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Update April 12, 2024

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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 .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

At least three months beyond date of departure from the Schengen area. The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not valid for visa-free entry into France.

Must have at least one blank page for stamps

Not required for stays under 90 days

10,000 Euros Max

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Paris 2 Avenue Gabriel 75008 Paris, France Telephone: +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22, enter zero “0” after the automated greeting Fax:  +(33)(1) 42-61-61-40 (Special Consular Services) [email protected]

Only the consular sections in Paris and Marseille are authorized to issue passports. The other offices provide limited services to U.S. citizens.

U.S. Consulate General Marseille Place Varian Fry 13286 Marseille Cedex 6 France Telephone: +(33)(1) 43-12-47-54 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Strasbourg 15, Avenue d'Alsace 67082 Strasbourg Cedex France Telephone: +(33)(1) 43-12-48-80 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22 Fax: (33)(3) 88-24-06-95 [email protected]

When calling from within France, drop the country code and add a zero. For example: +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22 becomes 01-43-12-22-22.

Please note that the emergency after-hours telephone number for all U.S. posts in France is: +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22 . Ask to speak to the duty officer if you need emergency assistance after business hours.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of France  website for the most current visa and entry requirement information.

The Government of France does not recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free entry into France. If traveling on this emergency passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry by immigration officials and/or held at the airport until a return flight to the U.S. is available. Direct transit through France for another destination accepting an emergency passport may be permitted. You should check entry requirements of any other country of destination to make sure the emergency passport is accepted for entry.

You may enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes without a visa.

Immigration officers may also request you show sufficient funds for your intended stay and a return airline ticket.

If you are traveling to France or Monaco for reasons other than business or tourism, such as employment (including diplomatic or official travel), study, or internship, you must obtain the appropriate French or Monegasque (Monaco) visa for that purpose before you leave the United States. You should be aware that it is nearly impossible to obtain or change visa status while in France.

All minors (under age 18) traveling without a parent or legal guardian and who are residents in France must have the written consent of at least one parent or legal guardian to leave France. The minor must travel with his or her own I.D., a copy of the parent/guardian’s I.D., and form number 15646*01, executed by the parent/guardian and available  here .

If you are transiting through France to South Africa, there are special requirements for minors. See  Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements for South Africa  for additional information.

Contact the  French Embassy  in Washington at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, tel. (202) 944 6000, or one of the  French Consulates General  in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco for the most current visa information.

Special Note:  Overseas departments and territories of France (i.e. those not located in Europe) are not included in the Schengen Agreement. Please see Country Specific Information on  French Guiana ,  French Polynesia , and the  French West Indies  for entry and exit requirements. For other departments and territories, visit the  Embassy of France  website for the most current visa and entry requirement information for those areas.

Monaco:  For further information on entry requirements to Monaco, travelers may contact the  Embassy of the Principality of Monaco , 888 17th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20006, Tel: (202) 234-1530, Email:  [email protected] ; or the Consulate General of Monaco, 565 Fifth Avenue – 23rd floor, New York, NY 10017, Tel: (212) 286-0500, Email:  [email protected] .

Traveling Through Europe :  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country. Please review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.  We recommend that your passport have at least six months’ validity remaining.
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket . 
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of France.

Find information about  dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) 

For more information, see our Terrorism page. 

French authorities have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions for terrorist attacks in Europe.

A counterterrorism law enacted in 2017 allows the government to prevent the circulation of individuals and to create zones of protection and security.

The French government has temporarily reestablished border controls at its borders with its Schengen neighbors and movement may be restricted in some areas. Border controls with the United Kingdom, including the Channel Tunnel crossing, have also been reestablished following Brexit.

The Government of France routinely conducts security and crisis management drills involving deployment of security forces, emergency services, and police to high profile areas that may be near popular tourist sites. U.S. citizens should be aware of the possibility of drills and should heed instructions of local authorities should they encounter them.

French police and military routinely patrol public spaces. You should expect security inspections (to include purses, bags, and backpacks) at the entrance to large public venues and businesses.

When traveling or living in France, you should:

• Be aware of your local security situation and take appropriate steps to bolster your personal security.
• Monitor media and local information sources like  France24 , Radio France International , The Local , and the Paris Travel Information webpage and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. 
• Address specific safety concerns to French law enforcement authorities who have responsibility for the safety and security of all residents and visitors to France.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Crime:  The majority of crimes directed against foreign visitors, including U.S. citizens, involve pick-pocketing (passports, phones, cash, credit cards), vehicle and residential break-ins, bicycle theft, and other forms of theft.

Visitors to congested and popular tourist areas (e.g., museums, monuments, train stations, airports, and subways) should be particularly attentive to their surroundings. Rental cars are frequently targeted for break-ins when visitors exit their vehicles and leave valuables behind.

Crimes of opportunity are more likely to involve violence on the street late at night or when the victim resists. 

Exercise extra caution when out alone at night and/or consider traveling out at night with trusted companions.

While the incidence of sexual assault is statistically low, attacks do occur.

Be aware of “date-rape” drugs, which are present in France. The Embassy has assisted multiple victims who appear to have been targeted using these drugs.

Be cautious in bars and clubs where alcohol is served, and do not leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from strangers, as they may have slipped drugs into the drink.  

There are high incidences of “smash and grab” robberies in economically depressed areas or on highly traveled thoroughfares such as roads to and from the airport. Thieves on foot or motorcycle will approach a vehicle that is stopped in traffic, smash a window, reach into the vehicle to grab a purse or other valuable item, and then flee. Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight.

See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Demonstrations  occur frequently.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 
• Strikes can interfere with travel plans and increase expenses of traveling to France.

Demonstration organizers must obtain prior police approval, and police routinely oversee participants. In case of violence or property damage, French authorities may use chemical agents and water cannons to disperse crowds.

Alerts issued regarding demonstrations are posted on the  U.S. Mission’s website .

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 (the European emergency number which has some English-speaking staff)  or 17 from a landline or cell phone and contact the U.S. Embassy Paris at +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22. French authorities do not generally speak English and communication may be difficult.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• provide a  list of local attorneys
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide the Paris Police Prefecture pamphlet in English
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport .
• provide you with information regarding victims’ assistance groups in France

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact  the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:   You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. French authorities will not routinely notify the Embassy unless you request them to do so. See our  webpage  for further information.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in France are severe.

Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. 

In France and Monaco, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could land you immediately in jail.

Flying Drones:  The use of drones and drone footage in France is highly regulated. It is against the law in France to operate drones over public spaces (including museums, parks, streets) in urban areas and near airports, military bases, prisons, nuclear plants, and large gatherings such as outdoor concerts and parades. The privacy of individuals captured in drone footage is paramount. Violators can be arrested and subject to fines of up to 75,000 euros and/or one-year imprisonment. Review the  information sheet  provided by the French government concerning hobbyist drone flights.

You should contact the  Embassy of France  or one of  France's consulates  in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please see our  Customs Information .

There are strict regulations concerning temporary importation or exportation from France of items such as firearms, antiquities, medications, business equipment, merchandise samples, and other items.

French Foreign Legion:  U.S. citizens interested in joining the French Foreign Legion (FFL) should be aware that the cognitive and physical tests for acceptance are extremely challenging.

Ensure you have access to sufficient funds to return home should your candidature be refused.

Successful candidates report that the FFL provides a new identity and retains their U.S. passport during a long probation period. Lack of access to your passport can complicate routine or emergency travel.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

Faith-Based Travel Information

International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports

Human Rights Report  – see country reports

Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers

Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in France.

See our  LGBTQI+ travel information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in France prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation and general infrastructure.

Visitors to France should expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation (subway, specifically), lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. Getting around French cities can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Many sidewalks are narrow and uneven, and cobblestone streets make access difficult, though major tourist sites generally have better facilities.

Although the Paris Metro is a very efficient method for traveling throughout central Paris, most stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities. However, many Parisian buses and tramways are equipped with lowering platforms for travelers with limited-mobility, or sight- or hearing-disabled. Taxis are also a good mode of transportation.

The English-language  Paris Visitors Bureau and Explore France websites contains additional information specifically designed for travelers with special mobility needs. For further information, e-mail  U.S. Embassy Paris , U.S. Consulate General Marseille , or U.S. Consulate General Strasbourg .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Dial 15 to connect to emergency medical services or dial 112 to reach an operator.

Ambulance services are widely available, though English is not widely spoken.

Medical care is comparable to that found in the United States.

Except for emergency services, you may be required to pay for service prior to receiving treatment in France. Be sure to obtain a “Feuille de Soins” for later reimbursement from your health care provider.

You may be refused routine care under local law if you lack the ability to pay.

Foreigners with terminal illnesses may be denied treatment if treatment is available in their home country.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Hospital bills are not itemized.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  government of France  to ensure the medication is legal in France.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are generally comparable to those in the United States, but traffic engineering and driving habits pose special dangers.

Lane markings and sign placements may not be clear. Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute maneuvers.

Right-of-way rules differ from those in the United States. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left, even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets.

Bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and electric skateboards are prevalent on streets, crosswalks and sometimes sidewalks. They have legal priority and often do not respect traffic signals.

On major highways, there are service stations at least every 25 miles. Service stations are not as common on secondary roads in France as they are in the United States.

Highway toll stations may not accept U.S. credit cards. For non-residents, the simplest way to pay is with cash euros at the toll lane marked for that purpose. Do not attempt to use a credit card if it is the only one you have in your possession in case the machine does not return your card.

Traffic Laws:  While French cities actively encourage bicycle rentals through widely available city-sponsored systems, you should be cautious, especially in a busy and unfamiliar urban environment. Helmets are neither required nor readily available near rental stations. If you plan to ride a bicycle in France, you should bring your own helmet. Though bicycles, scooters and electric skateboards must follow local traffic laws, or risk fines, they often do not do so and can pose a danger to drivers and pedestrians.  Many paths are clearly marked for this form of transportation in  larger cities.

Pedestrian accidents occur when a pedestrian steps out into the street, often when a car or motorcycle is making a turn through a pedestrian crosswalk. Pedestrians should be cautious and aware of traffic even when they have a green walking signal since this is no guarantee against aggressive drivers. Do not assume cars will stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk.

Public Transportation:  Paris has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. The interconnecting system of buses, subways, and commuter rails is comparable to or better than that found in major U.S. cities. Similar transportation systems are found in all major French cities.

If you use any of France’s public transportation services, take particular care to retain your used or “validated” ticket until you exit the bus, subway, or train station completely, as it may be checked or required for exit. Children over four years of age must have a ticket.

Inspectors conduct intermittent, random checks and passengers who fail to present the correct validated ticket are subject to stiff and immediate fines.  Failing to sign and date or enclose photo (when required) on a tourist pass (Paris Visite) makes the pass invalid and the holder subject to a fine.

Inspectors may show no interest in explanations and no sympathy for an honest mistake. Failure to cooperate with inspectors may result in arrest.

Between cities, France has extensive rail service, which is safe and reliable. High-speed rail connects the major cities in France. Many cities are also served by frequent air service. Traveling by train is safer than driving.

See our  road safety page  for more information. Visit the website of the  French National Tourist Office  for specific information on French driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance. See Embassy of France’s  driving in France  webpage for information on using U.S. driver’s licenses in France.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of France’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of France’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to France should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings website  (select “broadcast warnings.”)

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in France .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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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 .

Here's What It's Like to Travel to France Right Now

Entry requirements, crowd reports, and more

Astrid was the Senior Special Projects Editor at TripSavvy.

Entry Requirements

Digital health pass mandates, curfews and restrictions, mask enforcement, crowds and feeling on the ground, return process.

After France reopened their borders to international tourists on June 9, many travelers' long-awaited dream of a French summer getaway finally became tangible. And with this month's reopening of the Eiffel Tower, Paris seemed back in business.

Eager to finally dust off my passport and head back to one of my favorite cities in the world, I hopped on low-cost long-haul airline French Bee's inaugural flight from Newark to Paris last week and spent a few days in the City of Lights to really get a feel for how its reopening was going. Here are a few things I found helpful to know if you're planning a trip.

France is currently operating on a "stoplight system" for visitors who enter, with green, orange, and red tiers representing the risk level of different countries. Those coming from green countries can enter without restriction if vaccinated or by presenting a negative PCR or rapid test taken within 72 hours before departure. The United States has been on the green list since June 18, which meant all I needed to enter was my vaccine card issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. French Bee also provided me with a health statement that I was told to sign and present at check-in, but it was never collected. This requirement may vary depending on your airline.

Arrive at the airport early—you'll be asked to present your vaccine card or test results before you're allowed to check in to your flight. You'll also be asked to present these documents before getting your passport stamped upon arrival in France, along with a COVID-19 contact tracing form that will be given to you upon landing.

I only experienced being asked to show a health pass once, when I went out to a nightclub on a Friday night. Unaware that French nightclubs require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 to enter, I mistakenly left my CDC card back at my hotel. Pleading with the club bouncer in very broken French, a thought occurred to me during a final moment of desperation, and I whipped out my phone to show him the Instagram post I made—in which I censored any personal information, natch—back when I received my second dose of the vaccine in late March.

"This will never work," I thought to myself. "I'll just come back tomorrow night."

Et voila! It worked!

Was it a lucky break? Perhaps. But I don't recommend doing the same. If you're planning on hitting a club, make sure to bring your CDC card and some form of identification so that they can match your name to your vaccination status. French citizens are already using a national health pass, but until stricter mandates begin next week (more on that below), your CDC card will suffice as an American tourist. Be aware that masks are optional in indoor clubs: I did not spot any worn by the revelers at Rosa Bonheur Sur Seine that evening.

About those new mandates: although I didn't experience them while I was there, French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced that in response to the Delta variant , proof of vaccination via a digital French health pass would be required for a larger list of places beginning Aug. 1. While still valid proof of vaccination, the CDC vaccine card will not be accepted as a substitution for the health pass. American travelers with a CDC card will need to bring their card with them to France, where they can have it uploaded into the app by “any willing French doctor or pharmacist (who) can enter the vaccination information in the French system, even for people who do not have a French social security number or carte vitale.”

Bar and nightclub curfews were lifted in France on June 30, along with restrictions on the number of people gathering indoors—perfect when summer nights in Paris aren't met with sunset before 10 p.m. But if you're planning on a nightcap back at your hotel after dinner, make sure to be stocked up beforehand: alcohol is still not permitted to be sold at stores after 10 p.m.

Masks were required indoors at every indoor venue I entered, including shops, cafes, and restaurants. In restaurants, most locals aren’t wearing masks once seated. Paris is particularly strict about masks being worn on the Metro, with announcements being played on a loop that anyone caught without wearing one will be fined 135 euros. On one trip, I witnessed a Parisian confront an American tourist who was wearing his mask below his nose. "I'm not vaccinated yet," the Parisian told him, "so please pull your mask up."

Astrid Taran / TripSavvy

There's no denying it: because of the entry restrictions still imposed on countries not on France's green list, the city's usual summer crowds were nowhere to be found. The line at the CityPharma pharmacy in Saint-Germain-des-Prés—the best place in the city to pick up French beauty products at lower prices than you can find in the U.S.—was non-existent. I was able to snap up a ticket to the Paris Catacombs just by walking up to the counter, and inside, only one other small family joined me. Spooky—in a good way. I still needed bookings to get a seat at some of the hottest tables in town, but surprisingly, I was even able to snag last-minute cancellations at favorites like Le Chardenoux and Le Saint Sebastian . Except for being in Paris on the afternoon of the Tour de France, it certainly didn't feel like I was in Europe during the peak summer travel season.

One very noticeable element of my trip was the sheer amount of American accents I heard. I sat next to an American couple at dinner at Le Fouquet's and overheard many of my fellow countrymen and women speaking to each other in English on the streets and in cafes. The usual British accents from tourists hopping over to Paris from the United Kingdom were nowhere to be found due to the U.K.'s current status on France's orange list. The only other non-French accents I heard during my stay were German tourists, who have also begun trickling into the country for the summer holiday.

Additionally, I found French hospitality towards American visitors to be overwhelmingly warm. "We're happy to have visitors back in Paris," one waitress at a cafe told me with a smile. When learning that I'm from New York, several Parisians expressed frustration at the lack of travel reciprocity from the U.S., as French citizens are still not permitted to enter the country.

Perhaps the only stressful part of my visit to Paris was my return home. All U.S. citizens must present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight back; similar to presenting your vaccination status or test results before boarding your flight to France, you won't be able to check in to your flight home without having these results in hand. At Paris-Orly, I initially found it difficult to find the COVID-19 testing site, and once there, the instructions on the kiosk were difficult to understand for a non-French speaker.

The worst part? These tests are free for French citizens, but as of July 7, tourists must cough up a whopping 49 euro for a PCR test and 29 euro for a rapid antigen test. I was charged for both of them.

After about an hour of sweating, I received my test results, which were entirely in French. The kind gate attendant helped me translate the instructions to access them, and I was finally allowed to check in to my flight home.

I was sad to go—my Parisian getaway was magical on every level. The city appeared to be taking all of the correct precautions while easing restrictions enough to really feel like itself again. With perfect summer weather and a lack of the usual throngs of tourists, Paris feels more authentic and charming than ever before.

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Ministère de l'Intérieur et des outre-mer

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COVID-19 : International travel

Mobilising on a weekly basis up to 6,000 members of the civil security service to carry out tests, border guards to check travellers’ health documents and internal security forces to oversee the isolation or quarantine measures decreed by the prefects, this mechanism was duly adjusted in response to the changing health conditions and Community regulations.

In light of the latest developments in the pandemic, the port health control system has been discontinued, pursuant to the law terminating the emergency measures instituted to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

Accordingly, the rules previously applied to travellers to France no longer apply effective from 1 August 2022:

• Travellers are now exempt from any formalities prior to entry into France, be it in mainland France or overseas, and no longer required to present a health pass, regardless of the country or place of departure;
• Justification of travel (the “compelling reason”) is no longer required;
• Travellers are no longer required to present a sworn statement of non-contamination and an undertaking to undergo an antigen test or screening upon arrival in the country.

The same applies to travel between mainland France and each of the overseas territories. Similarly, the French authorities no longer require any justification for outgoing travel from France, be it from mainland France or overseas, or any exit clearance to travel to another country.

However, foreign countries may continue to apply specific entry measures and formalities.

As of February 16th 2023, all passengers traveling from China are no longer required to present a negative antigen or PCR test result dated less than 48 hours, or a sworn statement. Random screening on arrival is also discontinued.

It is still recommended to wear a single-use surgical mask on board the aircraft.

Passengers from China making a stopover in a different country to reach France are invited to check the conditions applicable to transits.

Click here  to find out more about Overseas Territories Travel.

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Your travel trends in France

Inspiration

Reading time: 0 min Published on 11 March 2024, updated on 15 April 2024

Soft mobility, slow tourism, eco-responsible accommodation, technological innovations... The major travel trends of tomorrow are already available. France.fr gives you a few tips on how to prepare your next trip to France with a head start...

Eco-responsible sleeping

Low-energy hotels are becoming increasingly popular, as they are designed with natural materials, recycle water, are supplied through short circuits, and are heated with solar panels. Quickly, head for the Alps, to stay at the bioclimatic La Croix de Savoie hotel in Les Carroz, or the luxurious Refuge de la Traye in Méribel, close to nature. If you prefer to sleep in a tree, with a view of Mont Blanc as a bonus, the perched cabins Entre Ciel et Terre in Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle are for you. Why not an eco-bivouac above Lake Annecy? This alti-dome, with its panoramic roof, will give you a rendez-vous with the stars.

La Croix de Savoie bioclimatic hotel Refuge de la Traye Cabanes Entre Ciel et Terre Alpes bivouac

Slow tourism is the way to go

If there is one trend that is being confirmed, it is that of sustainable tourism, to respect the environment and avoid overcrowding. In this vein, farm holidays are ideal for getting into the rhythm of nature while sharing the daily life of farmers. You will love the guest rooms at the Ferme du Grand Parc, nestled in the bocage of Calvados, and the Bergerie de la Combe à l'Ours surrounded by the fir trees of the Jura. Another activity in tune with nature is hiking. The choice is vast in spring or summer, you can go to the Auvergne volcanoes , or climb the fragrant paths of the Alps with their grandiose panorama...

La Ferme du Grand Parc

We opt for soft mobility

The trend is to favour soft, low-tech, low-carbon transport. Did you say bicycle? It's the right answer! Cycling enthusiasts in France are well catered for. In addition to the bicycle paths that are multiplying in cities, major routes are being designed to cross the country. For example, the ViaRhona, which links Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean in 815 km of cycle paths. And from next year, you will be able to cycle from Dunkirk to Roscoff, for 1,500 kilometres, almost all of it by the sea! Let's get motivated.

Get inspired from your sofa

The "gamification" is very popular, to virtually immerse oneself in a city or a museum or to discover a site through play, in augmented reality. The various technologies used (360° immersion, timelapse, 3D, etc.) allow visitors to visit France's heritage in a different way, from the comfort of their sofa. The streets of Rennes in the Middle Ages, the relief sculptures in 14 museums and sites in the city of Paris, the Palace of Versailles in those days, the Lascaux cave as if you were there... Before discovering them for real!

To become a great explorer, connected treasure hunts are being organised in several large cities, such as Paris, Tours, Lille and Nantes. Get on your apps!

Even more inspiration from a distance on Instagram account of France.fr

Combine business with pleasure with a zero-waste holiday

There is also a clear trend towards greater awareness of humanity's impact on the environment and a desire to minimise this footprint while on holiday. Destinations that contribute to this effort by promoting responsible waste management and coastal conservation are to be commended :

Head for the Glénan Archipelago in Brittany. Here, to help protect several species, tourists and holidaymakers are invited to take a few simple steps, such as taking all their rubbish back to the mainland...

Another committed destination is Saint-Nazaire, on the Atlantic coast. Here, walkers and tourists are invited to collect the marine waste that washes up on the beaches and coastal paths at high tide by setting up tide bins. If you prefer to collect litter in a fun way, take part in the "Touche pas à mon spot" day at one of the 7 sites along the Pays de la Loire coast, where you can learn about water sports, raise awareness of the site's biodiversity and help collect litter on foot or by canoe.

Fouesnant Archipelago of Glénan Tourism

We prefer local mini-adventures

Long-haul travel, which is less environmentally friendly and more expensive, is not as popular as it once was. On the other hand, local tourism is growing in popularity, with holidays offering a wealth of new experiences and sporting activities. There's no shortage of French destinations that offer a change of scenery and great adventures just a few miles from home. Here are some ideas:

• A sports weekend in Normandy with a programme including hiking, via ferrata, a sauna-jacuzzi gîte and canoeing.
• A tourist break in the Vosges . You can watch the artisans at work in the crystal factories of Saint-Louis and admire their creations in special museums or by choosing sparkling accommodation such as the Lalique hotel-restaurant.
• an atypical stay in the Pyrenees , in the Pic du Midi. If you book well in advance, you can dine and sleep in the observatory to admire the stars all night, hike over a waterfall and a small glacier, and walk in the sky to enjoy a 360° view of the mountains.

Recommendations and advice Whatever type of holiday you choose for your next weekend or holiday in France, to get the most out of it, make sure you book your transport, accommodation and activities well in advance (especially if they are rare and popular). And don't forget to use eco-responsible transport to get to your chosen site. Transport accounts for 75% of the emissions generated by a tourist trip. Enjoy your stay in France!

More information: - More trends to discover in the Welcome City Lab's 2021 Trends Booklet

Also to be read : - Saddle up on the ViaRhôna through Isère, Drôme and Ardèche - Where to sleep in eco-responsible mode in the Alps this winter

By Redaction France.fr

The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…

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Visiting France

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With more than 90 million foreign visitors recorded in 2018 (including overseas destinations), France remains the world’s leading tourist destination (ahead of Spain, the United States, China and Italy). This continued success can be explained by the richness and diversity of France’s tourism offer.

A multi-faceted destination

Coming to France means having the chance to discover a variety of destinations and themed offers. Whether you are an urban tourist, a hiking or cycling enthusiast, an art lover, a wine and food lover or a beach lover, France is for you!

France is a sporting country

France also hosts many international sporting events. Some are regular fixtures, such as the French Open tennis tournament, the Tour de France or the 24-hour race in Le Mans. Others are exceptional events such as the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Olympic Games in 2024…

How to prepare your visit?

To prepare your stay, the France.fr website (available in 15 languages) allows you to discover the treasures of mainland France and its overseas territories. The information is classified by destination, by theme and also covers the practical organisation of your trip (visas, transport, climate, etc.).

This site is developed by Atout France, the national tourism operator under the supervision of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

(Update: July 2023)

France Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to France

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

France entry details and exceptions

Ready to travel, find flights to france, find stays in france, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to France from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter France.

Can I travel to France if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter France without restrictions.

Can I travel to France without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter France without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter France?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering France.

Can I travel to France without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in France?

Mask usage in France is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in France?

Restaurants in France are open. Bars in France are .

Traveling to France? There are new rules. Here's what you need to know

Editor's Note

France is nothing if inconsistent in maintaining its COVID-19 entry protocols, having changed the process for obtaining the requisite digital health pass four times, now requiring a COVID-19 booster shot for visitors, reinstituting mask mandates and, just yesterday, instituting quarantine for unvaccinated visitors from certain countries, including the United States.

For American travelers heading to France soon or planning a trip in the future, here's what to expect as of Jan. 3.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers

Entry rules to France depend on the country from which you are coming, designated by color, available here . The U.S. is currently a "red list country," and entry requirements are as follows.

Fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. who are age 18 and older may enter the country by showing proof of vaccination, results of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 48 hours prior to departure for France and a sworn statement attesting they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 nor have had contact with any confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Acceptable vaccination proof

Currently, France recognizes vaccines approved by the World Health Organization and European Medicines Agency, specifically Pfizer,  Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Those who have received a full dose of a WHO-licensed vaccine not approved by the EMA require an additional single dose of an EMA-approved mRNA vaccine, either Pfizer or Moderna.

Travelers are considered fully vaccinated 28 days after receiving one dose of a single-dose vaccine, seven days after receiving a two-dose vaccine or seven days after receiving an additional dose of an EMA-approved  mRNA vaccine for those who received a WHO-licensed vaccine not approved by the EMA.

Per the U.S. Embassy in France, the  card issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considered "sufficient proof of vaccination for entry."

Entry requirements for unvaccinated travelers

Currently, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers are only able to enter France if they possess a "compelling reason for travel," including students and those transiting France for less than 24 hours. A full list of pressing grounds for travel to/from "red" countries is available from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but note the majority of exceptions are not applicable to Americans.

Unvaccinated Americans approved for entry must show a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) performed within 48 hours before departure and are also subject to a second test upon arrival. They must quarantine for 10 days, followed by an additional test.

Ahead of travel, unvaccinated travelers must complete a screening form .

Related: Applications for France's digital health pass are temporarily closed

Rules for children

Testing, vaccination and booster requirements apply to travelers who are 12 and older, and American visitors must show results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours to enter the country.

"Travelers under age 11 are treated as vaccinated regardless of their vaccination status and do not need to have a COVID test. Travelers ages 11 through 17 are treated as vaccinated if they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian," says the embassy. "Travelers in this age group traveling independently must meet the rules applicable to adult travelers."

French health pass

A health pass is required to access most indoor public spaces, including restaurants/bars, museums, entertainment venues and sporting facilities. It's also necessary for long-distance travel throughout the country on public transit. A health pass can be obtained for $40 by showing proof of vaccination at a local French pharmacy on a walk-in basis. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers can obtain a temporary 24-hour pass by taking a rapid antigen test at a pharmacy. Temporary pass holders will need to procure a new pass after the 24-hour period.

The French government previously announced they expect use of the "pass sanitaire" to continue through at least July.

As of Jan. 15, all travelers to France age 18 and older must show proof of a COVID-19 booster shot taken within five to seven months after their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in order to retain an active health pass. Prior to this date, the booster is only required for those 65 and older.

Mask mandate

Face masks remain mandatory for all those in indoor public spaces throughout the country and are required outdoors in Paris as of Dec. 31, 2021, including in markets. Outdoor mask requirements vary throughout France, so consult local authorities before visiting your destination.

Bottom line

French officials have modified their entry rules based on COVID-19 developments. Consult the U.S. Embassy and French Ministry for the most up-to-date information.

Both the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued Level 4 travel warnings for France, advising Americans to avoid travel to the country.

Other countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Israel , have banned travel for unvaccinated persons, in addition to requiring a COVID-19 booster for vaccinated tourists.

Related: My experience entering Israel as a vaccinated tourist

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in france.

France is home to some of the most lively cities, bucolic villages and renowned wine regions on the globe. U.S. News considered factors like variety of attractions, lodging, weather and culinary scenes to create this ranking of the best places to visit in France. Whether you're seeking an action-packed sightseeing adventure or a relaxing wine retreat, you'll find a fun French vacation here. To influence next year's ranking, vote below for your favorite destinations in France.

Mont Saint-Michel

Montpellier, french alps, chamonix-mont-blanc, aix-en-provence, loire valley.

As the world's best place to visit , it's no surprise that the electrifying City of Light tops this list. France's capital city is a year-round tourist destination with iconic attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower and incredible architecture (think: the dazzling Basilique du Sacré-Coeur). Not to mention, Paris offers unparalleled dining and shopping scenes and more museums than you could hope to visit in one trip. Keep in mind, Paris is often flooded with tourists and room rates can be pricey. If you're looking for a deal, travel in winter or early spring.

The capital of the Alsace region offers the perfect mix of French and German culture thanks to its location on the France-Germany border. While here, travelers should see Strasbourg's Gothic-style cathedral and stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petite France quarter with its half-timbered houses and postcard-worthy waterways. Plus, those with an interest in politics can tour several important European institutions during their visit, including the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. For an extra dose of charm, arrive in December to see one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets.

Rising above the sea like a castle in a fairy tale, Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy is one of France's most-visited sights. Legend says the archangel Michael, the island's namesake, repeatedly appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches in dreams, telling him to build a church on top of the island in A.D. 708. Since its completion, it has become an important pilgrimage site for Christians and European intellectuals. Visitors can tour the picturesque abbey and admire its incredible medieval architecture or wander its surrounding streets, which are lined with tiny shops and quaint cafes.

Dubbed La Ville Rose due to the prominence of distinctive clay bricks in its architecture, Toulouse is a feast for the eyes. Throughout this city, which is located in the South of France, you'll find marvels like the neoclassical Le Capitole on the main square, the stately Basilica of Saint-Sernin (an 11th-century UNESCO site) and the Hôtel d’Assézat, which houses a noteworthy art gallery. What's more, several canals with shady footpaths pass through the city, including the idyllic Canal du Midi. For some of the best views of Toulouse, take a cruise on the River Garonne, or just sunbathe on its banks.

Sunny Montpellier glows with a combination of old world charm and a trendy university lifestyle. This city in the south of France evokes Parisian appeal with Haussmann architecture and stylish promenades. And like Paris, adornment is everywhere in Montpellier, from fashionable boutiques to street art to France's oldest botanical garden. Plus, since Montpellier is located 7 miles from the coast of the Mediterranean, a beach break is close at hand. Once the sun sets, take part in the city's youthful nightlife scene, which includes everything from music halls to dance clubs.

It's easy to see why Colmar, located in the heart of Alsace's wine region, is considered one of France's most beautiful cities. Colorful houses that look as if they belong in a fairy tale line the Little Venice district, where you can take a boat tour through Colmar's canals or reach boutiques and eateries on foot. The setting is picturesque regardless of when you vacation here, but for even more charm, visit Colmar at night when lights illuminate the city during annual events like the Colmar International Festival, Alsace's wine fair and Colmar's Christmas market.

To see some of France's most spectacular art and architecture, head to Avignon. This city in southeastern France is full of stunning structures, including the 14th-century Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in the world, and the arched bridge, Pont d'Avignon. A number of can't-miss museums are spread throughout Avignon as well, such as the Musée Angladon, which houses works by highly regarded artists like Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh. Visit in July to attend the Festival d'Avignon, one of the world's largest performing arts festivals.

If your ideal French vacation involves a little more nature and a little less city, head to the French Alps . Here, you'll find some of the best ski slopes in Europe, as well as beautiful scenery that rivals any work of art or architecture. In summer, the typically snow-covered mountains thaw just enough to create perfect conditions for hiking and biking. Enchanting villages sit at the base of the range, offering several places to unwind when you've had enough fun on the slopes or trails.

Despite its war-filled past, this region in northern France is also a place of great beauty and culture. Étretat's white cliffs are a great place to take in the area's natural scenery. Then, visit the region's capital city, Rouen, to admire works of art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts and stroll past the quaint half-timbered houses. Be sure to sample some of the city's culinary specialties to see why it is now a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Or, see some of the remnants of Normandy's heavy history at the D-Day Landing Beaches and The Bayeux Tapestry.

Glamorous Nice occupies a picturesque spot along the French Riviera. Beach bums and culture hounds alike will enjoy the city's pebbly shores, engaging museums, boutique shops and Baroque-style palaces. Be sure to stroll along the coastline's Promenade des Anglais and pick up some fresh flowers and produce at the vibrant Cours Saleya market, located in old town. You'll likely spend a pretty penny on lodging and beach access, but experiencing Nice is worth it. To save some coin, travel between mid-March and April or from September to October, the area's shoulder seasons.

Often called "France's Isle of Beauty," Corsica features diverse landscapes and a unique culture that make it seem like a miniature continent. The Mediterranean island's clear blue water and white sand beaches are ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling and kayaking, while its mountainous terrain and dense forests provide ample opportunities to hike trails like the highly regarded (albeit challenging) GR20. Those looking to take in some history can visit the Maison Bonaparte museum to see Napoleon's birthplace. What's more, Corsica offers a one-of-a-kind food scene that showcases various local delicacies, such as lonzu (dry-cured ham) and brocciu (cheese).

While it may not be as well known as big-name cities like Paris, Lyon competes with the best of them. Despite being the third-largest city in France, Lyon is much calmer and less touristy than other similarly sized destinations. The streets are filled with public art, including the city's famous trompe l'oeil murals, and there are museums that focus on everything from movies to history. Plus, it's surrounded by hundreds of wineries and home to 4,000-plus restaurants, several of which boast Michelin stars, making it especially appealing to oenophiles and foodies.

If you love to ski, chances are you'll enjoy shredding powder at Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. In the bustling Chamonix (the main place to stay if you want to ski at Mont Blanc), you'll have easy access to the longest off-piste run in the world (Vallée Blanche) and rugged, challenging slopes. But this destination, which hosted the 1924 Winter Olympics, offers more than just top-notch skiing. Chamonix is also a great place to go hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. For some family-friendly fun, visit the town's adventure park to zip down its Alpine coaster and various slides.

Quaint, charming Aix-en-Provence is a university city known for its tree-lined boulevards, cute cafes and lively markets. Life moves at a more leisurely pace here than in other French cities, meaning it's the perfect place for travelers to get lost in the scenic streets. Make sure to add Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur and Le Grand Marché – two of the city's top attractions – to your itinerary. You can also see where artist Paul Cézanne (an Aix-en-Provence native) painted some of his masterpieces at Atelier de Cezanne, or venture outside of the city to see the Provencal scenes that inspired him.

Vincent Van Gogh fans may recognize the streetscapes of Arles: This small city in Provence inspired some of the artist's best-known works with its bright colors and rustic feel. Art aficionados can walk in Van Gogh's footsteps and explore his favorite haunts on a walking tour through this romantic city or visit the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles. Beyond this noteworthy connection, Arles is renowned for its Roman ruins, including a two-tiered amphitheater, the Alyscamps necropolis and the Constantine Baths. And as the gateway to the Camargue region, Arles is a great base for visitors looking to explore this marshy, flamingo-filled area.

Another popular wine region, Burgundy is home to rolling hills, superior cuisine and an array of vineyards. Those visiting Burgundy must spend time exploring the medieval villages, historical abbeys and museums that call this area home. Dijon, the region's history-rich capital, makes a great home base for touring the area. And, of course, you can't leave without trying the region's wine, which mainly uses the pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, and dining on some of its rich cuisine.

Northwestern France's Brittany region stands out from the rest of the country in more ways than one. Locals are proud and protective of their Celtic heritage, including their unique language, traditions and festivals. As a result, visitors will find many well-preserved historical sites throughout the area, including prehistoric megaliths and medieval towns like Saint-Malo, a popular port town with a 12th-century citadel. Brittany also features breathtaking coastlines with fantastic beaches that are known for their phenomenal waves for surfing, dive spots and dolphin-spotting opportunities. 

As the capital of France's Champagne region, Reims is a must-visit destination for both history buffs and those who love bubbly. The city offers many Champagne cellars where visitors can learn about how the popular wine is produced before tasting it. Additionally, Reims features breathtaking Gothic architecture at attractions like the Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims, where 25 French monarchs were crowned between 1223 and 1825, and the adjacent Palace of Tau, the former residence of France's archbishops. No visit would be complete without perusing the exhibits in one of Reims' museums, which cover a range of topics from war history to art and automobiles.

The gateway to the Loire Valley, Tours is perfectly situated for touring the region's wineries. But with Tours' historical elements and prime location along the Loire River, you may just want to stay in town. Place Plumereau, a medieval marketplace that remains one of the city's oldest squares, exudes irresistible charm with half-timbered houses, while churches like the Saint-Gatien Cathedral stun with their stately façades. Visitors will also have their pick of green spaces, from parks like Prébendes d’Oé Garden to riverside guinguettes (open-air cafes) at Tours sur Loire. What's more, several of the region's famed châteaux (including the Château de Villandry) sit just outside the city.

For a romantic escape, visit the Loire Valley in central France. Situated along the Loire River, the area is peppered with châteaux, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, farms and wineries renowned for their sauvignon blanc. The region itself is even a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beauty and historical villages. Plan to spend some time in a few of the valley's laid-back cities and towns, such as Orléans and Saumur, and you can't miss the emblematic Château de Chambord.

This wine-producing hub woos travelers with its riverbank location and surrounding countryside. With nearly 300,000 acres of vineyards, Bordeaux offers ample choices for those looking to sip some of the best (typically bold red) wines in the world. In the city center, marvel at the Gothic-style Basilique Saint Michel, walk across the Pont de Pierre (a beautiful stone bridge), snap a photo of the iconic Place de la Bourse and enjoy the Jardin Public's pathways and flora.

Located on the French Riviera just 8 miles from Nice, the tiny hilltop village of Èze makes for an excellent daytrip. The best way to spend your time in this medieval town is meandering through its cobbled streets that look as though they've been pulled from a postcard. In doing so, you'll find picturesque views of the coast, as well as luxury hotels and shops from another era. Top sights include the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption and Jardin Exotique d'Èze, as well as the walking path of Nietzsche, who was inspired to write here. Before leaving town, stop by the Fragonard Parfumeur factory for a fragrant tour.

Located 35 miles northeast of Montpellier, Nîmes delights history buffs with some of the world's best-preserved Roman treasures like its emblematic arena and La Maison Carrée, a temple dating back to 10 B.C. Museums throughout Nîmes also cover its past. But lest you get the wrong impression, Nîmes is anything but stuffy. The city embraces the joie de vivre of the South of France with countless festivals, from structured events like the concert lineups of the Festival de Nîmes to lively Ferias de Nîmes – multi-day celebrations that occur twice a year at Pentecost and in September, and center around bullfighting, dancing and music.

France's oldest and second-largest city has become an exciting, up-and-coming tourist destination. Marseille has a number of sights to see, including the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and Château d'If, the ominous prison made famous by Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo." When the weather is nice, the rocky cliffs and secluded beaches of the Calanques are excellent for swimming, boating and hiking. No trip to Marseille would be complete without a stop by the Mucem, a museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization. Plus, its rooftop terrace makes the perfect vantage point to admire the city.

Famous for its annual film festival in May, Cannes is just as impressive (and much less congested) other times of the year. Cannes is another French Riviera hot spot that welcomes travelers looking for a little relaxation (think: sun-soaked beaches and meandering walks through the steep streets of Le Suquet, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods). Visitors can sightsee as they stroll along La Croisette, a 2-mile-long promenade, or sit down for an exquisite meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Feeling lucky? Stop by one of Cannes' casinos.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in France set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact France’s Embassy in the UK .

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Public spaces

You’re strongly recommended to wear a face mask in health settings. In some areas, people aged 6 and above may need to wear a face mask.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the French Embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Passport stamping

At French border control, you may need to:

• show proof of where you intend to stay, for example, a hotel booking or proof of address if visiting your own property
• show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO’s travel insurance guidance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your whole stay

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through France as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

If you live in France, read our Living in France guide for passport stamping information.

Proof of accommodation and funds

You may need to show proof of where you intend to stay. Read about documents you may need for short stays on the French government website . This will differ depending on where you are staying.

Staying with family, friends or a third party

You may be asked to provide an ‘attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) from your host. The French resident hosting you must get the ‘attestation d’accueil’ from their local mayor’s office, and send the original ‘attestation’ before you enter France. Be prepared to show proof that you have at least €32.50 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

Second homes in France

You will need to be able to prove ownership or tenancy of your property, such as a tax or utility bill.

Staying in a hotel or other commercial accommodation

You may be asked for confirmation of your reservation when entering France. Be prepared to show proof that you have at least €65 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

Other circumstances

If you do not have an ‘attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) or any pre-booked accommodation, you may be asked to prove you have at least €120 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

For more information on these requirements, visit the French government’s website on travel conditions for British citizens.

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to France and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you will need to meet the French government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa you may need on the France Visas website .

If you are travelling to France for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you stay in France with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

British citizens who cannot return to the UK before their visa, permit or visa-free limit expires should contact their local prefecture in France .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of France. Check the French Directorate General of Customs and Excise website . Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

France travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 19, 2024 08:45 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, france - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the elevated threat of terrorism.

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"Attack emergency" alert

On March 24, 2024, the Prime Minister of France raised the security threat level within the “Vigipirate” plan to “urgence attentat” (“attack emergency”). This is the highest level in the Vigipirate plan, a set of measures to prepare and protect the population and public places. The decision was made following a terrorist attack in Moscow claimed by the Islamic State.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly alert during public gatherings and demonstrations.

If you are in France:

• expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence at the border and in public places
• monitor local media for the most recent information
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Vigipirate plan – Government of France (in French)

Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Olympic Games will take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, 2024.

Public events will take place across France starting on May 8 and will continue until the opening ceremony.

If you plan to travel to France during this time, plan your travel accordingly.

During the Olympic Games, especially in Paris, you should expect:

• an increased presence of security forces
• major disruptions to traffic and movement
• large crowds and public gatherings

Useful links

• Games-related information and advice for Canadians
• Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 – official site

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

Over the past few years in France, several opportunistic and premeditated attacks have occurred. These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely.

Vigipirate plan

The Vigipirate plan is a set of measures established by the French government to prepare and protect the French population, infrastructure and institutions in the event of an attack. The aim is also to allow rapid deployment of intervention measures if necessary.

As part of this plan, the government maintains a 3-level public alert system for terrorism. Changes in the threat level are communicated online and through local and national media.

Operation sentinelle

Operation Sentinelle allows the deployment of military brigades in public places to patrol and deter terrorist acts. Enhanced security measures have been deployed in various strategic locations, including:

• transport hubs
• public places
• tourist locations, especially in Paris

Expect an increased police or military presence in public places, including some tourist locations, particularly in Paris.

Attacks can occur anywhere. Terrorists may target:

• government buildings and those of local authorities
• schools/universities
• places of worship
• places dedicated to culture, such as exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls and theatres
• airports, railway stations and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, monuments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

While in France:

• always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
• be particularly vigilant if attending large gatherings such as sporting events and religious celebrations or other public celebrations
• Information on the terrorist threat in France - Ministry of the Interior (in French)
• How to react in case of a terrorist attack - Government of France (in French)
• Social media accounts of the Ministry of the Interior - Ministry of the Interior (in French)
• Vigipirate  – General secretary of defense and national security (in French)

Petty crime

Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, and purse and mobile phone snatching are common.

Thieves are very skilled. They often act in groups and are often minors. They may use various techniques to divert your attention and steal your belongings.

Thieves are mainly active in large cities and busy places, such as:

• the main tourist sites
• department stores
• restaurants and patios
• hotel lobbies
• public transport, in particular the Paris metro and the Île-de-France regional express network (RER) lines linking the capital to its surroundings

Violent crimes

Violent crimes are rarer, but still occur.

Tourists are sometimes victims of violent attacks by groups of young people who want to rob them. These attacks usually occur :

• around major tourist attractions
• near railway stations
• on trains of the Île-de-France regional express network (RER) connecting the capital to its surroundings

Assaults can also occur outside night-time establishments and in more isolated areas at night.

Residential break-ins

Residential break-ins occur, especially in large cities and coastal areas. Burglars sometimes target houses or holiday rental apartments.

• be vigilant, particularly when approached by strangers
• ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash
• limit the use of mobile phones on public transportation and in crowded areas to ensure you remain aware of your surroundings and to avoid attracting attention
• don’t keep your credit, debit cards and cash in the same place
• never leave your bags unsupervised
• choose well-secured accommodation and make sure you lock doors and windows at night and when you’re away

Parked vehicles and vehicles on the road

Vehicle break-ins are frequent. Theft of parked cars or their contents is particularly common on beach roads in the south of France and at highway rest stops throughout the country, especially during the summer, when there is a high number of travellers.

• Leave nothing in view in the vehicle
• Use secure parking facilities
• Be particularly vigilant when renting automobiles, as rented vehicles are a target of choice

Drivers are often tricked into stopping their cars by thieves who either obstruct the road or distract the driver by flashing their headlights. They may also pretend that you have a flat tire or even puncture a tire themselves. Once the vehicle is stopped, the thieves seize the opportunity to steal a bag or other valuable objects.

• Beware of any person who waves at you to stop on the highway
• Be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights, as bags are often snatched from the front passenger seat by thieves travelling on scooters
• Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times

Victims of crime

If you’re a victim of theft, go to the nearest police station to report the crime. Keep a copy of your theft report, as you will need it if you wish to make a claim to your insurer. If the incident takes place in the metro, a metro officer can direct you to the nearest police station.

You can complete an online pre-complaint for certain types of minor crime, such as property theft, before going to the police station. This may speed up the process once you get there.

• Prevention advice for tourists - Préfecture de police de Paris
• Online pre-complaint - Ministry of the Interior (in French)

Bomb threats

Since October 2023, there have been a number of bomb threats sent to public places across France.

Bomb threats and hoaxes can target any location, including:

• tourist areas
• shopping centres
• transportation hubs
• government facilities
• religious institutions

If you are in an area targeted by a bomb threat, follow the instructions of local authorities including evacuation orders.

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transaction on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur frequently. They are usually planned as permission from the local authorities is required. However, unauthorized and spontaneous demonstrations also take place.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Radical activists and vandals have a history of using aggressive and violent tactics during demonstrations in order to cause damage and provoke a strong response from the police. They sometimes throw stones, smoke grenades, bottles and other debris at rallies. The police normally respond with tear gas to disperse the crowds.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Strikes and pressure tactics occur regularly, particularly in key sectors such as transport. These strikes can sometimes complicate travel and disrupt public services.

• Consult local media to be aware of strikes that may affect your stay or travel plans
• In the event of a transport strike, plan extra time to get to your destination

Swimming, boating and water safety

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Always obey warning flags at beaches.

The main warning flags used in France are:

• Green: calm waters, swimming is allowed
• Yellow: agitated waters, swim with precautions
• Red: dangerous waters, swimming is prohibited
• Purple: contaminated waters or presence of dangerous aquatic species, swimming is prohibited

In autumn and winter, be cautious when walking on the shore, as waves can be unpredictable, breaking further than expected and causing strong undertows.

• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks
• Don’t dive into unknown waters, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities

Recreational boating

If you are planning to go boating:

• know the capacity of your boat (people and weight) and don’t exceed it
• know the navigation rules
• follow safe practices for all activities on the water: personal watercraft, water-skiing and towed devices, diving or swimming, fishing, etc.
• equip your boat with a VHF marine radio that will generate your position in case of emergency
• be prepared for emergencies

Search and rescue missions in France are carried out by the Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Centres (CROSS). In case of emergency, contact the centre on VHF radio channel 16 or by dialling 196.

• Surveillance and rescue at sea - Ministry of the Sea (in French)
• Water safety abroad

Mountain activities

Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well prepared. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

In winter, heavy snowfall can make it difficult to reach some villages and ski centres. Roads may become impassable. There is also a risk of avalanches, some of which can be fatal.

If you intend to go hiking, mountaineering or skiing:

• never do so alone and do not part with your hiking companions
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• do not venture off marked trails or slopes
• ensure that you’re adequately equipped
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be doing it before setting out
• Information on mountain conditions - Association nationale pour l'étude de la neige et des avalanches (ANENA) (in French)
• Specialised mountain units - Gendarmerie nationale (in French)
• Avalanche forecasts and warnings - European Avalanche Warning Service (EAWS)

Road safety

French roads are well maintained.

Drive carefully and respect the Highway Code.

Public transportation

Urban and intercity public transportation is reliable. When using these types of transport, make sure you validate your ticket and keep it until the end of your journey. The authorities carry out regular random checks and you may be fined if you do not have a validated ticket.

There is a problem of illegal taxis in Paris airports and train stations. These scammers charge much higher rates than the official ones.

• Ignore direct solicitations when leaving the airport or train station
• Use only official taxis or a trusted ride-sharing app
• Don’t share a taxi with strangers

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the French authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

• Schengen area

France is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Temporary border controls

The French government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain ports of entry. You may be required to pass through immigration controls when entering France, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Long-stay or residency visa: required for stays longer than 90 days Work permit: required Student visa: required for stays longer than 90 days

More information on Visas - Government of France

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

To leave France, any child under the age of 18 who normally resides in France must be accompanied by at least one parent. Children travelling without at least one parent must be in possession of:

• an authorization to leave the country signed by one of the parents
• a photocopy of the signing parent’s identification
• More information on the authorization to leave the country - French administration services
• More about travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent and available throughout the country. Up-front payment may be required.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and France are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in France to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and France authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

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

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identity checks

You may be subject to identity checks during your stay in France.

Always carry valid identification such as a driver's licence, passport or a copy of it.

Keep photocopies or digital copies of the following documents, in case of loss or seizure:

• the identification page of your passport
• your birth certificate
• your Canadian citizenship card
• your driver’s licence

Keep originals and copies in separate safe locations.

Concealing your face in public places

In France, it’s illegal to cover your face in public places, including international airport arrivals areas.

Offenders risk a very high fine. There is no exemption for tourists or for religious reasons.

• Identity checks - French administration services
• Concealment of the face in public places - French administration services

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in France.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of France, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and France.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in France, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the French court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in France to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in France.

You should carry an International Driving Permit. You can drive with your Canadian licence for up to 1 year. If you stay in France, you will have to exchange your Canadian licence for a French licence.

Numerous roadside cameras have been installed to help enforce traffic regulations. You could receive heavy fines if you do not obey the speed limit or the Highway Code. Local authorities may also confiscate your driver’s licence.

Fines must generally be paid within 3 days. They may be increased in case of delay of payment.

A reflective vest and warning triangle are mandatory in all vehicles.

From November 1 to March 31, winter tires or chains are compulsory in some cities and regions in mountainous areas.

Priority to the right

The “priority to the right” system is in effect in France. Drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections, even on secondary roads. This is often a surprise to foreign drivers and results in accidents.

In general, traffic in a roundabout has priority over vehicles trying to enter it. Priority switches to vehicles from the left.

Low-emission zones

Some cities and territories have put in place low emission zones to reduce air pollution.

Access to these zones is restricted to vehicles that meet certain environmental standards. You may need to get a permit to drive in these areas.

• More information about road travel in France - European Commission
• Obligations to equip vehicles in winter - French administration services (in French)
• Air quality certificates: Crit'Air - Ministry of Ecological Transition (in French)

The currency of France is the euro (EUR).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous areas, which can cause fatal accidents. If you intend to ski or climb, find out about the weather and safety conditions and follow the advice given.

• Familiarise yourself with the avalanche risk levels - French administration services

There is a risk of seasonal flooding, particularly in areas along major rivers and streams. Flooding can hamper overland travel and the provision of essential services.

The French government has a flood forecasting service called Vigicrues.

• Exercise caution
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts

Flooding risk - Vigicrues

Forest and maquis fires

Forest and maquis fires often occur in summer, particularly on the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

There is a ban on smoking in woods and forests during high forest fire risk periods as defined by the prefecture. This ban applies equally to areas situated within 200m of wooded areas.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

  Forest weather – Météo France (in French)

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Dial 17 to connect to the police.

French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, La Réunion, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

South Region

Région Occitanie

Rhône-Alpes Region

American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna

Consular assistance - France

Please call the consulates before visiting them.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to France, in Paris, and follow the instructions

Consular assistance - Wallis and Futuna

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada to New Zealand, in Wellington, and follow the instructions.

At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Accessibility Links

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.

• Best Airbnbs in Paris • Best hotels in Paris for families

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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

• Best affordable hotels in Paris • Best boutique hotels in Paris

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France's Air Traffic Control Strikes Ground Flights Across Europe

France's Air Traffic Control Strikes Ground Flights Across Europe

FILE PHOTO: Passengers stand in front of a departures board inside the Terminal 3 at Orly Airport, near Paris, France, July 1, 2021. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) - Delays and flight cancellations were set to impact swathes of Europe on Thursday, after authorities failed to reach a deal with some French air traffic control workers to avert a strike.

France's DGAC civil aviation authority said on Wednesday it had asked airlines to cancel 75% of Thursday's flights at Paris Orly airport, 55% of flights at Paris Charles-De-Gaulle and 65% of flights at Marseille.

Air traffic control strikes in France frequently impact travel in Europe, limiting not only flights into France but also across the country's airspace.

Ryanair had warned it would have to cancel over 300 flights, including from Great Britain to Spain or to Italy, as a result of Thursday's strikes, renewing pressure on European Union officials to place more pressure on France to limit the impact of the labour actions.

"French air traffic controllers are free to go on strike, that's their right, but we should be cancelling French flights, not flights leaving Ireland, going to Italy, or flights from Germany to Spain or Scandinavia to Portugal," Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said in a statement on Wednesday.

The cancellations came even after the SNCTA, the biggest of France's air traffic controllers union, said it was calling off the April 25 strike after reaching a deal with management over working conditions.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

The deal came too late to avoid traffic disruptions and discussions had still not been finalised with other unions, DGAC said.

"While the withdrawing of strike notice may offer some relief for some passengers, its last-minute nature means that there will still be significant disruption to flights in France and across parts of Europe," said Ourania Georgoutsakou, head of industry group Airlines for Europe (A4E), on Wednesday.

A4E said 16,000 flights were cancelled and 85,000 delayed last year due to air traffic control strikes in Europe.

Airline officials have also voiced concerns that air traffic control strikes could pose a risk to the Paris Olympics if sufficient deals aren't struck in advance.

With over a million travellers expected to pass in and out of Paris during the Games, strikes could cause even wider spread disruption.

(Reporting by Joanna Plucinska in London and Dominique Patton in Paris; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Tags: Ireland , France , The Olympics , European Union , Europe

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Home > Paris Travel Tips > Upcoming Transportation Strikes in France 2024: Info & Best Tips

Upcoming Transportation Strikes in France 2024: Info & Best Tips

1. french transit strikes & paris transit strikes.

Transport in France and Paris is usually quite good, but unfortunately, sometimes it is affected by strikes.

However, we locals have learned to deal with French strikes over time. How? With the right information, a little bit of flexibility in our everyday life, and lots of patience.

Are you planning a trip to Paris soon? Keep reading this article on Transportation Strikes in France 2024, with the upcoming transportation strikes in Paris and France and our best tips for dealing with them.

Post updated on 25 April 2024

Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?

If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, we’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:

» Plan:  Paris Travel Planner ; Paris Arrondissements Guide ; Check out the  best Paris Metro tickets for tourists

» Book your flight tickets with  Omio ; book your train tickets with  Omio

Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups .

» Where to Stay:  Best Districts to Stay in Paris

• Le Pavillon de la Reine  (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
• Hotel La Comtesse  (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
• Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)

» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:

• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
• Seine River Night Cruise
• Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris?  Get your hands on a  Paris Museum Pass !

» Don’t leave without travel insurance!  Compare plans and prices amongst the world’s leading programs with  Travel Insurance Master

Related content

2. Content of this Article

This article on transportation strikes is extensive and covers many topics. Learn what you can find in this article and what you won’t find:

• France Strike Schedule 2024
• SNCF – France Train Strike Schedule 2024
• French Air Traffic Control Strike Dates 2024 /French Airlines – French Airports Strike Dates 2024
• RATP- Paris Metro Strike Dates 2024
• Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) in Paris Strikes

This article does not cover the strikes by foreign companies traveling to France (e.g., Deutsche Bahn, British Airways).

The strikes shown in this article are officially confirmed — no rumors, no guessing, only planned strikes. Unfortunately, some strikes in France are confirmed at the very last moment (only 24 hours in advance) when negotiations with the French State fail. This is why it is important to check this article from time to time if you plan to visit France soon.

If you are traveling to France, we recommend checking this post (especially chapter #3) a few days before your trip and the day before your departure for any updates.

If you are only interested in SNCF – train strikes or in Air France – French airport strikes, our other blog France Bucket List has two articles covering these specific transportation strikes:

3. France Strike Schedule 2024

Are there any strikes in France today? /Are there any Paris strikes today?

>> There are transportation strikes in France in April 2024 , May 2024 , and June 2024 . There is also one strike notice filed for the next months. Check out the dates in the calendar below.

Calendar of Strikes in Paris 2024 & Strikes in France 2024

This calendar lists the Paris Strikes 2024. It also lists the main France Strikes in 2024. Transportation strikes in France are not planned months in advance; it is usually a short-notice thing, that’s why this calendar only covers three months.

1. SNCF Strike 2024:

» Transportation strike by SNCF train controllers in all of France from 30 April 2024 to 31 May 2024 . Go to Chapter #4 for more details. Update: this strike has been canceled.

» In Paris and the Ile-de-France region, some SNCF trains with connections with RATP trains could be impacted by the RATP strike from 5 February 2024 to 9 September 2024.

2. RATP – Metro Paris Strike 2024: strike notice by RATP from 5 February 2024 to 9 September 2024 . Go to Chapter #6 for more details.

3. French Airports – French Air Controllers Strike 2024: strike by French air traffic control on 25 April 2024 , 9 to 11 May 2024 , and 1 to 30 June 2024 . Go to Chapter #5 for the latest updates.

4. French Airlines – Air France Strike 2024: strike by flight attendants and stewards in France from 15 to 16 April 2024 . Go to Chapter #5 for more details. Update: this strike has been canceled.

5. Other Strikes in France Dates 2024: nothing to report for the moment.

* Opération Escargot (snail operation in English) is a French expression to define an action consisting of provoking a significant slowdown in traffic, or even a blockade, for protest purposes.

4. SNCF – France Train Strike Schedule 2024

SNCF STRIKE DESCRIPTION:

» Strike by SNCF train controllers from Tuesday, 30 April 2024, to Friday, 31 May 2024 . The reasons for the strike include demands for salary increases and better consideration of the end of career. During their strike of February 2024, there were significant disruptions, with many TGV train cancellations.

This new strike by train controllers is a pressure point before a round table scheduled for mid-April, which will address the subject of the end of career. Depending on the outcome of this meeting, the strike notice will be lifted or not.

Update 21 April 2024: During the last few days, SNCF management and the unions have held a meeting. The object of this meeting was the end of railway workers’ careers, one of the unions’ priority issues. The outcome of this meeting was “positive,” and three of the four representative unions, including the CGT, are preparing to sign it. Only the SUD-Rail union, which issued the strike notice, is still in doubt.

Update 22 April 2024: The four main SNCF unions, the CGT, CFDT, UNSA, and Sud Rail, are expected to sign the agreement negotiated with management on end-of-career and phase-out schemes. Without jeopardizing the pension reform, this agreement will allow railway workers to retire under better conditions. This outcome, scheduled for June, was brought forward to prevent a new strike by controllers announced by Sud Rail in May.

Update 22 April 2024 6:10 p.m.: The agreement is signed. As a result, Sud-Rail has decided not to call a strike in May.

Generally, SNCF informs about the trains or train lines impacted 1-2 days before the strike date. Passengers on TGV or Intercités trains impacted by the strike are usually contacted by SMS or email (if they have provided their contact details). Passengers of regional trains (TER) can check traffic forecasts on the regional sites dedicated to TER trains.

CLARIFICATION: When we write, for example, “2 trains out of 3 on average,” it means that 2/3 of the usual trains for that day will be working.

• Axe Nord TGV:
• Axe Est TGV:
• Axe Atlantique TGV:
• Axe Sud Est TGV:
• Province to province:
• Classic Ouigo trains:
• Lyria trains:
• Connections with Germany:
• Connections with Italy:
• France – Spain:
• Hauts de France
• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Centre-Val de Loire
• Nouvelle Aquitaine
• Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur
• Pays de la Loire
• Intercities:  nothing to report. Passengers on canceled trains are usually warned by email or SMS
• Transilien : nothing to report. For more details, please check Transilien’s website
• RER Trains (part of the line managed by SNCF): nothing to report. The connection SNCF /RATP at Gare du Nord is maintained.
• Night Trains: nothing to report
• Tramway lines : nothing to report.

4a.Traveling to France with Other Train Lines FAQ

» Will my Eurostar /Thalys /TGV Lyria /Deutsche Bahn train be affected by the Transportation Strike in France? 

Even if these trains are not on strike, French strike actions could impact their ability to deliver the usual timetable. As a result, they may need to adapt their timetable during the strike days in France.

• Click here for more Eurostar traffic information
• Click here for Thalis traffic information
• Click here for TGV Lyria traffic information
• Click here for Deutsche Bahn traffic information

4b. What to Do During a Train Strike in France

Are you traveling to/ from Paris by train during an SNCF strike? Here are our recommendations:

YOU HAVE NOT BOOKED YOUR TRAIN TICKETS YET

Paris is always a good idea , but it is even better if there are no train strikes. If there’s a transportation strike, France can wait.

» Be flexible with your travel dates. If you were considering a trip to Paris (or France) but have not booked yet, avoid traveling to Paris during French train strike dates.

Actually, the SNCF website usually does not allow any more bookings during French train strike dates.

» Consider Other Options , like traveling to /from Paris or France by plane or with your own car if you are traveling from the neighboring countries.

Click here to find cheap flights to Paris 

» France by Car. If you were planning a trip around France by train, you could replace the trains with a rental car. Touring France by car is a fantastic option because it is easier to go off the tourist path. Check out our best tips for renting a car in France .

Click here to rent a car with Discover Cars

YOU HAVE BOOKED YOUR TRAIN TICKETS TO /FROM PARIS

If you have booked your train during French train strike dates, please don’t panic! First of all, check on the SNCF website the France train strike schedule, if your train is canceled or not. To do this, click on “Train Number,” enter your train number (you can find this information on your train ticket), and then add your travel date. The system will tell you immediately the status of your train.

» If your train is not canceled , don’t worry! There may be some disruptions or delays, but you should be ok.

» If your train is canceled , SNCF usually proposes different solutions:

• a free exchange on all TGVs where there is space.
• OR a 100% refund of the ticket price if you cancel your trip scheduled between the strike dates

If, for any reason, your ticket is stated as “non-refundable” or the website does not propose a total refund (please verify this before the last click), contact them directly with your ticket reference number.

If you booked your train with Ouigo trains, contact them directly for an exchange or refund.

» If your TGV, Intercité, or OuiGO train is delayed because of a train strike, you are entitled to compensation ranging from 25% to 75% of the ticket price, depending on the length of the delay (the minimum delay to request compensation is 30 minutes).

The requests for compensation for delayed TGV and Intercité trains are treated on this site:  https://garantie30minutes.sncf.com/s/?language=en_US

5. French Air Traffic Control Strike Dates 2024 / French Airlines – French Airports Strike Dates 2024

FRENCH AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL STRIKE DESCRIPTION:

Strike by air controllers in France on 25 April 2024 . The main air traffic controllers’ union, the SNCTA, has filed a strike notice for Thursday, April 25, to denounce a new version, according to them, “unacceptable” of a protocol currently being negotiated aimed at restructuring air navigation services. This strike by SNCTA is supported by the UNSA-UTCAC.

“The version published (by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, DGAC) is in no way signable for the SNCTA, which considers it a provocation if not an insult,” indicates the union on its website. The organization, which represents 60% of the votes among the controllers, also indicates in a press release that it has refused to participate in a meeting called “urgently” by the DGAC on Wednesday afternoon.

Update 22 April 2024: According to an initial estimate provided to airlines, up to 70% of the day’s flights could be canceled at major airports. The Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) will communicate more precise figures on Tuesday, as strikers have until that date to send their individual declarations.

Update 23 April 2024: While a massive strike has been announced for Thursday, 25 April 2025 (the details have not been published yet), the majority union of air traffic controllers has filed a new strike notice today for the Ascension weekend ( 9, 10, and 11 May 2024 ). The National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (SNCTA) contests the overhaul of air traffic control in France and asks for compensation measures and wage increases.

Update 23 April 2024, 10:20 p.m: here’s the impact of the air controllers’ strike on 25 April 2024:

• 75% of flights to /from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) will be canceled
• 65% of flights to /from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) will be canceled
• 65% of flights to /from Marseille Airport (MRS) will be canceled
• 70% of flights to /from Nice Airport (NCE) will be canceled
• 60% of flights to /from Toulouse Airport (TLS) will be canceled
• On average, 60% of flights to /from the rest of French airports will be canceled.

Update 24 April 2024, 5:40 p.m: The majority union of French air traffic controllers announced on Wednesday, 24 April, the lifting of its strike notice for Thursday. The SNCTA organization found a last-minute agreement with the Direction Générale d’Aviation Civile (DGAC). Despite this last-minute agreement, the flight schedule in the French airports will be reduced on 25 April 2024:

• 65% 55% of flights to /from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) will be canceled
• 70% 45% of flights to /from Nice Airport (NCE) will be canceled
• 60% 45% of flights to /from Toulouse Airport (TLS) will be canceled
• On average, 60% 45% of flights to /from the rest of French airports will be canceled.

Update 25 April 2025: One of the three unions representing air traffic controllers, UNSA-ICNA, maintains its strike notice for today, 25 April 2024 . In a statement issued last night, the union said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) had “sidelined” it from the negotiations that led to an agreement with the main union, SNCTA, which lifted its strike notice. The UNSA-ICNA has also filed a strike notice “for a period of one month, from 1 to 30 June 2024 , potentially renewable.”

A strike by air traffic controllers is the worst kind of transportation strike in France. A kind reminder that the last strikes by air traffic controllers in France on 31 January 2023, 7 February 2023, and 16 February 2023 meant the cancellation of 20% of flights at Orly Airport and other French airports.

Please note that Air Controllers’ strikes in France also affect flights crossing French airspace even if they are not flying from /to France. Due to the reduced number of planes that could be handled by the limited number of French air traffic controllers, any flight crossing French airspace might be delayed or re-routed.

FRENCH AIRLINES STRIKE DESCRIPTION:

Commercial cabin crew (PNC – flight attendants and stewards) in France, represented by the Syndicat National du Personnel Navigant Commercial (SNPNC-FO), will be on strike on 15 and 16 April 2024 .  

The SNPNC-FO opposes a bill aimed at restricting the right to strike in the airline sector to periods fixed by decree and to a total of 60 days per year.

Flights by French airlines may be impacted during the strike (delays, cancellations). Passengers are advised to check the status of their flight with their airline or on the airport website. Source: airjournal.fr

For more information on flight delays or cancellations, check out Chapter 5d here below.

Update: this strike has been canceled.

GOOD TO KNOW: Usually, all airlines flying to /from France or flying over French airspace are impacted by the Air Controllers’ strikes. Additional disruptions can be expected depending on the mobilization of pilots, stewards, and hostesses, within the various airlines.

5a. What to Do during Air France Strikes

GOOD TO KNOW: Many Air France flights operate on share code with other air companies (KLM, Delta…). Air France flights operated by an aircraft and a crew other than that of Air France might not be affected by this Air France strike.

On the other hand,  if one of these other companies (KLM, Delta…) is operating on a share code with Air France and using Air France crew or Air France aircraft, these flights could be impacted.

Check your e-ticket to understand what air company is operating your flight. Is it Air France? Perhaps another air company on shared code with Air France? Check their website, and if your flight is affected, see what re-booking  /cancellation options they offer.

YOU HAVE NOT BOOKED YOUR FLIGHT TO PARIS WITH AIR FRANCE YET

» Be flexible  with your travel dates. If you were thinking about flying to Paris with Air France but have not booked your flights yet, avoid traveling to Paris during Air France strike dates.

» Consider other air companies  to avoid eventual delays or cancellations.

YOU HAVE BOOKED YOUR FLIGHT TO PARIS WITH AIR FRANCE ALREADY

First, take your e-ticket and check your flight status  here  to see if your flight is affected by the Air France strike or not. To do this, introduce your flight number and your travel date. The system will tell you immediately if your flight is delayed or canceled.

During Air France strikes, you can anticipate, postpone, and cancel your trip easily online. With Air France, you can even change your origin or destination, and if you decide to do this, you will get a voucher valid for 1 year that can be used on AIR FRANCE, KLM, or HOP! flights.

5b. What to Do during Other Air Strikes in France

This chapter is dedicated to French air companies (other than Air France) flying from /to France.

Each flight company manages airstrikes differently, but the process to follow in case of strikes is always the same: visit its website, check if your flight is affected, and if so, follow its instructions for a change or refund.

5c. What to Do during French Air Traffic Control Strikes

GOOD TO KNOW: France has had the highest number of air traffic controller strikes in the last five years, with 95 days of strikes between 2010 and 2015.

These are the worst transportation in France strikes , with hundreds of flights from /to France delayed or canceled. Also, air traffic controller strikes in France affect flights crossing French airspace even if they are not flying from /to France. Flights crossing the French airspace might be delayed or re-routed due to the reduced number of planes that could be handled by the limited French air traffic controllers.

In other words: French Air Traffic Control Strikes mean chaos!

What to do during a French Air Traffic Control Strike in France?  We recommend following the France strike news, monitoring your flight on the air company’s website, and considering their proposed options to change /refund your tickets.

5d. Are you Entitled to Compensation if your Flight is Canceled or Delayed by French Strikes?

European Regulation EC261 covers delays (3h+ delay at the final destination), cancellations, and denied boarding. It applies to:

• Flights departing in Europe regardless of the airline (French overseas territories included).
• Flights flying into Europe on a European carrier.

Non-EU citizens or business travelers can also apply for flight compensation if they meet one of the two cases above.

Airlines are not always obligated to offer compensation following a strike because strikes are usually considered ‘extraordinary circumstances.’ These are situations beyond the airline’s control and can include adverse weather conditions and certain strike actions.

But when a flight is delayed or canceled due to strike action taking place by the airline’s own employees (e.g., pilots, airline staff), the airline must pay compensation to passengers.

TIP: If your flight to /from Paris or France was delayed 3+ hours due to a strike in France, we recommend checking your case with Air Help . Air Help is the world’s #1 flight compensation company. Since its foundation in 2017, Air Help has helped 16M+ air passengers – Click here to check if you are eligible for compensation  

In addition to flight delays, here’s the list of all the airplane passengers’ rights to compensation , according to the European Union. https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/air-travel/air-passenger-rights.html

6. RATP- Paris Metro Strike Dates 2024

GOOD TO KNOW: The company RATP is responsible for most of the public transport in Paris and the Parisian region. RATP includes the Paris Mero, tram, bus services, and part of the Réseau Express Régional (RER) network.

STRIKE DESCRIPTION:

The CGT RATP has filed a strike notice for all RATP staff from 5 February 2024 at 7 p.m. to 9 September 2024 at 8 a.m . The union justifies this decision by “insufficient 2024 salary measures” in the context of inflation and preparation for the Paris Olympic Games 2024.

The notice concerns “all RATP staff, in each category and in each service.” Disruptions are expected on the Ile-de-France transport network, including during the period of the Paris Olympic Games 2024.

RATP strike 5 February 2024 to 9 September 2024 explained: In France, the labor code and the national collective agreement for urban public passenger transport networks impose “a period of five clear days preceding the start of the strike” in order to “continue dialogue and negotiation.”

This seven-month strike notice (from 5 February 2024 to 9 September 2024) offers the RATP the possibility of going on strike “overnight” until 9 September 2024 because the strike notice was already published on 29 January. Therefore, it does not mean that the metro, trains, buses, and trams in Paris will be on strike continuously for seven months.

Because the metro, trains, buses, and tramways in Paris can decide to go on strike overnight, keep clicking for the latest updates.

Metro Lines : waiting for more information.

Clarification: When we write, for example, “ 1 train out of 3 from 6.00 am to 10 am and from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm ,” it means that between 10 am and 4 pm, there’s no metro service. When we write, for example, “2 trains out of 3 on average,” it means that 2/3 of the usual trains will be working.

• Line 1: normal traffic (it’s an automatic line)
• Line 2: 
• Line 3: 
• Line 3 bis: 
• Line 5: 
• Line 6: 
• Line 7: 
• Line 7 bis: 
• Line 8: 
• Line 9: 
• Line 11: this line closes at 10 pm from Tuesday to Thursday due to construction works
• Line 12: 
• Line 13: 
• Line 14:  this line closes at 10 pm due to construction works

RATP RER Trains: waiting for information. The interconnections with SNCF are working normally.

The RER B train is the train that travels to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly –> see chapters 6 and 6a of this post to understand how strikes on this line work.

• RER A: The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Nanterre-Préfecture is [TBD] kept
• RER B: The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Gare du Nord (to go to the airport) is [TBD] kept (there’s no need to change trains at Gare du Nord on the surface to continue the journey ) –> Check out Chapter 6a
• RER C , RER D , and RER E :

Bus: waiting for information.

Tramway : waiting for information.

• Line T1: 
• Line T3b: 
• Line T5: 
• Line T6: 
• Line T7: 
• Line T8: 

6a. How to Get from the Airport to your Hotel during a Metro /Train Strike in Paris

GOOD TO KNOW: The line from  Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris city center and beyond to Paris Orly Airport   is operated half by SNCF  (from CDG Airport to Paris Gare du Nord)  and half by RATP  (from Paris Gare du Nord to Orly Airport and the end of the line). This means that when SNCF or RATP are on strike, this connection is disrupted or suspended.

ALLOW EXTRA TIME TO TRAVEL FROM PARIS TO THE AIRPORT

During a transportation strike, Paris will be served by fewer trains, tramways, and buses running. Also, the train interconnection (RATP – SNCF) at Gare du Nord might be suspended.

In any case, expect the working trains or buses to be cramped to the point of letting them go and wait for the next one.

Check RER B’s schedule and the specific metro line or bus line schedules during the strike before leaving your hotel and allow extra time to reach the airport.

CONSIDER PRIVATE /SHARED AIRPORT TRANSFERS

During the last Paris transport strikes, taxis were working just fine, but the taxi request was much higher than the offer, and it was necessary to book their services well in advance.

Get ready for higher prices on services like Uber.  During the transportation strike of 13 September 2021, the prices for both Kapten and Uber were reported as 2-2.5 times the normal rate when people could secure rides.

Book an airport transfer and avoid the strike hassle.  The good thing about Paris airport transfers is that their price does not change because of a strike, AND their service is not affected by the Paris strikes. Whatever happens during a transportation strike in Paris, your driver will be waiting for you at the airport or your hotel.

We like  Welcome‘s transfer services for private transfers ; Welcome has good cars and the best English-speaking drivers in Paris. 

Other transfer options:

» Book a shared transportation service airport-Paris. This option only costs a few euros more than the Airport-Paris ticket and avoids all the strike hassle.

• shared transport Paris Charles de Gaulle – Paris
• shared transport Paris Orly – Paris
• private transport Paris Charles de Gaulle – Paris
• private transport Paris Orly – Paris

We recommend booking these services in advance, especially during the Christmas holidays. Christmas in Paris and the last days of the year are the peak season in Paris, with many people traveling.

CONSIDER A PRIVATE TRANSFER AIRPORT – DISNEYLAND PARIS

Book an airport transfer and avoid the strike hassle. After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is fight to get a bus or a train to Disneyland Paris, especially if you are traveling with kids, seniors, or a lot of luggage.

The good thing about Paris airport transfers is that the Paris strikes do not affect their service. Whatever happens during a transportation strike in Paris, your driver will be there waiting for you.

We like  Welcome‘s transfer services for private transfers; Welcome has good cars and the best English-speaking drivers in Paris. 

FLYING EARLY IN THE MORNING? CONSIDER A HOTEL NEAR THE AIRPORT WITH A SHUTTLE SERVICE

If your flight is leaving Paris early in the morning, have a look at the hotels near your Paris airport, at least for the last night.

Sleeping in hotels near the airport eliminates the stress of waking up early in the morning and the transportation hassle during a strike day in Paris.

Another advantage of hotels close to Paris airports is that they usually offer very competitive prices because most tourists opt for a hotel located in the city.

Finally, most of these hotels also provide a free airport pickup /drop-off if you book it in advance.

Here’s the list of our favorite hotels near the Paris Airports, all with FREE airport shuttle service.

Hotels near Charles de Gaulle Airport

• Sheraton – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport : located inside CDG Airport (Terminal 2)
• Hilton – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport : located 0.3 Km from CDG Airport, Terminal 1
• Courtyard by Marriott – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport : located 2.9 km from CDG Airport, Terminal 2
• Novotel – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport : located 0.1 Km from CDG Airport, Terminal 1

Hotels near Orly Airport

• Best Western Plus – Paris Orly Airport : located 2.8 Km from ORY Airport
• Howard Hotel – Paris Orly Airport : located 1.9 Km from ORY Airport
• Mercure – Paris Orly Airport : located 1.2 Km from ORY Airport
• Novotel – Paris Orly Airport: located 3 Km from ORY Airport

IN CASE YOU DECIDE TO TAKE THE RER TRAIN AIRPORT – CITY DURING A RATP STRIKE

If you feel adventurous and want to travel from the airport to your hotel during a transportation strike, you need to check 2 things beforehand:

» Is the interconnection SNCF – RATP suspended? You will find this information at the beginning of chapter 6. When the interconnection is suspended at Gare du Nord, there is always SNCF or RATP staff wearing yellow vests (but these are kind people!) to tell travelers where to go to proceed with their journey. Sounds complicated? Not really, but it isn’t very pleasant to go upstairs or downstairs, especially if you are carrying big suitcases or backpacks.

» Is the closest metro station to your hotel open? During transportation strikes, some metro stations may be closed, so make sure you know where to stop to reach your hotel before taking the metro.

6b. How to Get from the Train Station to your Hotel during RATP Paris Strikes

Paris’s train stations are all within the city, so in normal circumstances, you will take the metro to your hotel. However, during a RATP strike, metros will be less frequent and more crowded, and some metro stations may be closed.

CONSIDER A HOTEL NEAR YOUR TRAIN STATION

If you can change your booking, we recommend looking for a hotel near your train station, a hotel that you can reach on foot. Pack light and save time and lots of stress with a hotel conveniently located near your train station. This will be especially helpful when you need to take the train back home: you don’t want to miss your train!

Hotels located less than 1 Km from Gare du Nord :

• Best Hotels near Paris Gare du Nord
• 25 Hours Hotel Terminus Nord : located at 0.1 Km (6-min walk) from Gare du Nord
• Le Rocroy Hotel Paris Gare du Nord : located 0.3 Km (5-min walk) from Gare du Nord
• Hotel Whistler : located 0.2 Km (6-min walk) from Gare du Nord

Hotels located less than 1 Km from Gare de l’Est:

• Le Robinet d’Or : located 0.4 Km (8-min walk) from Gare de l’Est
• OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l’Est : located 0.1 Km (4-min walk) from Gare de l’Est
• Le Grand Quartier : located 0.5 Km (7-min walk) from Gare de l’Est

Hotels located less than 1 Km from Gare de Lyon:

• Hotel Parisianer : located 0.1 Km (6-min walk) from Gare de Lyon
• CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon : located 0.2 Km (5-min walk) from Gare de Lyon
• Holiday Inn Paris Gare de Lyon : located 0.3 Km (6-min walk) from Gare de Lyon

6c. How to Get around Paris during RATP /Metro Transport Strikes

BE FLEXIBLE

Fewer trains will run during a Paris Metro strike, so the waiting time between trains will be longer, and the metro platforms will be more crowded.

If you are traveling around Paris during Paris Metro strikes, be flexible AND patient. Avoid transportation peak hours (from 8.30 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm) and open your mind to other transportation options or change your sightseeing plans.

WALK, WALK, AND WALK

If the weather in Paris is good, we suggest walking as much as you can. Walking times between distant points within Paris are not long, and in many cases, walking distances between metro stations are usually less than a 10-minute walk. 

TIP: Check out this metro map above , with the walking distances between metro stations.

CONSIDER OTHER TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

If you are staying in the central arrondissements of Paris and the weather is good, you can also consider other alternatives to the metro, tram, or buses. These alternatives include renting a bike (check out our quick guide to Paris by bike ), walking (walking is great in Paris!), or electric kick scooters for adults.

CONSIDER A GUIDED TOUR OUT OF PARIS WITH PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

What to do in Paris if you cannot move around? If you were considering seeing something other than Paris, a guided day tour with transportation could be a great idea during a day of transportation strike in Paris.

All the city tour companies cover the most popular day trips from Paris , so prices are usually very competitive. Also, some guided tours include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.

7. Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) in Paris Strikes

GILETS JAUNES DEMONSTRATIONS DESCRIPTION: Nothing to report.

7a. How to Get around Paris during Gilets Jaunes Demonstrations

Gilets Jaunes are back, but their presence is not massive compared to previous years. Gilets Jaunes demonstrations usually take place on Saturdays, in central places like Concorde or Champs Elysées, and on Paris’s outskirts and the main road accesses to Paris.

There are no transportation strikes in France or Paris directly linked to Gilets Jaunes, but some streets of Paris or roads around Paris might be blocked to transit because of the Gilets Jaunes. What does it mean?

» It means that the Paris bus services and especially the bus services to the airport might be disrupted and the itinerary slightly modified to avoid the blocked streets or roads.

» It means that some central metro stations in Paris (e.g., Concorde, Champs Elysées) might be closed during these demonstrations in Paris.

TIP : Allow more time for your travels inside Paris but especially on the way to the airport

Did you find our Strikes in France 2024 and Strikes in Paris 2024 article useful? If so, share it with your friends through your favorite social media. Thanks! 

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

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France travel advice: Is it safe to go and where are the riots happening?

3 July 2023, 15:39

By Zoe Adams

Is it safe to travel to Paris and Nice? Where are the riots happening? Here's all the latest advice and guidelines if you're planning on travelling to France.

Riots and violent protests have erupted across many areas in France including Paris, Marseille and Lyons following the tragic death of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk .

A police officer shot the teenager dead after a routine traffic stop in Nanterre, Paris, after claiming their lives were at risk. Social media footage has since shown this to be untrue leading to the officer's arrest.

Following the event, riots have continued to take place across the country despite President Emmanuel Macron's urge for calm to come back to the streets.

So far, thousands of arrests have been made as rioters continue to destroy buildings, set cars alight and cause severe disruption. A young firefighter has also lost his life after tackling a blaze in an underground car park.

Read more: France deploys armoured vehicles to stop riots as bus and tram services scrapped after three nights of devastation

Read more: 'I hurt for my France': Kylian Mbappé and other French footballers slam Paris police for shooting teenager dead

And while the riots are showing signs of slowing down, with the school summer holidays approaching and with millions who have planned trips to France, including hotspots like Nice, the question is, is it safe to travel?

Here's the latest UK government advice on travelling to France and where the French riots are taking place.

Is is safe to travel to France?

The UK government recently updated their travel advice for France and suggests anyone with plans to visit don't need to change their trip but are warned to be vigilant and remain up to date with latest updates.

They have, however, warned travellers to avoid visiting places where riots are happening, like Paris.

Their website reads: "Since 27 June, riots have taken place across France. Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted. There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews. Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable.

"You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities."

They have also advised you check your travel insurance and make sure it provides adequate cover.

Around 17 million British nationals visit France each year, according to the Foreign Office.

Simon Calder warns tourists to France to 'monitor local media' following widespread rioting

Where are the French riots happening?

Paris is the most heavily affected part of France as it was closest to where Nahel was shot.

Nanterre and the surrounding suburbs of Paris are also particularly heavy. There are also riots in Lille, Toulouse, Marseille, Pau and Lyons.

Riots have swept cities for almost a week now but they are beginning to show signs of slowing down. Demonstrations are taking place during the day with riots taking over at night.

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Holidaymakers should check their operator's advice before travelling

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France is a popular holiday destination for Britons but holidaymakers have been warned of major disturbance today.

Britons with a flight booked into France or out of France should keep consulting travel advice as many have been cancelled.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned Britons: "It is being reported that on Thursday, April 25, 2024, flights across France will be disrupted, with many cancelled, following a call for strike action by air traffic control unions.

"Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting flights."

Britons have been given an immediate travel warning

GETTY IMAGES

While the strike action has been called off, many flights may face disruption in the wake of this.

Airlines for Europe said: "In advance of the strike, airlines had been forced to cancel more than 2,000 flights, the majority of which would have landed or departed from France.

"Another 1,000 flights would have had to divert away from French airspace causing further delays and disruption."

For Britons in Paris, the DGAC civil aviation authority told airlines that around 75 per cent of flights at Orly and 55 per cent at Charles de Gaulle Airport will be cancelled on April 25.

Those in Marseille have been warned that around 65 per cent of services at Marseille Airport will not go ahead. Elsewhere in France, 45 per cent of flights have been cancelled.

Several airlines released statements regarding disruptions to services. Ryanair shared that it was forced to cancel more than 300 flights, affecting 50,000 passengers. Boss Michael O'Leary made a statement in which he said: "French air traffic controllers are free to go on strike, that’s their right, but we should be cancelling French flights, not flights leaving Ireland, going to Italy, or flights from Germany to Spain or Scandinavia to Portugal."

He called for "action to protect overflights which will eliminate over 90 per cent of these flight cancellations".

Yesterday, the managing director of Airlines for Europe (A4E) Ourania Georgoutsakou said: "While the withdrawal of strike notice may offer some relief for some passengers, its last-minute nature means that there will still be significant disruption to flights in France and across parts of Europe.

"This is a clear illustration of why we need an EU framework for minimising disruption from ATC strikes and for providing advance clarity and certainty on ATC capacity across Europe.

"Airline operations cannot be turned on and off like a light switch. Airlines will be working hard to fly as many flights as possible tomorrow but the last-minute about turn by the largest union involved will likely be too little too late for many."

The FCDO said: "There can be frequent industrial action across France. This can lead to disruption and delays on public transport. If you’re due to travel to or within France, monitor the media, check your operator’s advice and follow the advice of the authorities."

Those visiting France should consult the FCDO for information on safety and security, including where terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks, pickpocketing, and assaults taking place on trains.

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France is a popular holiday destination amongst Britons

Britons can also find guidance on laws and cultural differences, outdoor activities and adventure tourism, transport risks, and extreme weather and natural disasters.

Those planning on travelling to France and anywhere else have been advised to "follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

"If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency."

In recent travel news, Britons were issued with a warning as cases of a "potentially life-threatening" disease rise in England, Wales and Nothern Ireland.

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French Canal Guide: How to Travel 800 Miles through France

Nic Compton narrates a trip from the English Channel to the Mediterranean via the rivers and canals of France .

French canals and rivers: guide to climbing a mountain in a boat.

I have to admit, I love a good sea voyage. Whether it’s sailing from Greece to France, from Portugal to the UK, or from the UK to Ireland, I love the sense of setting off with a distant destination in mind and spending hours at sea away from day-to-day life. Whenever I mention this to my friends, they nod and say how wonderful. Mention the French canals, however, and their faces light up with interest and more often than not they’ll say they’ve “always wanted to do that”. There’s something about chugging through France with your masts down that resonates with boaters and non-boaters alike. Everyone, it seems, loves the French canals – or at least the idea of them.

I’ve been spoilt. I’ve been through them three times: once when I was five months old (north to south), once when I was 26 (south to north), and most recently to celebrate my 60 th birthday (north to south). The first time, my parents ploughed up the Seine with a 50ft centreboard ketch with a 5ft 3in draft. It was the 1960s and my father had lived through the horrors of the Second World War, so taking a stupidly long boat down the French canals was a walk in the park by comparison. The second time, I bumped along the Canal de la Marne à la Saône on my own 32ft ketch with 6ft draft, heading back from Greece to the UK in the late 1980s. I was completely unprepared and my then wife was six months pregnant by the time we exited the canal system at St Valery sur Somme, but I was young and feckless and had a positive attitude to problem solving. Perhaps it helped, in my deep subconscious, that I had already done the trip as a baby. 

The third time was in May-July 2022. This time I was older and a little more world-weary, so I made far more preparation than I had done previously. We do live in a more safety-conscious and bureaucratic age, after all, plus I had a young family to think about this time. That said, it took us just three months from getting the final ok from the insurance company to getting the boat canal-ready and actually leaving the UK. There’s a lot to be said for not over-thinking things and just getting going. You’re not crossing the Atlantic, after all. The worst that might happen is that you might scratch your boat, which you’ll probably be able to claim back on insurance anyway (we did). That said, some advance planning is always useful, so here is a brief guide.

When we bought Zelda in 2020, we had a vague plan to ‘ go to the Med ’ and (more by accident than planning, if I’m honest) ended up with a 1982 US-built Freedom 33 with a 4ft 6in (1.37m) draught. Perfect for the French canals, we thought. Other positives were the spacious interior for her age – an important consideration for a family of four planning to spend several weeks on board – and her lack of varnish on deck. Our long-term plan was to leave the boat in the Med and use her for family holidays, so we wanted a boat that required minimal maintenance. 

The downside of Zelda was her rig. Although we loved her simple, unstayed ‘cat ketch’ rig, with carbon fibre masts and no standing rigging, the main mast was 45ft long, which meant that, once we took it down to go through the canals, it would stick out by about 6ft at either end of the boat. We did consider having the masts shipped by lorry, but after being quoted us €1,300 for one mast and €1,800 for two (by Fastmast, fastmast.de), we decided to save the money. 

One bit of advance planning that did pay off was calling the crane operators. We had planned to take the mast down at Rouen but, after ringing the yard there, discovered the crane was out of action for a month, so we opted for Le Havre instead. In spite of the negative reviews we’d read online, the crane operators at Le Havre couldn’t have been more helpful and were reasonably priced, at €100 per mast. 

Once down, we tied a sturdy plastic bucket filled with bubble wrap to each end of the main mast, to protect it from damage. It was only once we got going that I realised our carbon fibre masts were actually far stronger than aluminium or wood. On the few occasions when they did catch the side of the locks, they just bent a little and bounced straight back. That said, I did keep the lashings to a minimum and always had a knife close to hand in case they need to be released in a hurry. 

Our original plan was to go via the Canal du Midi. This would provide a fun sea voyage for me and my ‘boat partners’, paramedic Matt and bar manager Laurence, followed by a leisurely cruise through the canals with ‘the family’, namely my wife Anna and our two children, aged 10 and 12. Just weeks before our planned departure, however, I contacted the Voies Navigables de France (VNF), the body that looks after France’s inland waterways, and was told that the recommended maximum draft for the Canal du Midi was now 1.4m (4ft 7in), rather than the widely advertised 1.5m. Given that a boat’s draft is supposed to increase by 2.5% in fresh water compared to salt water, that would bring Zelda’s draft a shade over the limit. The VNF strongly recommended we didn’t go that way, and the thought of getting stuck halfway and having to turn back was enough to put us off. 

Having decided to go down through the middle of France, there were several routes to choose from. Coming from Devon, it made sense to go up the Seine, through Paris, as my parents had 60 years earlier.

After Paris, there were three main options for reaching the Med. We could turn left up the Marne River on the so-called Champagne Route, which connects to the Saône and then the Rhône, which was the longest route but with the least locks. Or we could turn right and carry along the Upper Seine towards St Mammès. Once there, we could either head south-east along the River Yonne on the Bourgogne Route, which is the shortest and apparently the prettiest route but with the most locks. Or we could head due south down the Canal du Loing on the Bourbonnais Route, which was a bit longer than the Bourgogne but with less locks. All three routes were advertised as 1.8m deep, though certainly in our experience that turned out to be a little optimistic. 

We opted for the Bourbonnais Route, as we’d heard it was the busiest of the three and therefore less likely to silt up.

French Canals and Rivers: Preparations

If your boat is seaworthy enough to cross the English Channel, then it’s almost certainly in good enough shape to tackle the French canals. As we’d originally intended going through the Canal du Midi via the notorious Bay of Biscay, we made a number of safety upgrades before leaving the UK, including fitting new halyard and some new safety equipment, such as liferaft, EPIRB, flares, and fire extinguishers. Although as it turned out we didn’t need to do this for crossing the Channel, they served us well on the next part of the voyage, sailing from France to Greece. The old halyards proved invaluable going through the canals as not only were they long enough for every occasion but we didn’t mind if they got wrecked.

The only preparations specific to the french canals were making a pair of wooden crutches to hold the masts once they were lowered, and buying lots of extra fenders. We ended up with about nine fenders on each side, nearly all bought second-hand so we didn’t have to worry if they got damaged. In retrospect, I wish we’d fitted a scaffolding board over the fenders on each side, as we saw on several other boats, to give extra protection. Next time.

Perhaps most importantly, bearing in mind the amount of motoring we would be doing, we made sure the engine was fully serviced and had a new cutless bearing fitted. We ended up spending about £3,500 on upgrades and repairs to get Zelda sea- and canal-worthy.

As everyone now knows, British boats entering the EU are now subject to the same paperwork as other non-EU countries. The chief consideration for us was that Zelda would have leave the EU every 18 months or be liable to pay VAT, though we understood that in certain countries (such as Greece) this could be extended by 6 months if the boat was kept out of the water and ‘immobilised’ (ie paperwork handed in to a relevant authority). In retrospect, we might have seriously considered buying a boat already in the EU, and therefore VAT paid, to save the hassle of having to move her out of the EU every two years.

Another less expected piece of officialdom was getting qualified. The minimum qualification for skippering a boat in the EU is an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) , which I took with a qualified examiner on my own boat. That was followed by the CEVNI, an online exam specifically for operating your own boat on the inland waterways (though if you charter a boat in the EU you are exempt from this). Lastly, I took my VHF exam, also required by the EU. Although it was quite stressful having to pass all these exams, it certainly sharpened my navigation skills and I felt much better prepared by the end of it. Total cost of qualifications: around £500, including RYA certification .

French Canals: The Locks

There are a huge variety of locks, from the enormous ones on the Seine and the Rhône to the quaint little locks in the heart of France. The bollards on some of the big locks are too far apart to have lines fore and aft, so you have to have a pair of springs looped around a single bollard. Running the engine in slow ahead will help keep the bow in, and the position of the rudder also has a big effect. 

Many of the smaller canals are automated, or a single lockkeeper sometimes drive ahead and operates a series of locks for you. We liked the system on the Canal du Loing best, where you we given a remote control and could to operate the locks yourself at your leisure.

The Journey

Crossing the length of France by boat is a journey like no other. You have the big fast-flowing rivers at either end, the Rhine and the Rhône, both busy with commercial traffic. Then, as soon as you hit the Canal du Loing, the pace slows down and you can enjoy stunning scenery and endless pretty villages – mostly deserted at the time of year we went (May/June).  We didn’t see a single other yacht until we got to Paris, and even then they were few and far between. The Canal du Centre was probably the busiest, being a hub of holiday rental boats. 

One of the highlights of our trip was staying at the Arsenal Marina right in the heart of Paris for just €37.50 per night (what a bargain!). Motoring high over the Loire on the elegant Briare Aquaduct, designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1896, was another memorable moment. We also enjoyed stopping at St Satur and walking up through the vineyards to the fortified town of Sancerre, where we bought bottles of the local Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines. And we all loved popping off on the bikes (we had brought two folding bikes and a BMX for my son) and buying pastries for breakfast every morning.

By the time we got to the Canal Lateral à la Loire, the waterways had become clogged up through lack of use (our depth sounder regularly showed 0m under the keel, though that was probably mostly weed). I had to tie a knife on the end of the boathook to cut the weeds off the propeller, and we had to stop several times to unblock the fresh water intake on the engine. We also hit the bottom on several occasions and, although we were always able to push through, we were grateful for our shallow draft – and glad we hadn’t attempted the Canal du Midi where it would surely have been much worse.  

Downsides included crunching the port side of the hull at the entrance of an old stone lock, and gouging the starboard side about 2in above the waterline as we left another lock. The fenders were practically useless when the locks filled right up, leaving a hard edge just above water level, and it was just a case of being eternally vigilant. (To my surprise, our insurance company eventually settled the £1,200 for the scratches to be filled and polished.) We also got stuck in Decize on the Canal du Centre after a lightning storm felled 100 trees, and we had to wait for three days while the VNF cleared the debris.

It can be hard work operating all those locks – we often went through ten or more a day, and our maximum was 26 locks in one day. But we did have a great feeling of satisfaction as we worked our way slowly southwards. Two and a half weeks after leaving Paris, we reached the summit: 650ft above sea level. Geneva was less than 100 miles away, half as far as any sea. Behind us, the Océan lock led back to the English Channel , while in front of us the Méditerranée lock led to the Med. It was downhill or the rest of the way, which proved much easier and quicker than going uphill.

The sense of accomplishment having travelled over 800 miles through France was enormous – not to mention the delight at finally being out of the canal system and in the Med. For all of the family it was a unique experience which we will look back at with a slight sense of wonder for the rest of our lives. Did we really do that? How very, very cool.

Options for French Canals

Champagne: 1400km, 174 locks, 1.8m (officially)

Bourgogne: 1316kn, 238 locks, 1.8m (officially)

Bourbonnais: 1330km, 176 locks, 1.8m (officially)

Midi (aka Canal des Deux Mers): 600km, 114 locks, 1.4m (2022)

Zelda Canal Stats

Le Havre – Paris (Lower Seine) 348km 6 locks 4 days 

Paris – St Mammès (Upper Seine) 88km 7 locks 2 days

St Mammès – Montargis (Canal du Loing) 49km 18 locks 2 days

Montargis – Briare (Canal de Briare) 47km 35 locks 3 days

Briare – Digoin (Canal Lateral à la Loire) 196km 38 locks 6 days

Digoin – Chalon (Canal du Centre) 114km 61 locks 4 days

Chalon – Lyon (Saône) 140km 3 locks 3 days

Lyon – Port St Louis (Rhône) 310km 12 locks 3 days

Total (excluding stoppages)       1292km 180 locks 27 days

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French air traffic controllers cancel a strike but Paris flights are still disrupted

FILE - The air traffic control tower of Charles de Gaulle airport is pictured in Roissy-en-France, north of Paris, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Paris. Air passengers traveling to and from Paris experienced significant disruptions on Thursday, despite a canceled strike by air traffic controllers after last-minute negotiations. Although the strike was averted, the prior adjustments made in anticipation caused a substantial reduction in flight operations. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

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PARIS (AP) — Air passengers traveling to and from Paris experienced significant disruptions Thursday, despite a decision by air traffic controllers to cancel a strike after last-minute negotiations. Flight operations were substantially reduced because of adjustments made to schedules ahead of the proposed industrial action.

French civil aviation authorities had preemptively requested airlines to cut their flights significantly — by 75% at Paris-Orly, 55% at Charles-de-Gaulle, and 65% at Marseille-Provence, with varying reductions across other French airports. As a result, operations were severely limited, also affecting international flights that cross French airspace.

While the flights that did operate faced only moderate delays, significant cancellations and scheduling adjustments led to continued travel difficulties for thousands of passengers. The fallout was particularly noticeable at major airports like Paris-Orly, where delays compounded the day’s challenges.

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