France Facts and Culture

What is France famous for?

• Cultural Attributes: The French are among the most patriotic people in the worldwhich is illustrated by their attempts to limit the... More
• Family: Most families are smallwith only one or two children. Since a single income is not enough to live on... More
• Personal Apperance: The French usually make an effort to dress well and fashionably. French fashions often influence how the rest of... More
• Recreation: Children often play soccertennisbasketballvolleyballand handballbut soccer is predominant among boys. This is played in schoolyards,... More
• Diet: French cuisine is legend; cooking is considered an art. Regional traditions are strong. There are several types of cookingranging... More
• Food and Recipes: Table manners are important. While at the table hands should remain above the table. Elbows should not be placed... More
• Visiting: The French are generally formal when visiting and people do not often visit unannounced. Guests do not enter a home... More

What is the capital of France?

Capital	Paris
Government Type	semi-presidential republic
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Total Area	248,572 Square Miles 643,801 Square Kilometers
Location	Metropolitan France: Western Europebordering the Bay of Biscay and the English Channelbetween Belgium and Spainsoutheast of the United Kingdom; bordering the Mediterranean Seabetween Italy and Spain French Guiana: Northern South Americabordering the North Atlantic Oceanbetween Brazil and Suriname Guadeloupe: Caribbeanislands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Oceansoutheast of Puerto Rico Martinique: Caribbeanisland between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Oceannorth of Trinidad and Tobago Mayotte: Southern Indian Oceanan island in the Mozambique Channelabout halfway between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique Reunion: Southern Africaan island in the Indian Oceaneast of Madagascar
Language	French (official) 100%rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (ProvencalBretonAlsatianCorsicanCatalanBasqueFlemish) overseas departments: FrenchCreole patoisMahorian (a Swahili dialect)
GDP - real growth rate	2.3%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$44,100.00 (USD)

What is the population of France?

Ethnic Group - note	overseas departments: BlackWhiteMulattoEast IndianChineseIndigenous
Ethnic Groups	Celtic and Latin with TeutonicSlavicNorth African (AlgerianMoroccanTunisian)IndochineseBasque minorities
Language - note	The French government has emphasized the French language so much that almost everyone in France speaks French (99%)despite the different nationalities represented. Even regional dialects have lost their importance in recent years. English is the most common foreign language.
Languages	French (official) 100%declining regional dialects and languages (ProvencalBretonAlsatianCorsicanCatalanBasqueFlemishOccitanPicard); note - overseas departments: FrenchCreole patoisMahorian (a Swahili dialect)
Nationality Noun	noun: Frenchman(men)Frenchwoman(women) adjective: French
Population	68,374,591
Population - note	Note: the above figure is for metropolitan France and five overseas regions; the metropolitan France population is 62,814,233
Population Growth Rate	0.2%
Population in Major Urban Areas	11.208 million PARIS (capital)1.761 million Lyon1.628 million Marseille-Aix-en-Provence1.079 million Lille1.060 million Toulouse1.000 million Bordeaux
Urban Population	urban population: 81.8% of total population rate of urbanization: 0.67% annual rate of change
Population: Male/Female	male: 33,557,094 female: 34,817,497

What type of government does France have?

Executive Branch	chief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Gabriel ATTAL (since 9 January 2024) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the suggestion of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 April 2022 with a runoff held on 24 April 2022 (next to be held in April 2027); prime minister appointed by the president election results: 2022: Emmanuel MACRON reelected in second round; percent of vote in first round - Emmanuel MACRON (LREM) 27.8%Marine LE PEN (RN) 23.2%Jean-Luc MELENCHON (LFI) 22%Eric ZEMMOUR (Reconquete) 7.1%Valerie PECRESSE (LR) 4.8%Yannick JADOT (EELV) 4.6%other 10.6%; percent of vote in second round - MACRON 58.5%LE PEN 41.5% 2017: Emmanuel MACRON elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Emmanuel MACRON (EM) 24%Marine LE PEN (FN) 21.3%Francois FILLON (LR) 20%Jean-Luc MELENCHON (FI) 19.6%Benoit HAMON (PS) 6.4%other 8.7%; percent of vote in second round - MACRON 66.1%LE PEN 33.9%
Suffrage	18 years of age; universal
Citizenship	citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of France dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National Holiday	Fete de la Federation14 July (1790); note - although often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Daythe celebration actually commemorates the holiday held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille (on 14 July 1789) and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are Fete Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July)
Constitution	history: many previous; latest effective 4 October 1958 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic (upon recommendation of the prime minister and Parliament) or by Parliament; proposals submitted by Parliament members require passage by both houses followed by approval in a referendum; passage of proposals submitted by the government can bypass a referendum if submitted by the president to Parliament and passed by at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament’s National Assembly; amended many timeslast in 2008
Independence	no official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July 1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French Republic founded); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established)

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What environmental issues does France have?

Overview	The landscape is varied; about two-thirds is flat plains or gently rolling hillsand the rest is mountainous. A broad plain covers most of northern and western France from the Belgian border in the northeast to Bayonne in the southwestand it rises to uplands in NormandyBrittanyand the east. This large plain is bounded on the south by the steeply rising ridges of the Pyrénéeson the southeast by the mountainous plateau of the Massif Centraland on the east by the rugged Alpsthe low ridges of the Juraand the rounded summits of the densely forested Vosges. The principal rivers are the Rhône in the souththe Loire and the Garonne in the westthe Seine in the northand the Rhinewhich forms part of France’s eastern border with Germany.
Climate	The west and north of France experience cool winters and mild summerswhile southern France and Corsica have a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Precipitation is frequent all year. The average yearly rainfall in Paris for the last 30 years is 26 inches.
Border Countries	Andorra 56.6 kmBelgium 620 kmGermany 451 kmItaly 488 kmLuxembourg 73 kmMonaco 4.4 kmSpain 623 kmSwitzerland 573 km
Environment - Current Issues	Some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastesagricultural runoff
Environment - International Agreements	Party To: Air PollutionAir Pollution-Nitrogen OxidesAir Pollution-Persistent Organic PollutantsAir Pollution-Sulfur 85Air Pollution-Sulfur 94Air Pollution-Volatile Organic CompoundsAntarctic-Environmental ProtocolAntarctic-Marine Living ResourcesAntarctic SealsAntarctic TreatyBiodiversityClimate ChangeClimate Change-Kyoto ProtocolDesertificationEndangered SpeciesHazardous WastesLaw of the SeaMarine DumpingMarine Life ConservationOzone Layer ProtectionShip PollutionTropical Timber 83Tropical Timber 94WetlandsWhaling signedbut not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Terrain	Metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in the north and west; the remainder is mountainousespecially the Pyrenees in the southAlps in east French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is a low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano Mayotte: generally undulatingwith deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along the coast

How big is the France economy?

Economic Overview	The French economy is diversified across all sectors. The government has partially or fully privatized many large companiesincluding Air FranceFrance TelecomRenaultand Thales. Howeverthe government maintains a strong presence in some sectorsparticularly powerpublic transportand defense industries. France is the most visited country in the world with 89 million foreign tourists in 2017. France's leaders remain committed to capitalism in which they maintain social equity by means of lawstax policiesand social spending that mitigate economic inequality. France's real GDP grew by 1.9% in 2017up from 1.2% the year before. The unemployment rate (including overseas territories) increased from 7.8% in 2008 to 10.2% in 2015before falling to 9.0% in 2017. Youth unemployment in metropolitan France decreased from 24.6% in the fourth quarter of 2014 to 20.6% in the fourth quarter of 2017. France’s public finances have historically been strained by high spending and low growth. In 2017the budget deficit improved to 2.7% of GDPbringing it in compliance with the EU-mandated 3% deficit target. MeanwhileFrance's public debt rose from 89.5% of its GDP in 2012 to 97% in 2017. Since entering office in May 2017President Emmanuel MACRON launched a series of economic reforms to improve competitiveness and boost economic growth. President MACRON campaigned on reforming France’s labor code and in late 2017 implemented a range of reforms to increase flexibility in the labor market by making it easier for firms to hire and fire and simplifying negotiations between employers and employees. In addition to labor reformsPresident MACRON’s 2018 budget cuts public spendingtaxesand social security contributions to spur private investment and increase purchasing power. The government plans to gradually reduce the corporate tax rate for businesses from 33.3% to 25% by 2022.
Industries	Machinerychemicalsautomobilesmetallurgyaircraftelectronics; textilesfood processing; tourism
Currency Name and Code	Euro (EUR)
Export Partners	Germany 14.8%Spain 7.7%Italy 7.5%United States 7.2%Belgium 7%United Kingdom 6.7%
Import Partners	Germany 18.5%Belgium 10.2%Netherlands 8.3%Italy 7.9%Spain 7.1%United Kingdom 5.3%United States 5.2%China 5.1%

What current events are happening in France?
Source: Google News

What makes France a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

France is a developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.

Crime

France is a relatively safe country. Most crimes are non-violentbut pick-pocketing is a significant problem.

The majority of crimes directed against foreign visitorsincluding U.S. citizensinvolve pick-pocketingresidential break-insbicycle theftand other forms of theft with minimal violence. Howeveras in any big cityrobberies involving physical assault do occur in Paris and other major urban areas. Visitors to congested areas and known tourist sites (e.g.museumsmonumentstrain stationsairportsand subways) should be particularly attentive to their surroundings. Crimes against visitors are generally crimes of opportunitythough these crimes are more likely to involve violence on the street late at night or when the victim detects the theft and resists the criminal. As in any major citywomen should exercise extra caution when out alone at night and/or consider traveling out at night with companions. In generalParis taxis are safe and professionally operatedbut there has been an increase in reported harassment and assaults on women by taxi drivers.

Caution is required throughout France when driving through economically depressed areas where there is a high incidence of “smash and grab” robberies. Thieves will approach a vehicle that is stopped in trafficsmash a windowreach into the vehicle to grab a purse or other valuable itemand then flee. Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight.

There is generally an increase in the number of residential break-ins in August when most French residents take a vacationas well as in December. The majority are attributed to residents not using security measures already in placeincluding double-locking doors and locking windows. Home invasions are often preceded by phone calls to see if the resident is at home. Often thieves who manage to gain access to the apartment building will knock on apartment doors to see if anyone answersoffering the excuse they are taking a survey or representing a utility company.

PARIS: Crime in Paris is similar to that in most large cities. Violent crime is relatively uncommon in the city centerbut women should exercise extra caution when out alone at night and should consider traveling out at night with trusted companions. There has been an increase in reported sexual harassmentand sometimes assaultby taxi drivers.

Pickpockets are by far the most significant problem. In addition to purses and walletssmartphones and small electronic devices are particular targets. In Parispickpockets are commonly children under the age of 16 because they are difficult to prosecute. Pickpockets are very active on the rail link (RER B) from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center. Travelers may want to consider using a shuttle service or one of the express buses to central Paris rather than the RER. In additionpassengers on metro Line 1which traverses the city center from east to west and services many major tourist sitesare often targeted. A common method is for one thief to distract the tourist with questions or disturbanceswhile an accomplice picks pocketsa backpackor a purse. Schemes in Paris include asking if you would sign a petition or take a surveyor presenting a ring and asking if you dropped it. Thieves often time their pickpocket attempts to coincide with the closing of the automatic doors on the metroleaving the victim secured on the departing train. Many thefts also occur at major department stores (e.g.Galeries LafayettePrintempsand Le Bon Marché)where tourists may leave walletspassportsand credit cards on cashier counters during transactions. Popular tourist sites are also popular with thieveswho favor congested areas to mask their activities. The crowded elevators at the Eiffel Towerescalators at museums such as the Louvreand the area surrounding Sacré Coeur Basilica in Montmartre are all favored by pickpockets and snatch-and-grab thieves.

There have been some instances of tourists being robbed and assaulted near less utilized metro stations. The area around the Moulin Rougeknown as Pigallerequires extra security precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Pigalle is an adult entertainment area known for prostitutionsex showsand illegal drugs. Unsuspecting tourists have run up exorbitant bar bills and been forced to pay before being permitted to leave. Other areas in Paris where extra security precautions are warranted after dark are Les Halles and the Bois de Boulogne.

PROVENCE ALPES MARITIMES (PACA) / LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON (MarseilleMontpellierPerpignanCarcassonne AvignonAix en ProvenceArlesCannesNice): The PACA/Languedoc-Roussillon region enjoys a fairly low rate of violent crime directed at tourists. The most common problems in the region are thefts from cars (both stopped in traffic and parked) and from luggage trolleys at the major transportation hubsincluding the Nice airport and railway stations in MarseilleAvignonand Aix en Provence. Purse snatchings in transportation hubs are also a common problem.

The U.S. Consulate General in Marseille has noted an increase in holiday rental-home burglaries and in necklace snatching. Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times. Valuables should be hidden out of site to prevent snatch-and-grab attempts. Maintain visual contact with your car when visiting tourist siteswhen using rest facilities at gas stationsor stopping to enjoy panoramic viewseven for a short period as thieves will break windows to access items left in cars. Victims have reported break-ins within minutes of leaving an unattended car. Keep your passport in a separate location from other valuables.

Organized crime has increased in the south of France—especially in Marseille and Corsicawhere feuding groups have been responsible for several recent violent incidents—and although U.S. citizens are not targetedyou should maintain awareness and keep emergency contact information on hand should you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

STRASBOURG: Strasbourg's historic center enjoys a fairly low rate of violent crime. Pickpockets and snatch-and-grab thieves tend to concentrate their efforts in the Petite France historic district popular with visitors.

BORDEAUX AND THE AQUITAINELIMOUSINAND POITOU-CHARENTES REGIONS: Bordeaux and other cities in southwest France are considered fairly safe. In cities and during popular festivals that draw huge crowdsyou should be wary of pickpockets and other tourist-aimed crimesespecially near public transportation. Stolen pursesID cardsand passports left in cars – particularly around renowned landmarks are common.

NOTE: Swimmers should be careful of strong riptides and swells in the Bordeaux area.

LYON: Although levels of violent crime are lowLyon has a fair amount of petty crime and vandalism. Late-night weekend rowdiness is common in the center of town and in areas with nightclubs. The city’s public transportation system is safe. To combat reckless and drunk drivers and prevent them from fleeing accident scenesLyon initiated 30-kilometer-per-hour zones in commercial districtsand the local police have increased controls for drunken driving. Police have also installed speed and red-light radar systems. The number of stolen passports and personal items in the district remains relatively lowand attacks are rare. Home break-ins have increased recently; according to the local newsthere are 30-35 per day. Police response to sporadic armed robberies and violence is generally immediate and decisive. A recent wave of armed robberies in luxury goods stores and cash exchange businesses ended with the arrest of an organized gang of delinquents. Bicycle thefts are also a serious riskas Lyon becomes increasingly bicycle-friendly and more people cycle around town.

NORMANDY: Break-ins and thefts from cars in the parking lots at the Normandy beaches and American cemeteries are common. Do not leave valuables unattended in a car. Locking valuables in the trunk is not an adequate safeguard as thieves often pry open car trunks to steal bags and other valuables.

OVERSEAS (NON-EUROPEAN) FRENCH DEPARTMENTS AND TERRITORIES: Please see the Country Specific Information for French GuianaFrench Polynesiaand the French West Indies for crime trends in these areas.

RENNES: In generalthe city of Rennes is relatively safe and secureand crime rates throughout the consular district tend to be lower than in larger cities elsewhere. There are occasional crimes in the center of Rennes related to drunkenness and rowdy behaviorwith the largest and most boisterous crowds tending to gather on Thursday nights in the area around Rue Saint Michel (a.k.a. “Rue de la Soif” or “Thirst Street”) and the adjacent Place Sainte Anne. The local authorities make security a priority. Tourists occasionally encounter theft of valuables and passports. Valuables left unattended in rental cars overnightor for extended amounts of timeare particularly susceptible to theft. In particulartourist sites around Brittany warn travelers against leaving expensive items in plain view in parked cars due to frequent vehicle break-ins. Do not leave luggage unattended on trains.

TOULOUSE AND THE MIDI-PYRENEES: Toulouse and the Midi-Pyrenees region are considered generally safe. Car theftvehicle break-inspetty theftand burglary are the most common crimesand they are relatively more frequent in areas near railway stations. Car-jacking and home invasions may occurparticularly in wealthier areas surrounding Toulouse. Home invasions usually target valuables and carsbut may include violence. Itinerant street peopleoften in groups accompanied by dogsare increasingly prevalent in downtown Toulouseparticularly in warmer weather. While alcohol and drug abuse can make them unpredictableincidents of crime are relatively rare.

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim: Common-sense security precautions will help you enjoy a trouble-free stay. Most problems can be avoided by being aware of one's surroundings and avoiding high-risk areas.

When going outcarry only essential items: ONE credit/ATM cardONE piece of identificationand no more than €40-50. Avoid carrying high-value jewelry and large amounts of cash. Valuables should be kept out of sight and in places difficult for thieves to reachsuch as internal coat pockets or in pouches hung around the neck or inside clothes. Shoulder bags and wallets in back pockets are an invitation to a thief.

Keep photocopies of travel documents and credit cards separate from the originalsalong with key telephone numbers to contact banks for credit card replacement. Raise your awareness level while in crowded elevatorsescalatorsand metro cars. When possibletake a seat or stand against a wall to deter pickpockets and try to maintain a 360-degree awareness of the surrounding area.

Carry only a purse that zips closed and ensure that it is carried under the arm and slightly in front of the body. Swing backpack-type purses around so that they are slightly in front of your body. Carry your wallet in a front pocket. While on footremain aware of your surroundings at all times and keep bags slung across your body and away from the street.

Many U.S. citizens have had purses or bags stolen from the back of a chair or from under the table while in cafesrestaurantsand nightclubs/barsincluding higher-end establishments. Againkeep your valuables with you and never leave them unattended or out of your sight. Do not leave valuables in hotel rooms. If you must leave valuables in the hotelconsider using the hotel safe.

Thieves often operate in groups and often come to each other's aid if confronted. If a thief is caught in the acta simple pick-pocketing could turn into an assault (or worse) if you attempt to capture the thief. You can shout out for police assistance to attract attentionbut do not pursue the thief.

Do not use ATMs in isolatedpoorly lighted areas or where loiterers are present. Be especially alert to persons standing close enough to see the Personal Identification Number (PIN) being entered into the machine. Thieves often conduct successful scams by simply watching the PIN as it is entered and then stealing the card from the user in some other location. If your card gets stuck in an ATMimmediately report the incident to both the local bank and your bank at home.

Many theft and assault victims are targeted when making their way home from a late night out after drinking alcohol. If you go out late at nightdo so with a group of friends. There is safety in numbers.

Use only authorized taxis. Authorized taxis in Paris have the following equipment:

An illuminated “Taxi Parisien” sign on the roof;

A display meter showing the cost of the trip;

A display at the rear of the vehicle and visible from the exterior that enables the monitoring of the daily duration of use of the vehicle; and

A plate fixed to the front fender bearing the license number.

There has been an increase in sexual harassment and assault of women by taxi drivers in recent years. Women may want to consider having another individual walk them to a taxi andin plain view of the drivernote the license number of the vehicleor call a friend while in the taxi and communicate the license number. Letting the driver know that others are aware of your trip and the license number of the taxi may reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

Avoid public parks after darkas they are often frequented by drug dealers and prostitutes.

Criminal Penalties

While in Franceyou are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Individuals who hold U.S. and French or Monegasque citizenship should be aware that local authorities may treat you as solely French or Monegasque. Criminal penalties vary from country to countryand there are some things that might be legal in France or Monacobut still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy counterfeit or pirated goods in another country. Engaging in sexual conduct with minors or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is also a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you commit a crime in another countryyour U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Persons violating French or Monegasque lawseven unknowinglymay be expelledarrestedor imprisoned. Penalties for possessionuseor trafficking of illegal drugs in France and Monaco are severeand convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. For legal assistance in France or Monacorefer to this list of attorneys.

If you use any of France’s excellent public transportation servicestake particular care to retain your used or “validated” ticket. Inspectors conduct intermittentrandom checksand passengers who fail to present the correct validated ticket for their journey are subject to stiff and immediate fines. Inspectors may show no interest in explanations and no sympathy for an honest mistake. Failure to cooperate with inspectors can result in arrest.

If arrested: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign countrythat might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstancesrequest that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained.

Languages

French (official) 100%declining regional dialects and languages (ProvencalBretonAlsatianCorsicanCatalanBasqueFlemishOccitanPicard); note - overseas departments: FrenchCreole patoisMahorian (a Swahili dialect)

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Medical care is comparable to that found in the United States. In an emergencydial 15 to connect to emergency medical services. You can also dial the Europe-wide emergency response number 112 to reach an operator for all kinds of emergency services (similar to the U.S. 911 system). Non-French speakers may experience a delay while an English speaker is located. For non-emergency medical assistance in Franceyou may refer to this list of medical professionals.

Safety and Security

Political violence in Paris and throughout France is relatively uncommonalthough there are occasional instances of extremely large demonstrations simultaneously occurring in many French cities. Large demonstrations in Paris are generally managed by a strong police presencebut even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We recommend that U.S. citizens avoid demonstrations if possibleand exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. The congestion caused by large demonstrations can cause serious inconveniences for a visitor on a tight schedule. Some sporting eventssuch as soccer matcheshave occasionally degenerated into violence that continued into the streets.

Political unrest has developed in some Francophone countries with historic ties to France (e.g.AlgeriaMaliCote d’Ivoireand Tunisia). Some French citizens and residents with ties to such countries have protested in front of those countries’ embassies or consulates in France in response to the unrest. Although these protests are infrequent and do not target U.S. citizensvisitors should avoid such demonstrations.

The Government of France maintains a threat rating systemknown locally as “Vigipirate,” similar to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Advisory System. Under this planthe government routinely augments police with armed forces and increases visibility at airportstrain and metro stationsand other high-profile locations such as schoolsmajor tourist attractionsand government installations. Over the last few yearsthere have been arrests of suspected militant extremists allegedly involved in terrorist plots. French authorities have periodically spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions for terrorist attacks in Europe. The United States and France routinely share information in order to disrupt terrorist plottingidentify and take action against potential operativesand strengthen defenses against potential threats.

Although U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted in terrorist attacks in France within the past few yearstravelers should remain vigilant. Immediately report unattended packages observed in public places or any other suspicious activities to French law enforcement authoritieswho are proactive and will respond immediately. If there is a security incident or suspicious packagedo not linger in the area to observe.

Public safety and security in France are maintained by three different forces: Municipal Police; National Police; and the military Gendarmerie. These services are professionalcompetentand proactive in fighting crime and violence and maintaining overall state security.

In an emergencydialing 17 will connect the caller to the Police in both France and Monaco. You can also dial the Europe-wide emergency response number 112 to reach an operator for all kinds of emergency services (similar to the U.S. 911 system) in France. Non-French speakers may experience a delay while an English speaker is located.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in France and Monacoyou may encounter road conditions that are very different from those in the United States.

Roads in France are generally comparable to those in the United Statesbut traffic engineering and driving habits pose special dangers. Lane markings and sign placements may not be clear. Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute maneuvers. French drivers typically drive more aggressively and faster than U.S. driversand tend to exceed posted speed limits. Right-of-way rules in France differ from those in the United States. Drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left (unless specifically indicated otherwise)even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets. While many newer traffic circles have yield signssome intersections do notand still require traffic in the circle to cede the right-of-way to incoming traffic from the right.

On major highwaysthere are service stations at least every 25 miles. Service stations are not as common on secondary roads in France as they are in the United States. Paris has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. The interconnecting system of busessubwaysand commuter rails serves more than four million people a day with a safety record comparable toor better thanthe systems of major U.S. cities. Similar transportation systems are found in all major French cities. Between citiesFrance has an equally extensive rail servicewhich is safe and reliable. High-speed rail links connect the major cities in France. Many cities are also served by frequent air service. Traveling by train is safer than driving.

Pedestrians make up 13 percent of the deaths in motor vehicle accidents in France (roughly the same as in the United States)but this percentage is increasing. Most of these accidents occur when a pedestrian steps out onto the streetoften when a car or motorcycle is making a turn through a pedestrian crosswalk. Pedestrians should be cautious even when they have a green walking signal since this is no guarantee against aggressive drivers.

While ParisMarseilleLyonand other French cities actively encourage bicycle rentals through widely available city-sponsored systemsyou should be cautious about this means of transportationespecially in a busy and unfamiliar urban environment. Helmets are neither required nor readily available near rental stations. If you plan to ride a bicycle in Franceyou should bring your own helmet.