Destination: France

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION

Dangers & Annoyances

France is generally a safe place in which to live and travel, but crime has risen dramatically in the last few years. Property crime is a major problem but it is extremely unlikely that you will be physically assaulted while walking down the street. Always check your government’s travel advisory warnings.

Hunters

The hunting season is September to February. If you see signs reading ‘chasseurs’ or ‘chasse gardée’ strung up or tacked to trees, think twice about wandering into the area. As well as millions of wild animals, fifty French hunters die each year after being shot by other hunters. Hunting is traditional and commonplace in all rural areas in France, especially Les Vosges, Sologne, the southwest and the Baie de Somme.

Natural Dangers

There are powerful tides and strong undertows along the Atlantic Coast, Brittany and Normandy. Only swim in zones de baignade surveillée (beaches monitored by life guards). Many people drown each year, especially on the Atlantic Coast. Be aware of tide times, and if sleeping on a beach, always ensure you are above the high tidemark.

Thunderstorms in the mountains and hot southern plains can be extremely sudden and violent. So check the weather report before you set out on a long walk and be very well prepared if you’re heading into the high country of the Alps or Pyrenees.
Avalanches are an enormous natural danger in the French Alps.

Laws banning smoking in public places do exist, but no-one pays much attention to them. In restaurants, diners will often smoke in nonsmoking sections – and the waiter will happily bring them an ashtray.

Strikes & Riots

France is the only European country in which public workers enjoy an unlimited right to strike and avail themselves of it with carefree abandon. Aggrieved truck drivers have been known to block motorways and farmers agitating for more government support occasionally dump tonnes of produce on major arteries.

Getting caught in one of the ‘social dialogues’ that characterise labour relations in France can put a serious crimp in your travel plans. It’s best to leave some wriggle room in your schedule, particularly around the departure times.

Street riots such as those that struck dozens of towns and cities countrywide in November 2005 are by no means the norm.

Theft

The problems you’re most likely to encounter are thefts (which can be aggressive), mainly pick-pocketing/bag snatching, especially in dense crowds and public places. A common ploy is for one person to distract you while another steals your wallet, camera or bag. Tired tourists on the train from the airport are a frequent target. Big cities – notably Paris, Marseille and Nice – have high crime levels. Particularly in Paris, museums are beset by organised gangs of seemingly innocuous children who are trained pickpockets.

There’s no need whatsoever to travel in fear. A few simple precautions will minimise your chances of being ripped off.

Photocopy your passport, credit cards, plane tickets, driver’s licence, and other important documents – leave one copy at home and keep another one with you, separate from the originals.
A hidden money belt remains the safest way to carry money and valuable documents.
Take only what you need on busy sightseeing days: use the hotel/hostel safe.
On trains, keep bags as close as possible: the luggage racks (if in use) at the ends of the carriage are an easy target for thieves; in sleeping compartments, lock the door carefully at night.
Be especially vigilant at train stations, airports, fast-food outlets, cinemas, outdoor cafés and beaches and on public transport.

Travelling by Car

Car thefts and break-ins to parked cars are a frequent problem. Gangs cruise seemingly tranquil tourist areas for unattended vehicles. Foreign or out-of-town plates and rental stickers are a dead giveaway and will be targeted. Never, ever leave anything valuable (or otherwise) inside your car. Hiding your bags in the trunk is risky; in hatchbacks it is an open invitation to theft.

Aggressive theft from cars stopped at red lights is occasionally a problem, especially in the south (specifically in and around Marseille and sometimes Nice) at intersections and motorway exits. Thieves are usually on motorcycle. Your car should have autolocking doors (and air-conditioning).

Travelling to France?
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