Europe

France

Location

Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, south-east of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain.

France shares with the rest of Europe a threat from terrorism. Sensible precautions should be taken to protect against street and car crime. Be aware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers at railway stations and tourist areas. Vehicle security, personal security, general travel, navigation, off-road driving, building / office security, climate injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, terrorism, civil disturbances, cultures / customs, communications.

Local water is safe in all cities, major towns, hotels. Use bottled water in rural areas if in doubt.

Mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east.

Generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-north-westerly wind known as mistral.

Flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean.

Avian influenza, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, typhoid.
Hospital: Cochin Hospital, 27 rue du Faubourg St Jacques, Paris. Tel: 1-42 341212

Some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural runoff.

Roads are normally in good condition. In South of France, particularly in the Marseille to Menton area, you are advised to keep vehicle windows and doors locked, as it is common for bags to be snatched.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.