Stress-Free Travel in Paris: Our Safety Guide
Paris is a dream destination with its Eiffel Tower, café terraces, and romantic alleyways. However, the City of Light also attracts highly skilled pickpockets. Smartphone thefts ruin the vacations of dozens of distracted tourists every day. Fortunately, you can easily avoid this pitfall by following a few simple precautions.
Check out our practical tips for protecting your precious phone during your stay in Paris. We’ll share common mistakes to avoid, practical safety tips, and key locations where you should be extra vigilant.
🚨 Where should you absolutely not put your phone in Paris?
Some actions may seem harmless, but they’re a real invitation to thieves. Parisian pickpockets can spot easy targets in just a few seconds.
❌ The back pocket of your pants
This is the most common—and most dangerous—mistake. Your phone often sticks out of the pocket, making it visible from a distance. Pickpockets slip their hands in with disconcerting agility. You won’t feel a thing, especially in a moving crowd. Always use your front pockets or, ideally, a closed bag.
❌ The outer pocket of your purse
Do you think your phone is safe because the pocket has a zipper? Think again. A zipper won’t stop an experienced thief on the subway or in a line. Pickpockets can open zippers in a flash without drawing attention. Always keep your valuables in a secret inner compartment of your bag.
We strongly recommend carrying a crossbody bag. Keep the bag in front of you at all times, with your hand resting on it in crowded areas. Bags equipped with anti-theft technology and secure closures offer the best protection in Paris.
❌ The outer pocket of your coat
Jackets and coats often have large, easily accessible pockets. Thieves love these pockets, especially in winter when people are jostling on public transportation. Even a slight physical contact is enough for them to snatch your device. Instead, slip your smartphone into an inside pocket of your jacket, near your chest.
❌ On a table at a restaurant or café
You sit down at an outdoor table for a drink and set your phone on the table. This is a common—but dangerous—habit in Paris. Pickpockets specifically target these outdoor seating areas. They use a distraction technique.
A pickpocket approaches you with a petition, a newspaper, or a city map. He places the paper directly on top of your phone while talking to you in a rambling manner. While you’re reading or refusing the paper, he grabs your phone from underneath and quickly walks away. Keep your phone in your bag or in a closed pocket throughout your meal.
❌ Visible Inside the Metro
The Paris metro remains a favorite hunting ground for criminals. Do not use your phone near the train doors. Thieves wait for the audible signal that the doors are closing. They snatch the phone from your hands and jump onto the platform just before the doors lock. The train pulls away, and you’re stuck inside, unable to chase after them. Stay vigilant, alert, and put your phone away as soon as you enter the station.
💡 My personal experience: a narrowly averted theft attempt
During my second trip to Paris, I almost lost my brand-new phone near the Sacré-Cœur. I was walking down a crowded street toward the monument. I was carrying a standard backpack and had slipped my phone into the front pocket so I could grab it more quickly.
Suddenly, a group of young women surrounded me, holding out a cardboard sign for a supposed charity. They were very pushy, speaking loudly, and brushing up against me. I immediately thought back to the warnings about the distraction technique. I politely but firmly said no as I stepped back.
When I looked down, I saw that the zipper on my front pocket was already wide open. A hand was about to grab my phone. I let out a shout, and the group instantly scattered into the crowd. That experience taught me a lesson. Since that day, I’ve only carried bags in front of me and no longer respond to solicitations on the street.
🛌 Where to stay for a peaceful trip to Paris?
Your choice of accommodations greatly influences your sense of safety and peace of mind. Some Parisian neighborhoods are quieter and less prone to petty street crime.
The Marais neighborhood or central arrondissements like the 5th and 6th offer a peaceful and safe atmosphere. You can walk there late at night without any particular fear. To find well-located and safe accommodations, check out the hotels available in the heart of Paris and read traveler reviews about the safety of the surrounding areas.
If you prefer a more residential atmosphere but still want to be close to the sights, the 15th arrondissement is an excellent option. Take the time to book your room in a quiet neighborhood of Paris so you can rest peacefully after your long days of walking. A hotel with a 24-hour front desk also provides added peace of mind.
Also, be sure to use the in-room safe to store your important documents and large bills. Before you leave, be sure to compare the best secure accommodations in Paris to ensure your vacation in France is a success.
🗺️ How can you visit Paris safely?
Being vigilant shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the capital’s splendors. You just need to adopt the mindset of a savvy traveler. Don’t look like a completely lost tourist standing in the middle of the sidewalk with a giant map. Study your itinerary before heading out, or discreetly check your GPS app while inside a store.
Large crowds in front of national monuments require extra caution. The lines for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, or the Palace of Versailles are prime spots for pickpockets. They take advantage of your awe at the architecture to strike.
To avoid long lines that can lead to crowding and to ensure a smooth entry, we strongly recommend booking your guided tours in advance. For example, you can purchase a skip-the-line ticket for Paris’s major monuments. This will allow you to enter more quickly and stay focused on your visit rather than on the crowd outside.
❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Paris
🙋♀️ Is Paris a dangerous city for tourists?
No, Paris is not a violent or dangerous city. Physical assaults on tourists remain extremely rare. The main issue involves petty crime and clever pickpocketing. By staying vigilant and informed, you’ll have a wonderful trip without any problems.
🙋♀️ What are the most common scams in Paris?
Aside from cell phone theft, you may encounter the “gold ring found on the ground” scam, the trap set by vendors selling braided bracelets around Montmartre, and fake taxi drivers waiting outside airports. Firmly refuse any suspicious interaction and keep walking.
🙋♀️ What should I do if my phone is stolen in Paris?
You need to act very quickly. Log in from another device to locate and remotely lock your smartphone. Report the theft to your carrier to suspend your phone service. Finally, go to the nearest police station to file an official report with your IMEI number.
🙋♀️ Are there really child pickpockets?
Yes, unfortunately, many pickpocket rings use minors. Tourists tend to be less suspicious of children. A group of teenagers cheerfully surrounding you should immediately set off alarm bells. Move away from the area quickly.