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

4.3 /5

Based on 186 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.8 /5

Based on 301 experiences from local women

France is currently ranked #76 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.3 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.

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 186 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Paris, Solo travel

I traveled to Paris for the first time as a solo traveler, and I could not have been happier with my experience! The locals were friendly & helpful, the food was spectacular, and the history & art in the city is unlike anywhere else in the world. My experience was further improved by being fairly proficient in French. This was a great way to connect with locals, ask for help when needed, and overall feel more immersed in the culture. See the Eiffel Tower, go to the Louvre, and order yourself a Croissant or Pain Au Chocolat. And don't forget to take the metro to anywhere you want to go in Paris! It's super affordable and easy to navigate with Google Maps.

Posted: November 19, 2024Experienced: November, 2024

favorite_border 2

mode_comment 0

Paris, Group travel

First of all, If you will go to see attractions take metro card. Each ticket costs 2.16€ . So If you make more than 10 rides, it worth to get 10 ticket package. We stayed only 2-3 days. We thought that we can do “walk travel”. But it is impossibly hard. Starting from Louvre museum, legs hurts. SO WEAR MUCH COMFORTABLE SHOES. We booked budget hotel far from center. Actually we didn’t know that it was so far. But If you use metro it’s ok. Near the Luxembourg park we found gelato cafe. Their ice-cream was so so good. If I’m not mistaken cafe called “amorino”. Have a nice trip ladies

Posted: November 11, 2024

favorite_border 1

mode_comment 0

Paris, Couple travel

Paris was beautiful. I felt safe but still feared a little to get my stuff stolen. One thing i want to warn about is the transportation ticket. It is paper based and you need it to enter and leave the metro stations. Do not keep it with you mobile because it causes some problem either the magnetic stuff of the ticket and it will stop working. It was the worst experience. We didn’t know why it stopped working in paris and we got to know later.

Posted: November 6, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Chrissy

Japan

France, Solo travel

August 2023 I did my first big solo trip! It lasted 3 weeks and (in order) went to France - Paris, Versailles, Giverny, Aix-en-Provence Italy - Genova, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome, Naples I was fortunate and didn’t have any bad experiences. Definitely need to watch out for pick pockets (especially in Naples) but overall I had an amazing time! The best part was definitely staying at hostels and meeting tons of like-minded female travellers!

Posted: November 4, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Paris, Group travel

We stayed for 3 nights with a very nice experience. At least call us like this but transportation is so complicated that sometimes you can hardly find your destination. So be careful. We did not have any problems with security but there may be people who have had problems but it is a fascinating poem especially the Louvre Museum everyone should visit I loved it there.

Posted: October 31, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Marseille, Solo travel

I felt safe but be careful people are kind but some are strange i loved food and calanque but its difficult to be host there. Talk to people to know were to go and what to do they love help and talk and most are funny

Posted: October 25, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Athina

Netherlands

Nantes, Solo travel

Safety is not what Nantes gives as I heard but I never felt in danger. In the other hand Nate’s is very popular for the art and cultural event. Nantes had also an airport that makes your travel life easier.

Posted: October 18, 2024

favorite_border 3

mode_comment 0

Mariana

Mexico

Paris, Solo travel

I went to Paris this summer while the Olympics were going on, so it felt safety all the time. It was my first time there and I was amazed with everything, I think accommodation is the most expensive part of the trip and difficult to get. But the rest you could choose how much you want to spend. That city has everything to do, I love all the museums, coffees, restaurants and streets.

Posted: October 16, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Mandy

Hong Kong S.A.R.

Bordeaux, Solo travel

Bordeaux is safe during the daytime, but you have to be careful at night, especially in the old town. I was followed by four men to the station after sunset, which was just a short walk to the station.

Posted: October 9, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Tatjana

France

Corsica, Solo travel

Corsica is very safe. Local people are pretty distrustful towards foreigners. Nature is beautiful. There is a lot of space. Food Is ok. A lot of meet. There are a lot of hunters. Transport is not great.

Posted: October 8, 2024Experienced: December, 2014

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Is France safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 301 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 301 local experiences

Paris

Safe but it's better to avoid some district at night. If staying in the main city center like Le Louvre or Chatelet, I find it safe, but definitely avoid places around Paris, especially North and East : these places are not safe as a woman during the night. Also, just be careful of pickpocket in the metro and tourist places (especially iPhone users).

Posted: November 21, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Sarah

Beauvais

The city is quite quiet and the inhabitants are not aggressive. I can walk around alone during the day without any problem, but at night I prefer to be with others. I have my own car and can pick you up from the train station or airport if I am available.

Posted: November 3, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Check all reviews

Meet locals in France

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

mode_comment 0

Blandine

About Me

Hi What can I say to introduce myself? I'm Blandine, I love and have the chance to meet new people in my life and work. I believe that diversity is essential for the world. I love being in an intercultural environment, I find it exciting, and it always makes me grow. I love and I have the chance to travel, and I'm usually on my own, so I'm very happy to be part of this solidarity group. What esle? I'm French. I'm a social worker and a sociolinguist. I speak French, English and some Spanish. ^^

Speaking

mode_comment 1

Stay with locals in France

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