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Crime & Personal Safety In Paris
Threat Of Terrorism in Paris & France
Terrorist threats exist in Paris & France generally. On 16 December 2008, several packs of explosives were found in at the Printemps Haussman Department store in Central Paris.
In 2006 & 2007 in Corsica several explosions in public places. The attacks were on bars a night club, restaraunts plus holiday homes and state buidings. The FLNC a Corsican nationalist group, are thought to be responsible for these attacks. French securIty authorities believed at the time further attacks were possible.
For several years the French Government has maintained high levels of security and vigilance in public places and on public transport. In Paris this security extends to the metro.
Crime & Personal Safety In Paris
Bag snatching and pickpocteting can be a problem in the streets of Paris, especially in tourist areas. Similiar problems occur on the Metro and RER rail networks. Occasionally robbery usually at night occurs. An increasing problem is theft from cars. These problems are more common in the summer but can occur at anytime of the year.
In 2007 the British Consulate in Paris reported that it assisted several UK Citizens who had been seriously sexually assaulted. Some where thought to have had their drinks spiked. You should be aware that many drinks in France are stronger than those in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. You should never leave your drinks unattended.
Public Demonstrations In Paris
In recent years there have been sporadic demonstration against the Government and its policies. Most of these protests are peaceful but occasionally they can become violent. The most recent violent demonstrations in Paris were in the Autumn of 2007 when gangs of youth set light to cars and stoned police over several nights in Suburbs across Paris. Historically when these disturbances and protest occur similiar demonstrations breakout on an ad-hoc basis in neighbouring and other suburbs. Visitors should avoid going to Paris suburbs particularly those on the outskirts of the city if they become aware of disturbances taking place.
Tourist Traps In Paris
There are varying schools of thought about the merits of visiting the Eiffel Tower. There are those that firmly believe 'going to the top' is a mind blowing experience and worth every euro. There are those that think it is worth seeing but only from the ground or the Seine as it is expensive for a view that is not particuarly enthralling and sometimes very poor or non existent on a cloudy day. Some of these critics think that the Arc de Triomph building offers a much better view of Paris. See attractions and sightseeing.
Around the tower their numerous street vendors most of whom put the wares on the pavements as they do have market stalls. Stopping to look at these items is not a good idea if you have no intention to buy them as you are likely to be pressurised to make a purchase. A few of these traders and the street dancers around Place du Tertre, the artists' square area can become persistent if you make eye to eye contact.
Taxis drivers or their scouts that approach the moment you reach the arrivals hall at the main Paris airports are often unlicensed and always extemely expensive. This is a particular problem at Charles de Gaulle export. For info on getting to the center of Paris from the airport see our airport information.
The Disneyland experience is seen by many visitors (predomiantly from the US) as expensive overated and a far cry from its US Parent.
The Chateau de Versailles is viewed by many as just to expensive and really not worth the time it takes to travel there and back especially if you are only in Paris on a short break.
We also are aware of so called River Cruises along the Seine that last only 15 minutes in the high season. Visitors should establish how long the trip is before puchasing a ticket or boarding as these sailors do not have the word 'refund' in their vocabulary.
A common complaint about French restaurants is that they have a tendancy to apply high additional charges for any type of water if you are eating from a set menu. Normally any water is included in the set menu price.
Contributions to this page are always appreciated