Emergencies in France: what to do and what to say – A guide for tourists

13 min read

Dealing with an emergency in a foreign country is scary. Here is everything you need to know before your next trip to France.

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1. Emergencies in France: How to Call for Help2. General Safety Measures and Useful Phone Numbers in France3. What to Do and Say if You are Sick or Hurt in France4. What to do or say if you are the victim of (or witness to) an assault5. What to do and say in case of a car accident in France6. What to do or say if you are caught in a natural disaster7. What to do and say in case of a terrorist attack

Imagine yourself lounging in the Tuileries Garden, eating macarons, when disaster strikes… Nobody wants their time in France to be tainted by the memory of a bad situation, but emergencies can happen anywhere at any time.

When you find yourself in a foreign country, it is better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, no matter how unlikely it might be. If you know what to do and what to say when disaster strikes, it won’t be nearly as scary.

Here is everything you need to know and what to say in case of an emergency in France.

1. Emergencies in France: How to Call for Help

First things first: unless you are Superman – good for you if that’s the case – you cannot act alone. In the event of an emergency, always try to get the attention of those around you. It will help keep everyone safe and limit the danger. They can also help you to deal with the situation.

If you are not comfortable speaking in French, you might find someone that can help you translate and explain what happened to the authorities and first responders.

• Au secours!Help!
• Aidez-moi!Help me!
• C’est une urgenceIt’s an emergency
• Appelez (la police, les pompiers, le SAMU)Call (the police, the firefighters, the emergency medical service)
• Il y a eu un accidentThere was an accident
• Attention!Watch out!
• Arrêtez-vous !Stop!

2. General Safety Measures and Useful Phone Numbers in France

What to do in case of an emergency in France?

If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it in France. The same safety rules you should always follow still apply in a foreign country.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation, remain calm, and assess the potential danger for yourself and those around you. Let the professionals do their job and call the appropriate emergency phone number.

Murphy’s Law struck and you are out of cellphone data? Good news! Emergency phone calls are free. No cellphone? Ask someone around you, or use the victim’s phone. If you are on the highway, you can also find emergency phone boxes every two kilometers. They are orange and located on the side of the road. They can also be found in some public locations like metro stations.

When calling, speak clearly, and state the following:

• Your name and a phone number on which the rescue service can get in touch with you in case you get disconnected
• Your exact location, with the address and how to access it. If there is a code to access the building or elevator, don’t forget to mention it
• The nature of the emergency. Describe exactly what happened
• The number and condition of the victims. Indicate their age, their sex, and their current position. If you or someone around you did something to help, mention it as well
• Any imminent risk for yourself or others
• Always wait until the rescue service hangs up first to finish your call

Emergency phone numbers in France

There are different emergency phone numbers which you should call in specific situations in France.

• 112 = European emergency phone number.

If you can only remember one emergency number, remember 112. It works throughout the European Union and routes your call to an emergency service. Ask for an English-speaking operator if needed; language assistance can vary.

The operator will assess the situation and direct your call to the appropriate service. In France, you can also call 15 for a medical emergency, 17 for police assistance, or 18 for firefighters. Use 112 when you are unsure which service you need.

• 18 = the fire brigade (les sapeurs-pompiers)

Firefighters respond to fires, accidents and rescue situations, including many medical emergencies. They are trained to provide first aid and coordinate with the appropriate medical services. In rural areas, they are often among the first responders.

• 15 = the emergency medical assistance service (le SAMU or Service d’Aide Médicale d’Urgence)

Call 15 for medical emergency assessment and assistance. They will coordinate with the appropriate services depending on the gravity of the situation. You will be able to discuss with a doctor 24/7 if needed, but the SAMU will also send an ambulance if necessary.

• 17 = the police (la police)

The police should be called to report a crime, a fight, etc. Depending on where you are located, you will be connected with either the Police Nationale – usually in urban areas – or the Gendarmerie Nationale – in rural areas. If you are planning on staying in the same location for a while, it is a good idea to note the direct phone number to your local police or gendarmerie station.

3. What to Do and Say if You are Sick or Hurt in France

Getting sick or hurt is the most likely emergency you will encounter while in France. Yes, it sucks, but you are in good hands. The country is well-equipped with a strong health care network.

It is more prudent to check before traveling abroad if your health insurance will cover you while you are out of the country. You can also purchase travel medical insurance before leaving. However, a visit to the doctor in France, even without insurance, is unlikely to break the bank. As of 2026, a standard mainland-France sector 1 general-practitioner consultation is €30; specialists, home visits, out-of-hours care and extra fees can cost more. Your insurance and situation determine what you pay out of pocket.

If you regularly use medication, make sure you have enough to cover the duration of your trip and find the French equivalent with the help of your primary doctor. It never hurts to carry a well-stocked first aid kit with you as well.

However, if you find yourself in a situation that requires additional assistance, you have several options while in France. Depending on the gravity, you can go to the pharmacist, call a doctor or head for the emergency room.

Going to the pharmacy

For a minor ailment, a pharmacist can advise you and help you decide whether to see a doctor. Being able to walk does not rule out a serious emergency: call 15 or 112 if urgent medical help is needed. Pharmacies are identified by a green cross and can be found in many towns and villages.

Not only will you get your medication right away, but French pharmacists are highly trained professionals and can give medical advice on the spot for most common ailments. You will be back to enjoy everything France has to offer in no time.

Pharmacies are usually open Monday to Saturday, between 9.30 am and 7 pm. Many take a break for lunch between 12 pm and 2 pm. However, you can still find pharmacies open outside of regular business hours. In large urban areas, some are open 24/7.

There is also a system that guarantees that at least one pharmacie is open in the general area. The pharmacies de garde are open all night and on the weekends. They rotate every day. You can find out which one it is on a sign in the window of any pharmacy or by calling ResoGardes at 32 37.

• Le pharmacien/la pharmacienneThe pharmacist
• Où est la pharmacie la plus proche?Where is the closest pharmacy?
• Une pharmacie de gardePharmacy on-call
• J’ai mal iciIt hurts here
• Une ordonnanceA prescription

Going to the doctor

The pharmacist couldn’t help and recommended that you see a doctor? As a tourist, you may not know where to start. The good news is that many doctors will see you, even if you are not a regular patient. Some doctors only take walk-in appointments. Bring cash, since not all doctors accept credit cards.

The easiest way to get in touch with a doctor in an emergency is to call SOS Médecins at 3624. Depending on local availability and medical assessment, a general practitioner may arrange a home visit or consultation; a visit within a couple of hours is not guaranteed. For a life-threatening emergency, call 15 or 112. You can also ask your embassy or the concierge of your hotel for recommendations. Here is a list of English-speaking doctors in France.

Most doctors speak some English, especially in larger cities, but you may need to use Google Translate to explain your symptoms in detail.

• Le cabinet médicalThe doctor’s office
• Le docteurThe doctor
• Un médecin généralisteA general practitioner
• Je voudrais prendre rendez-vousI would like to make an appointment
• Un médecin de gardeThe doctor on-call

Going to the emergency room

If you need urgent medical care, call 15 or 112 for assessment and guidance. Emergency departments prioritize patients according to medical urgency, so attendance does not guarantee immediate treatment for every patient.

• Emmenez-moi à l’hôpitalTake me to the hospital
• Le service des urgencesEmergency room
• Un chirurgienA surgeon
• Un infirmier/une infirmièreA nurse
• Sortir de l’hôpitalTo be discharged
• Une ambulanceAn ambulance

4. What to do or say if you are the victim of (or witness to) an assault

You were having a bit too much fun, and your wallet disappeared? That guy who was a bit too friendly ended up being a crook? France is not a dangerous country, but you can still be the victim of a crime, from petty thievery to more serious charges.

You may also need to assist someone if you are the witness of a crime.

If you are the victim of an assault in France, immediately get in touch with the local authorities to report the event. If you do not speak French, you are entitled to an interpreter free of charge. A formal complaint (plainte) is different from a main courante, which records facts and does not usually start an investigation by itself.

You will receive a receipt acknowledging your declaration and stating the place, date and time of declaration and your registration number which you may need for further proceedings.  Your embassy will also be able to advise you on what to do next.

You can file a formal complaint at any police or gendarmerie station if you are the victim of a crime; prosecution decisions are made by the judicial authorities. If you can, get the name and contact information of any witnesses. Try to give as many details regarding the nature and details of the offence as well as the offender’s name if you know it.

Gather anything that can help you prove the crime, including medical certificates and bills if medical treatment has already been sought, etc. If you are the victim of physical assault, police officers may accompany you to a medical examination or direct you towards a medical-legal emergency unit.

You can read more about legal procedures in France here.

• Une main courantePolice logbook
• Porter plainteFile a complaint
• Un témoinA witness
• Un agresseurAn attacker
• Une victimeA victim
• Je voudrais signaler…I want to report…
• Un volA theft
• Une agressionAn assault
• Un violA rape

5. What to do and say in case of a car accident in France

If you are involved in a car accident or witness to one, start by making sure the zone is secured. Put your hazard lights on and ask the other drivers to do the same if necessary.

Every French car, including rental cars, should be equipped with a yellow reflective jacket and warning triangles. Always keep them within reach, not in the trunk of your vehicle. Call the authorities immediately and check for any victim. Don’t move them unless they are in immediate danger (in the middle of the road, for example).

If you were involved in the accident, file an accident report with the other driver and note the name and contact information of any witnesses. Emotions can run high but stick to the facts when trying to establish who was responsible for what with the other drivers.

Contact your insurer promptly and follow the policy’s reporting deadline, normally five working days for a road accident. If you are hurt or hospitalized, ask for a medical certificate which you will need to deal with further proceedings.

• Un accident de la routeA traffic accident
• Appelez une ambulance, s’il vous plaîtPlease, call an ambulance
• Un gilet jauneA high-visibility vest
• Les triangles de signalisationThe warning triangles
• Un accrochageA minor collision
• Un constat d’accidentAn accident report
• Une déclaration de sinistreInsurance claim
• Une police d’assuranceInsurance policy
• Le conducteurThe driver
• Le passagerThe passenger

6. What to do or say if you are caught in a natural disaster

No need to feel threatened! Major natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes or damaging earthquakes are very rare in mainland France. Nevertheless, some parts of the country are regularly exposed to large fires, especially in the southeast of the country during the dry summer months.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in France and usually follow heavy rains.

If you are caught in one of these events, the best policy is to stay informed and to follow the recommendations of the local authorities. Follow local instructions about sheltering or evacuation, and move to safety if there is immediate danger. Keep basic necessities, like water and food, nearby.

• Un incendieA fire
• Une crueA river flood; rising water
• Une inondationA flood
• État d’urgenceState of emergency
• Une évacuationEvacuation
• Un abriA shelter

7. What to do and say in case of a terrorist attack

Let’s get things straight. In recent years, France has sadly made the headlines as the location of several large-scale terrorist attacks. Some travelers have even canceled their trip to France because of such events.

However, as distressing as they might be, such occurrences are extremely rare. The French government has made prevention one of its priorities. The Plan Vigipirate, the national security plan is in place everywhere on the French territory.

You will undoubtedly notice a massive security presence in all the touristy areas, during significant events, and in transport hubs like train stations and airports: that’s what those groups of heavily armed soldiers are here for.

Nevertheless, it is essential to be informed about what to do if you are caught in the middle of a terrorist attack. The French government provided a helpful infographic about the conduct to adopt in the event of an attack: escape if possible, hide if you can’t, and alert the authorities as soon as possible.

• Sorties de secoursEmergency exits
• Une explosionAn explosion
• Des coups de feuGunshots
• Un otageA hostage
• Un tireurA gunman
• Une bombeA bomb
• Une attaque terroristeA terrorist attack
• MortDead
• BlesséInjured
• Cachez-vousHide