting?

The post Safest Places to Stay in Paris in 2024 [& Where to Avoid] appeared first on Get Lost in Wanderlust .

More From Forbes

As 2024 travel hits pre-covid levels, here’s when to go to europe.

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The best time to visit Rome might be in March when the weather is pleasant and flights are cheaper

2024 is going to be the year when global tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, making popular tourist destinations overcrowded. There are sweet spots, however—times when you can still visit firm favorites like Rome and Paris with fewer crowds, cheaper airfares and still find some pleasant weather (also avoiding the extreme heat that local summers now bring).

Global tourism figures continued to grow throughout 2023 and according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer , tourist numbers finished the year at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, helped in no small part by China's reopening. The UN World Tourism Organization predicts that by the end of 2024, travel will be back to pre-pandemic levels.

This is despite the incertitude brought on by the continued conflict in Europe and the Middle East and an unprecedented number of elections taking place this year in countries where travel contributes immensely to the economy.

It will be welcome news for the global economy, if not for the climate crisis—nothing has even come close to halting the industry's growth as the travel bans did in 2020 when Covid-19 first emerged. Between 1980 and 2019, international arrivals grew from 277 million per year to 1.5 billion, and the impact of SARS in 2003 and the global financial crisis of 2009 were insignificant blips compared to the pandemic.

That means, during a year of predicted travel unpredictability it might be worth rethinking the usual times and places to vacation. That doesn't mean that you need to avoid the old favorites like New York, Rome and Paris—just visit off season, a term that itself is increasingly complicated when people can work remotely as they travel. That doesn't mean visiting in winter, when the skies are at their bleakest either.

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The Washington Post believes the sweet spot for Rome is February to March, just after the busy festive season in December and before things heat up in April. The weather is pleasant and the flight booking site, Skyscanner, reports that this is also the time for the lowest airfare between Italy's capital and the U.S. Incidentally, to avoid the crowds, Thanksgiving is also a solid choice.

Stunning Istanbul had over 20 million international visitors in 2023 so it might be a great time to visit in September, when everyone else leaves (most people traditionally hit Turkey in July and August). The second-best time is March and Skyscanner reports that flights are cheapest in March from the U.S., but not that much more in September.

Hotel rooms and flights between the U.S. and Paris are lowest in February to April and again in September, and for Tokyo , it's a good idea to head some time between April to May. For New York , the best time might be September (but not during Fashion Week).

If you're still planning to travel during the peak summer season regardless, now is the time to book for the best deals . The Washington Post also advocates using Google Flights to see if you're being offered good value—it can say if the cost offered by the airline is higher or lower than seasonal averages.

For the world's most popular spots, like Paris, London and New York, you should be working to a four-to-seven-month booking window—essentially, to find great value deals, shop for flights in the opposite season to the one you're currently in.

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‘I would happily fly any Boeing aircraft’: Experts say travelers should feel safe flying

“We don’t have to worry that there’s something systemically wrong with aviation,” Clint Balog, an associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University told USA TODAY.

It’s been a year of heightened tension around air travel. A series of high-profile incidents has spotlighted safety at airlines and manufacturers, leading many travelers to wonder if flying is still the safest way to get around.

“We’re in a period the last couple months where there are more incidents happening, and because more incidents are happening, we’re now paying more attention to it,” Balog said. “We’re in a timeframe where we have a cluster of these incidents.”

Laura Einsetler, a captain at a major U.S. airline and author of the Captain Laura blog , said that people are also more aware of aviation incidents than they were in the past.

“One aspect is that now with social media and the internet, we’re seeing every single thing that we can possibly see that’s happening around the world. The perception is that more things are happening when at the same time, 2023 was actually the safest year in our industry of all time,” she said. 

Boeing, the vaunted airplane manufacturer, has been front and center in the current wave of incidents. An explosive decompression on an Alaska Airlines flight in January brought renewed attention to its already muddied 737 Max program. Before the pandemic, two 737 Max jets crashed abroad, killing 346 people. Those early disasters cast a shadow over the latest iteration of the jet that Boeing was still trying to get out from under. The Alaska Airlines incident only narrowly avoided deaths or significant injuries, according to experts. 

Cruising Altitude: I've covered Boeing's 737 MAX for years. Here's a quick rundown of the issues.

In response to that incident, the Federal Aviation Administration opened an audit of Boeing’s manufacturing processes and found the company’s safety culture lacking.

Even so, Balog said flyers should still feel safe on Boeing planes.

“I would happily fly any Boeing aircraft, including the 737 Max. It’s a great aircraft,” he said. “No organization is flawless, and when errors occur in aviation … it’s not surprising they happen in groups like this. These instances are rarely spaced out evenly.” 

Einsetler, too, said passengers shouldn’t worry too much about taking to the skies.

“When you see pilots who are putting our lives on the line every day to keep everyone safe, then you can be assured that if we feel very safe and comfortable to be at the tip of the spear, to be at the front of the flight deck operating the aircraft for you, then you should feel confident that we will keep you safe,” she said. 

Boeing is hardly the only aviation company that’s been in the spotlight recently.

United Airlines’ CEO Scott Kirby sent a letter to its customers on Monday responding to a series of issues that have put the airline in the headlines. In just the last two months, United planes have experienced issues including a stuck rudder pedal on landing, an engine fire and a wheel falling off a departing jet.

Kirby’s letter insisted that the incidents were all unrelated, and that United is renewing its focus on safety.

Balog said Kirby is right to assert that the incidents are one-offs.

“Fundamentally what they all have in relation is these are human factors issues, these are human error issues,” he said. “It’s not related to an aircraft, it’s related to the humans who are performing these functions. A tire falling off a Boeing 777 on takeoff is a human factors issue, it’s a maintenance issue.” 

Balog said a series of incidents like what has happened at United recently can point to an organizational issue, but that it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s some inherent danger in the way United runs its operation.

Ultimately, he said, the issues currently getting attention in aviation come down to human mistakes, but those are easy enough to address and correct.

“There are going to be problems because you’ve got humans involved in these incidents and humans involved in this operation of flying the general public around. To feel safe you have to look at the overall picture,” Balog said. “No human endeavor is entirely safe. You’d be hard pressed to find any operation that is safer than commercial aviation in the world today.”

Einsetler also said that the aviation workforce has more new employees than it has in a while, so there may be some re-growing or training pains in the current period as newer hires get up to speed.

What do the recent incidents mean for travelers?

While Boeing has been especially in the spotlight with recent aviation incidents, both Balog and Einsetler said passengers need to understand that each incident is largely distinct.

“In most of these cases they are unrelated events. As an industry we take note, understand and learn from so that it doesn’t happen again,” Einsetler said.

Passengers may wonder if problems at Boeing or some maintenance issue is the root cause of a particular incident, but Balog said that’s the wrong question to ask.

“As far as the passengers understanding what the root causes are, they really can’t,” he said. That’s why regulators conduct months-long investigations into aviation incidents, to really dig down and analyze all the factors that contributed.

“I don’t think there’s anything particularly organizationally wrong at Boeing. It’s not surprising that a predominance of these issues would be on Boeing aircraft,” Balog said. “There are simply more Boeing aircraft out there.” 

Who is responsible for investigating aviation incidents?

In general, the National Transportation Safety Board has jurisdiction over accident and incident investigations, and the Federal Aviation Administration, as the industry regulator, also has a role to play, including designing and enforcing new rules based on the NTSB’s findings. Industry stakeholders like airplane and parts manufacturers and airlines may participate in investigations based on the specifics of each incident. 

How many issues has Boeing had this year

The Alaska Airlines door plug incident was the main focus of Boeing’s problems, and while Boeing aircraft have been involved in some other high-profile incidents, including a LATAM 787 that took a dive, possibly because of an unexpected cockpit seat movement, the manufacturer has not been directly implicated.

▶ JANUARY 2024: A mid-air cabin blowout compels Alaska Air to perform an emergency landing of its recently acquired 737 MAX 9 aircraft, prompting the FAA to ground 171 of these jets and initiate an investigation. The FAA also bars Boeing from increasing MAX output, but lifts the grounding of MAX-9s once inspections were completed.

▶ FEBRUARY 2024: The NTSB published its preliminary report on the Alaska Air incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX jet. According to the investigation, the door panel that flew off the jet mid-flight appeared to be missing four key bolts.

▶ MARCH 2024: The FAA's 737 MAX production audit found multiple instances where Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.

Contributing: Reuters

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

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8 Incidents in 2 Weeks: What’s Going on With United’s Planes?

While no one was injured, most of the mishaps required emergency landings or diversions. One safety expert said the incidents were not the result of “systemic problems.”

By Christine Chung

An engine fire sparked by plastic packaging wrap , a tire lost shortly after takeoff and a plane veering off the runway : These are among the eight incidents that have occurred over the past two weeks on flights operated by United Airlines. While no injuries — or worse — have been reported, the mishaps have generated headlines and stoked rising anxiety about aviation safety among federal officials and passengers alike.

All of the incidents happened on flights that took off from or were headed to airports in the United States, and five involved airplanes made by Boeing, a manufacturer already under intense scrutiny. In January, a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner in mid-flight, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing.

United, one of the world’s largest airlines, flies aircraft manufactured mainly by Boeing and Airbus. In an email United began sending to customers on Monday, the company’s chief executive, Scott Kirby, wrote that while the recent incidents were unrelated, they were “reminders of the importance of safety.”

“I want you to know that these incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus,” he continued, adding that every case was being reviewed by the airline and would influence its safety training and procedures.

Here’s what travelers should know about the latest in airplane woes.

What exactly happened on or to the planes?

Most of the incidents reported in the last two weeks required emergency landings or diversions.

March 4: A Boeing 737-900 departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston returned to the airport to make an emergency landing after one of the plane engines ingested and burned plastic wrap .

March 7: A Boeing 777 leaving San Francisco for Osaka, Japan, made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after the aircraft lost a tire .

March 8: A Boeing 737 Max 8 veered off the runway upon landing at George Bush Airport in Houston and tilted onto the grass .

Later that day, a flight leaving San Francisco for Mexico City was diverted to Los Angeles after the Airbus A320 experienced issues with its hydraulic system.

March 9: An Airbus A320 heading to Salt Lake City turned back to Chicago O’Hare International Airport after it reported maintenance issues .

March 11: A Boeing 777, flying from Sydney, Australia , to San Francisco, turned back after takeoff because the plane had a hydraulic leak.

March 14: An Airbus A320 that departed from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport had a hydraulic leak shortly before it landed in its scheduled destination, San Francisco.

Later that day, a Boeing 737-800 that took off from San Francisco landed at Rogue Valley International Medford Airport in Oregon missing an external panel .

Are the recent issues typical, or cause for concern?

The mishaps were not the result of “systemic problems,” said Robert Sumwalt, a former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board who now heads a new aviation safety center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“Some of these issues are things that happen occasionally, but often don’t get reported in media,” Mr. Sumwalt said, though he emphasized that none were acceptable.

Kyra Dempsey, who writes about aviation accidents in a blog called Admiral Cloudberg, said that United’s recent issues were being “falsely conflated with Boeing’s troubles.”

“While it’s bad luck that United had so many incidents in such a short period, in general such incidents happen frequently around the world and they aren’t on the rise overall,” Ms. Dempsey said.

How has United responded?

Mr. Kirby’s 270-word message to United customers, including to members of the airline’s frequent flier program, started to be sent on Monday morning, said Josh Freed, a spokesman for United.

Starting in May, United pilots will have an extra day of in-person training, a change that was already planned before the incidents, Mr. Kirby wrote. The airline will also use a “centralized training curriculum for our new hire maintenance technicians” and will dedicate additional resources to the carrier’s supply chain.

What government agencies oversee these issues, and how are they responding?

The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the country’s aviation system and investigates safety incidents on U.S. airlines, while the N.T.S.B. investigates the causes of accidents, collisions and crashes involving planes flown by U.S. carriers, in addition to other accidents involving commercial and mass transit operators. Both agencies have discretion on what they investigate, Mr. Sumwalt said.

Currently, the N.T.S.B. is investigating the incident that occurred on March 8 in Houston, when the plane veered off the runway, an agency spokesperson said. The N.T.S.B. is also looking into a Feb. 10 Los Angeles-to-Newark flight , operated by United, that experienced severe turbulence, leading to injuries among more than a dozen passengers. (The Boeing 777 landed normally, but the flight was met by medical personnel.)

Safety experts said some issues don’t necessarily rise to the level of an investigation by either agency.

For example, partial loss of some of an airplane’s multiple hydraulics systems is common, said Michael McCormick, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a former F.A.A. control tower operator. The F.A.A. may or may not get involved for this kind of issue, unless there’s a pattern, Mr. Sumwalt said.

The January episode involving the blown door plug aboard the Alaska Airlines jet is under investigation by the N.T.S.B. and the Justice Department.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Boeing: A Company in Turmoil

Boeing is weathering a particularly difficult period: two fatal crashes, a loose panel that blew out during a flight, quality concerns and production slowdowns..

United’s Planes : An engine fire sparked by plastic packaging wrap, a tire lost shortly after takeoff and a plane veering off the runway: These are among several incidents that have occurred over two weeks  on Boeing flights operated by United Airlines.

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282: After a section of a plane headed for Ontario, Calif., blew out  10 minutes after it took off , there was increased scrutiny  on the plane’s manufacturer: Boeing . The Justice Department has since launched a criminal investigation .

Quality Control Issues: An audit that was initiated by the Federal Aviation Administration after the Alaska Airlines incident found dozens of problems  throughout Boeing’s manufacturing process and one of its key suppliers.

Whistleblower’s Death: John Barnett, a former quality manager for the company, was found dead in Charleston  in March with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was set to testify in a lawsuit in which he accused Boeing of retaliation for his complaints about quality and safety.

At Fault: A report released in February by the Federal Aviation Administration said that Boeing’s safety culture remains flawed , despite improvements made after two fatal crashes  in 2018 and 2019.

Solving an Enduring Crisis: The Federal Aviation Administration has asked Boeing to produce an action plan  to address quality control issues. We asked experts how Boeing should try and fix its longstanding problems .

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Air France to Increase U.S. Routes to Paris Ahead of Olympic Games

The airline bring back it's route from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Paris on a daily basis as well as increase its service from Raleigh-Durham to the capital city.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Air France is boosting its service to Paris from the United States — just in time for the upcoming summer Olympic Games. 

Announce this week, the airline bring back it's route Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (MSP) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on a daily basis as well as increase in service from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to the capital city from 3 times a week, to 7 times a week. 

The route from Minneapolis will begin on May 13 and the Raleigh-Durham to Paris route, which was launched for only three times a week on Oct. 30, 2023, is now operating at seven times per week, the airline confirmed to Travel + Leisure on Friday.

The new flights come as Paris will host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, which take place from July 26 through August 11 and August 28 through Sept. 8 respectively.  Air France previously announced new service between Paris and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport which is scheduled to begin on May 23. The new route will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout the summer.  For travelers planning a trip to the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, Air France shared they will operate two flights from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Nice, France (NCE). The flight is a special route just for the event and will be operated on a refurbished Airbus A350-900.  In a move to elevate the inflight experience of passengers who are departing from the United States, Air France recently commissioned Chef Dominique Crenn to design and curate a new menu for the La Première and Business class cabins. The Michelin-star chef created signature dishes for the airline such as Lobster with pico de gallo and tea sauce, as well as California charbonnier. with quinoa, according to the airline .  Air France currently operates service to 189 destinations that span 74 countries. 

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