Emergency Help Abroad - France

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting France — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or use of illegal drugs can result in arrest, fines or imprisonment.

• Larger quantities may be treated as intent to supply and prosecuted heavily.

• Carrying weapons, including some knives common in the UK, is illegal without justification.

• Drink-driving laws are strict; roadside tests are common and penalties include heavy fines and licence suspension.

• Public drunkenness that disturbs others can lead to fines or police intervention.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Churches, cathedrals and religious sites expect modest, respectful behaviour.

• Vandalising or damaging heritage monuments is punishable by law.

• Certain areas, especially in coastal towns, restrict beachwear away from beaches.

• Eating or picnicking in prohibited zones, such as some parks or steps, can lead to fines.

• Littering in public spaces, beaches or protected natural areas carries penalties.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request ID; travellers should carry a passport or a copy.

• Demonstrations and protests occur regularly — avoid them due to risk of disruption or escalation.

• Disorderly conduct on public transport or around tourist zones can result in fines.

• Scams targeting tourists — especially around ATMs, ticket machines and busy squares — are common.

• Attempting to bribe officials or negotiate with police is illegal and taken seriously.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• All public transport systems require valid tickets; failure to validate can lead to fines.

• Driving without the correct documents (licence, insurance, rental papers) risks fines or impoundment.

• Speed cameras are widespread; penalties for speeding are strict.

• Entering restricted areas or driving into pedestrian-only zones can attract fines.

• Overstaying visa limits or Schengen rules may result in deportation or future restrictions.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Flying drones in cities such as Paris is highly restricted without authorisation.

• Photographing military bases or certain government buildings is restricted.

• Flying drones near airports, national monuments or crowded areas can result in fines or confiscation.

• Using footage of individuals without consent for commercial purposes may breach privacy laws.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Smoking bans apply to many public spaces, including some beaches.

• Lighting fires or barbecues in forests or protected areas is prohibited.

• Swimming in restricted coastal zones or ignoring lifeguard instructions can result in fines.

• Damage to protected flora, dunes or coastal habitats may incur penalties.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing sand, shells or natural items from beaches or protected areas is illegal.

• Climbing on monuments, fountains or fragile structures can generate fines.

• Entering protected archaeological or heritage zones without permission is prohibited.

• Buying souvenirs made from endangered species is illegal and items may be seized.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or routine in the UK may not align with local customs or regulations in France.

• Don’t start conversations without a polite greeting, such as “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir”; launching straight into a question is seen as bad manners.

• Don’t speak very loudly in cafés, restaurants or on public transport, as calmer, more discreet conversation is preferred in shared spaces.

• Don’t expect rapid, overly friendly service in traditional bistros, where staff are professional but not necessarily chatty; patience is important.

• Don’t handle produce at markets without asking, as stallholders typically choose and weigh fruit or vegetables for you.

• Don’t assume everyone will switch to English, especially outside major cities; a few French phrases and patience go a long way.

• Don’t treat famous landmarks like picnic spots, particularly by sitting on monuments, climbing restricted areas or leaving litter around scenic viewpoints.

• Don’t try to jump queues or crowd counters, especially in bakeries, pharmacies or ticket offices where orderly turn-taking is expected.

• Don’t ignore smoking restrictions, as smoking is banned inside enclosed public places and in some outdoor areas; look for designated spots.

• Don’t assume tap water is chargeable in restaurants, as you’re entitled to request a carafe of tap water, but do so politely.

• Don’t be surprised by slower dining pace, and avoid requesting separate bills or rushing out immediately after dessert in more formal restaurants.

• Don’t rely solely on cards in small cafés or rural areas, where minimum spend rules or cash-only policies may still exist.

• Don’t carry bags open or valuables loosely on packed transport, especially around tourist zones where pickpocketing can occur.

• Don’t photograph people, police or security forces without consent, particularly around sensitive buildings, demonstrations or official institutions.

• Don’t treat strikes and protests as entertainment, as these can disrupt transport and occasionally become tense – keep distance if advised.

• Don’t cycle or scooter through pedestrian-only areas, especially in historic city centres where enforcement and fines are increasing.

• Don’t expect late-night noise to be tolerated in residential streets, as neighbours may complain if you gather loudly outside bars after closing.

• Don’t dismiss local laws on public drinking, as some cities restrict alcohol consumption in certain parks, squares or times of night.

• Don’t refuse small courtesies like “merci” and “s’il vous plaît”, as politeness really shapes day-to-day interactions.

• Don’t assume Sunday shopping operates like the UK, as many small shops and services still close or have reduced hours.

• Don’t underestimate sun and heat in southern regions, where failing to protect yourself and children properly can lead to health issues and ruined plans.