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 295 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 1148 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 295 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Paris, Solo travel

At St Christopher's Inn, a hostel. I liked it and it's really not expensive. For my first experience traveling alone I felt not freaked out but a little scared I guess. I would recommend that hostel tho

Posted: July 13, 2025Experienced: December, 2023

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Soulo

United States

Chamonix, Solo travel

One of the most beautiful places I’ve seen! From the train ride in, you know its going to be amazing, seeing the mountains and crystal clear rivers. I was here in the off-season (September) so did not do any skiing, but I took the Téléphérique Aiguille du Midi (tram that takes you up the highest points of the Alps). It was around €80, and if you’re not afraid of heights, I 100% recommend this. You get amazing views, you can walk around and hike on some trails at super high points, they have little museum about all the people who did extreme climbing and sports there, and there’s a cafe. I found the people in this village very welcoming, you will want to learn some French if possible. And i felt safe even though it was not so busy. I stayed at Hotel de L’arve, it was not expensive and it was very cozy. I was able to get everywhere by walking (train station, attractions, restaurants)

Posted: July 13, 2025Experienced: August, 2021

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Paris, Group travel

everything was great, but I didn’t feel safe at all with this kind of people around (and I’m not talking about homeless or smth) - just french people in general seemed very rude and disrespectful, didn’t make my experience too bad tho

Posted: July 10, 2025

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Priyanka

India

Lyon, Solo travel

I love Lyon! Probably one of my favourite places to travel in. I always felt safe, there’s so much to do, getting around is a breeze and the city is just STUNNING. Can’t recommend it enough and think it’s a great place to explore what French culture is all about

Posted: July 8, 2025

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Nice, Solo travel

I'm absolutely in love with the city of Nice and the whole region 🥰 I visited it twice, once during my first ever solo travel and it was amazing experience. I've always felt very safe, even at night and the people were so kind. I'm sure I'll be coming back 😊

Posted: July 3, 2025Experienced: February, 2025

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Chamonix, Couple travel

We went hiking there for a long weekend and it was really great! Of course, the raclette and fondues were an unforgettable bonus, but above all the landscapes are magnificent (no surprise with Mont Blanc) and really make you want to go back.

Posted: June 28, 2025

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Is France safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 1148 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 1148 local experiences

Estelle

Pau

Pau is pretty safe, there are a lot of students there for all over the world. There are good restaurants and gastronomy, few good museum, I've beautiful you of the Pyrenees mountains. Not far from the city there are hiking spots and beautiful lakes.

Posted: July 15, 2025

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Toulouse

Toulouse is very safe even at night! People are very kind and help you if you need. You can go safely in the center, but the Mirail can be a center of drugs but no need to visit here there ´s nothing…

Posted: July 15, 2025

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