Is France Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

France is generally safe for solo female travelers. Like any other place in the world, it's important to exercise some precautions. Major cities like Paris and Lyon, are safe, but like any urban area, can have pockets of higher crime. It's advisable to stay vigilant, especially during late hours and in less crowded areas. Public transportation is reliable and mostly safe, although pickpocketing does happen, so you should keep an eye on your belongings. Overall, the majority of visits are trouble-free, and the locals are helpful to tourists. It's a culturally rich country with plenty to offer a solo female traveler.

Safety rating

4.2 /5

Based on 223 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 797 experiences from local women

France is currently ranked #95 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.2 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is France?

Safety at night:Safe

France is generally safe for solo female travelers at night, especially in well-populated areas with a notable level of police presence. Public transport in the cities also operates well into the night, and taxis are readily available. However, as with anywhere, it's always advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, stay in well-lit areas, and avoid isolated or seemingly suspicious circumstances.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in France is generally safe for solo female travelers. The country has a well-established network of trains, buses, and trams that are frequently used by locals and tourists alike. It is regularly patrolled and video-monitored, and issues such as violent crime are relatively rare. However, like anywhere else, pickpockets can be a concern, particularly in crowded areas and major cities like Paris. So, always keep a close eye on your belongings and be attentive to your surroundings. Late at night, it might be safer to use trusted taxi services or ride-sharing apps.

Street harassment:Moderate

While France is generally a safe country for solo female travelers, instances of street harassment can occur, particularly in larger cities. These may include catcalling, staring, or certain unsolicited comments, but physical harassment is relatively rare. Though French laws condemn such behavior, it is still advisable to exercise caution, stay aware of surroundings, and avoid commuting alone during night hours.

Petty crimes:Moderate

France, particularly in larger cities or tourist areas, has a moderate level of petty crime. It's not uncommon for solo female travelers to experience incidents such as pickpocketing or bag snatching, particularly in crowded areas or on public transportation. Always be vigilant of your belongings and aware of your surroundings. However, it should not deter you from visiting, as taking preventative safety measures can reduce these occurrences.

Is France worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 223 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Axelle

France

Port-Leucate, Group travel

I went to port leucate during the summer vacations, and i really enjoyed being here !! I was with 3 friends of mine and we were 5 minutes away from the sea. The port is very pleasant and there is always some music or shops opened at night. The ice cream of the port are the best. I recommend you this place it is very calm, quiet but if you want to have fun the night there are a lot or bars and restaurants along the beach.

Posted: March 7, 2025Experienced: July, 2023

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France, Solo travel

I felt safe in France. I thought it was a bit expensive. If you go to cote d azur, skip Cannes. I thought it was boring. Instead go to Nice or Antibes I stayed at the cheapest hostels, it was okay, but also hard at times

Posted: March 7, 2025

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Paris, Solo travel

In paris i felt nearly as safe as in my home town. Everything was good, and not very expensive. A good city to just take a walk without destination and admire the city itself. It has it's own identity wich is soooo good.

Posted: March 6, 2025

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Argeles-sur-Mer, Solo travel

Argelès-sur-Mer is a beautiful coastal town with stunning beaches, a lively atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. The mix of nature, local markets, and Mediterranean vibes makes it unforgettable!

Posted: March 1, 2025

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Barbora

Czech Republic

Paris, Couple travel

I spent New Year’s in Paris with my partner, and at first, it was beautiful. Museums, romantic streets, and that classic Parisian charm. But then, reality hit someone stole my phone. Just like that, all my photos were gone, and of course, they didn’t sync. So instead of a dreamy trip, I got a firsthand lesson in how much stealing happens there. Let’s just say Paris was not the city of love for me that day.

Posted: February 19, 2025

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Carcassonne, Solo travel

It was a pretty cool city, I toured the castle and the medieval city. There are a lot of people, but it's still nice. The food is inexpensive and there are plenty of activities for all age groups.

Posted: February 16, 2025

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Paris, Solo travel

I stayed at the St. Christopher Canal Inn. The hostel was pretty good and safe. Met some really good people there. I didn’t feel safe in Paris, especially at night. Even during the day, walking through some streets near Montmartre was a bit of cautious experience. While the public transport was pretty clean (it smelled bad), it was often too crowded and the risk of pickpocketing made me feel pretty unsafe.

Posted: February 14, 2025

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Valence, Couple travel

I convinced my friend to go to Valence with me since there is lower light pollution there and we wanted to be out often. And I absolutely loved it. We found a camping place pretty close by which was cheap and the place wasn't at all crowded so we could just walk a bit through the city and really enjoy everything. It also didn't seem very touristy which is also a huge plus for me.

Posted: February 13, 2025Experienced: July, 2024

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Lyon, Solo travel

I felt safe. Lyon is one of our favourite places it is so peaceful and the food was delicious we found a street vendor and lots of bakeries it was stunning. We went to the cinema and lots of cathedrals.

Posted: February 11, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Paris, Family travel

I felt mostly safe in the touristic areas. I visited the tour Eiffel, notre dame, la seine, the Louvre... It was easy to move with the subway, you can buy carnet of tickets for three days or a week.

Posted: February 9, 2025

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Is France safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 797 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 797 local experiences

Lola

Fontenay-sous-Bois

Fontenay is a very calm city principally where olders people live. But there is two part in the city, the calm one where I live, then a second one called Val de Fontenay, wich can be more insecure at night for ladies.

Posted: March 9, 2025

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Marie

Paris

Paris is big, so it really depends on where you are. The most touristy places are somewhat safer from harassment and assault, but there are more people pickpocketing and stuff. If you're not comfortable walking around alone at night, avoid some areas in the 18th and 19th arrondissement (the closer you get to the outside of Paris). Otherwise, it really depends so it's hard to generalise.

Posted: March 8, 2025

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Check all reviews

Meet locals in France

Rabia

About Me

Hi I am rabia jabri morrocan,I have lived in France for many years l'am 64 old .I have one son I don't work now I just travel around thr world

Speaking

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Fatma

About Me

Bonjour, je suis Fatma. J'aime beaucoup l'art, la nature, les voyages et les balades. Je souhaite parler couramment en anglais. J'espère faire de belles rencontres sur ce site. À bientôt, Fatma

Speaking

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Stay with locals in France

Rabia

Paris

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hi I am rabia jabri morrocan,I have lived in France for many years l'am 64 old .I have one son I don't work now I just travel around thr world

Speaking

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Fatma

Lille

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Bonjour, je suis Fatma. J'aime beaucoup l'art, la nature, les voyages et les balades. Je souhaite parler couramment en anglais. J'espère faire de belles rencontres sur ce site. À bientôt, Fatma