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

4.1 /5

Based on 314 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 1333 experiences from local women

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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 314 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Lyon, Couple travel

My overall experience in Lyon was very good. I stayed at an Airbnb with my boyfriend and we stayed there for 12 days. I would say 12 days is more than enough to experience the city but we wanted a very laid back and chill vacation as to why we stayed so long. I felt very safe but that could also be because I was with my boyfriend all of the time as I know there are plenty of areas in Lyon that my female friends have not felt so safe in.

Posted: September 15, 2025

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Le Vieux-Marché, Family travel

It’s a small village so it’s really safe there’s only old person. It’s really quiet and chill, the pub is cool and they’re is a playground for children it’s cool. The church is really really loud but it’s the charm of the village

Posted: September 13, 2025Experienced: July, 2025

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Paris, Solo travel

Paris has too much too offer so you will never ran out of things to do. I went in summer, the weather was amazing but I didn’t feel the crowds. There are a lot of places/parks you can visit for free. Paris is quite dirty in some places (the smell of urine is something else) so don’t expect a fairytale.. it can be as cheap as you make it - I ate a lot in bakeries as the pastries are too good to be true.. A lot of places are closed in August as people go on holidays so be warned

Posted: September 8, 2025Experienced: July, 2024

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Pia

France

Strasbourg, Solo travel

I felt very safe in Strasbourg, it’s a welcoming and charming city. I highly recommend walking around La Petite France, visiting the cathedral, and enjoying a boat tour on the Ill river. For food, the traditional winstubs are a must—Flammekueche is delicious! I stayed near the city center which was very convenient and lively. Getting around was easy thanks to the trams and the fact that most places are walkable. My itinerary was a mix of cultural visits, long walks, and good food, which made the experience unforgettable.

Posted: August 25, 2025

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Minh

France

Strasbourg, Group travel

I was in Strasburg for 2 days with two female friends during the Christmas period and it was not too crowded the energy that ambience was amazing. It rained a little but overall great. We booked an Airbnb that was like almost $100 a night for 3 which is not too bad. The room was fantastic!!! We tried a restaurant that was in front of the famous cathedral, service and price was great, but the food was… eh. It was not fresh. We didn’t get out super late in the night so we don’t know but in general it’s still felt safe. The whole city only had like three trams, which is a little funny

Posted: August 21, 2025

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Is France safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 1333 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 1333 local experiences

Lille

Never had any bad expérience in 23 years of living here, but I also respect the basics rules to keep safe. I guess it is like any big cities, you have to be careful and stay out of the "bad" neighborhoods.

Posted: September 16, 2025

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