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 235 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 855 experiences from local women

France is currently ranked #94 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 235 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Theresa

United States

France, Solo travel

I went over to Strasbourg, and Colmar for the Christmas markets. It was so safe and beautiful. Locals were so friendly, and even though there was crowds, everyone was quite polite for the most part . Being celiac, I was able to find so many places to eat, and even the Christmas markets themselves had many options that were gluten-free/celiac safe

Posted: April 2, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Nice, Solo travel

I had a really lovely time in Nice last August! I felt super safe the whole time and everyone was very nice. Lots of things to do in the city and surrounding areas! I highly recommend to anyone solo travelling

Posted: March 25, 2025

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Le Havre, Couple travel

The Havre was a beautiful place ! The people there were extremely kind, they wouldn't hesitate to chat with you. There are a lot of activities and it's quite a nice place ! My companion and I felt very safe.

Posted: March 22, 2025Experienced: July, 2024

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Feyza

Hungary

Paris, Group travel

I loved Paris a lot! You need one week at least for here. There are many places to visit. I liked Paris Brest. İt's so delicious! Everyone should try it! I couldn't stop to look at Eiffel tower 🙈 it was so lovely... I wish I will come there with my soulmate in the future... I can't say I felt I'm safe but it was okay. But metro was so dirty.. I did not like that. There was a big horrible traffic also ... If you want to visit everywhere by walk, you will lose too much weight 😂😂 I'm thinking I will visit there at least one more time in my life! Love you Paris! Missed you

Posted: March 19, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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France, Solo travel

France is a country with a variety of landscapes. It is very pleasant to travel in this country. It's not really dangerous for women, except in some neighborhoods in big cities like Paris, Marseille, Roubaix... I recommend everyone to travel to France and visit several big cities and the countryside landscapes.

Posted: March 16, 2025

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Paris, Solo travel

For the most part I felt safe. I stayed near gare du nord, which is a more restless part of the city, situated between two train stations. I don't recommend traveling late at night there especially at the train/ metro station. Paris had a lot of beautiful parks and a lot of free attractions and museums for under 26 year olds from the EU.

Posted: March 14, 2025Experienced: March, 2024

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Guadeloupe, Family travel

My experience was amazing !! I really recommend :) I did feel quite wary when i landed but two days in and i was hooked 🤩 I felt super safe, locals are friendly and welcoming ! I ate some delicious food everywhere I went 😋 Besides that I can’t really tell about the budget because my parents were in charge of everything, like the hotel where we stayed at and the pick up we rented for transport (wich i don’t really recommend in case it starts raining)!

Posted: March 14, 2025

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aya

France

Lyon, Solo travel

Lyon is one of my favorite cities in france, i visite half a dozen times a year at least :D I felt safe overall, but some areas (like parts of Guillotière) felt sketchy at night. - Must-Do: Traboules (hidden passageways), climb Fourvière Hill, and explore Croix-Rousse’s street art. Also vieux lyon is lovely. - For food: Praline in general is a must try, amonst other lical specialities - Budget & Stay: Spent ~€50/day when we actively go out all day. I usually crash at friend houses so no clue about good places to stay :p - Getting Around: Honestly the city is quite small so walking is always my prefered way of getting around. Especially with how beautiful the city is. Metro is great too, usually very clean, consistent and calm

Posted: March 13, 2025Experienced: December, 2023

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Marseille, Group travel

Marseille was fun. We all heard it's super unsafe but didn't really feel like it. Of course I only stayed intramuros. Even at night walking with a friend felt okay. Always be careful but I'd say it's all good.

Posted: March 12, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Clara

France

Nice, Group travel

Here is my last trip in South of France in Nice 🌞🌊 Yes it was safe What we did : - Promenade des Anglais - Cours Saleya - Vieille Ville - Colline du château - Arènes de Cimiez - Musée Matisse - Opéra Club Nice (Party) The city is very nice and I recommend all the things we’ve done :) I stayed at a friend house and the train from Paris Allez/Retour was 62€

Posted: March 11, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Is France safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 855 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 855 local experiences

Paris

Paris is a city where a lot of people and things are going on. You just have to be aware of that and be careful when you are in some parts of the city. In some areas, you have to be aware of your environment especially when they are only few persons.

Posted: April 1, 2025

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Lyon

I was born and grew up in Lyon so I experienced a lot of things there. I use to go out a lot when I was younger and I never felt unsecure outside at any time of the night. Ther are always people that wants to get into a fight but without responding with violence they usually leave.

Posted: April 1, 2025

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