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 265 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 991 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 265 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Daliana

Costa Rica

France, Solo travel

I lived in France for a semester, in Toulouse, so I think living and traveling are quite different experiences. The biggest issue I faced in France was feeling unsafe when going out. Without generalizing, most of the problems I encountered were with Muslim men—unfortunately, many were very disrespectful. Some migrants were also quite xenophobic and even yelled at me on the metro. As a woman, I often didn’t feel safe, and as a migrant, I didn’t either.

Posted: May 13, 2025Experienced: March, 2022

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Paris, Family travel

I love Paris, i’ve been there for a few times now and it’s always an amazing experience. of course it’s a big city and there are some homeless people and drunken ones but it’s not too bad, ive never experienced that someone has been harassed. (it’s a bonus if you can speak french, my mom is fluent and every morning we went to the same cafe to eat breakfast and since we could speak with them without problems we became very familiar with the staff and they were always happy seeing us)

Posted: May 12, 2025Experienced: May, 2025

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Emeline

France

Orleans, Group travel

I've visited Orléans a lot of time, and it's really a pretty and lovely city 🌼 There are some interesting points to see as the cathedral or the town hall, but my favorite thing is just walking on the street, or near the river and enjoy the view, vibe and the architecture 🔆🏞 During the night there are lot of bars 🍸 and also some clubs but that's all, not that much things. A good city for people who enjoy the feeling of a big city a bit more warmer and with medieval house 🛖 (hi Jeanne D'Arc! )

Posted: May 12, 2025

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Ségolène

Switzerland

Cap-d'Agde, Group travel

Cap d'Agde is definitely one of the best party places in France. It indeed has the biggest club of Europe if I'm right, which is very fun and cheap! You have a lot of cool campings to go with a group of friends and the weather can of course not deceive.

Posted: May 10, 2025

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Nice Côte d'Azur, Group travel

It's pretty lively and overall pretty safe if you stay in tourist sights. There were some drunk and sketchy people but they were easily avoided and weren't intrusive or rude. People were pretty nice but i would recomend staying in the populated arias during the evening/night time.

Posted: May 8, 2025Experienced: August, 2024

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Lilly

Germany

Brest, Solo travel

I'm here as an exchange student from Germany. I stayed 2 month already and I really like the sea, the château, les Capucins, the public transport and the open-minded people. I feel save walking and joggging alone at the day. Sometimes when it begins to get dark i feel scared of some strange man. But in the buses i feel always safe and comfortable. The tram is okay in the evenings but not always that confortable alone. Especially when you are a young woman. All in all I would recommend to visit this beautiful city and mabey you also will fall in love with the language, people and the charm of this city. Best wishes

Posted: May 6, 2025Experienced: March, 2025

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Kriti

France

Nice Côte d'Azur, Group travel

Nice was pretty safe, considering I was also traveling with 3 other girls. We booked an airbnb for 5 days and ended up spending 400 euros in total including our flights. We covered Marseille, Nice, Eze, Villefranche-sur-mer, Monaco, Menton, Grasse, Mougins and Cannes. The public transport is very convenient and well connected near Nice and is extremely safe.

Posted: May 4, 2025Experienced: March, 2025

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Jenni

Finland

Paris, Family travel

I felt pretty safe during my visit in Paris wit my mom and my sister. We visited Disneyland Paris and it was a cool experience. We also visited the Eiffel tower which was a must during the trip! I strongly recommend visiting Disneyland and The Eiffel Tower for anyone visiting Paris.

Posted: May 2, 2025Experienced: April, 2023

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Taizé, Solo travel

I had a very deep spiritual experience in Taizé and the daily prayers are beautiful. What I love most about this place is how welcoming they are to every person. Even though it is a christian place, they welcome muslims or hindus or queer people - everyone is welcome to come and experience the love of God.

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: April, 2025

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Hemakshi

India

France, Group travel

I love France! I went to Mont Blanc, Chamonix, and Parc d'accrobranche La Forêt Magique. I also highly recommend going to Courchevel to ski in winter and the Mont-Blanc cable car. France is quite safe.

Posted: April 29, 2025

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Is France safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 991 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 991 local experiences

Montpellier

I’ve been living here for almost a year, and I’ve never had any bad experiences. The city has been very pleasant and safe for me. The people here, especially, are very friendly and smiley. I hope none of us have to experience anything bad. As women, we always deserve to feel safe.🫶🏻

Posted: May 12, 2025

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Eloise

Bordeaux

I would say that bordeaux, even if of course things happen sometimes, is really a safe place in France, considering that this is a country where there is basically a lot of harassment for women compared to others. Except from that I've been leaving here for 7 years and walking alone at night without having troubles (except from harassment)

Posted: May 12, 2025

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Meet locals in France

nolwen

About Me

I'm a really open-minded girl, with the will of learning and the passion of speaking languages. I'm from Brittany in France, with means that i have my own regional and cultural identity. I can be really funny and kinda crazy while on travel, hahaha. Almost 2 years ago, i went for the first time in Italy, and found at Venice my second home, kinda like my "second brittany", and since, i cannot stop going there and enjoy my time there with my veneziani friends ! ❤ (in a few days it will be my fifth time there ! ❤

Speaking

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Marianne

About Me

Hi ladies! I’m Marianne, 35, currently living in the « fairytale city » of Colmar. I’m passionate about traveling and love meeting new people along the way. I usually use the Couchsurfing app, so I’m really looking forward to discovering the girl power vibe of this one! I work for a non-profit organization where I support young people from underserved neighborhoods — it’s a job that keeps me inspired every day.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in France

Marianne

Colmar

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Speaking

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Maëlle-Anne

Albert

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! I am an French student (well currently I am doing a gap year between the two steps of my studies…) I am 22 and I looove to travel! I would be enchanted to receive people in my home and to be welcomed in yours!!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to France

Nur

About Me

I am a student in Marburg, learning German before my Master degree. When I have time, I like to see new cities in Germany and around Europe. Usually I have time on weekends because weekdays I'm at Uni and then in library busy studying. I'm an ambivert so I tend to be really chatty at the right time with right companions. I like reading Sci-fi novels. My hobbies are drawing, claying, puzzling and most of the time reading. I love to take a stroll in new cities and lost myself occasionally. I am a curious person who has a big appetite about almost everything in our world. Like to meet new people and learn their perspective about different things.

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Safety in France

Paris

Nice

Toulouse

Antibes

Marseille

Nîmes

Nantes

Strasbourg

Avignon

Colmar

Lyon

La Réunion

Etretat

Corsica

Bordeaux

Menton

Check the safest places in France