Crossing the Road

Take care when crossing Paris’s roads. French drivers are not known for respecting pedestrians, though a red light will usually – although not always – make them stop. Pedestrians do not have automatic priority on a crossing, unless lights are also in their favour. On pedestrian crossings, motorists often have the right to turn right, so always look before you start to cross.

Pickpockets

Gangs of pickpockets do frequent tourist spots such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, as well as wandering the metro system. Some are amateur gangs and easy to spot, but others are more subtle so guard your belongings at all times.

Mugging

Mugging is less of a problem in Paris than in other big cities, but it can happen. Try not to travel alone late at night and avoid unlit streets. Try to avoid long changes between metro lines too: better a longer journey than an unfortunate experience. The main stations you should avoid at night are Les Halles and St Lazare.

Police

There are a number of police stations in central Paris. These are listed in the phone book, or call the Préfecture Centrale for details. All crimes should be reported, if only for insurance purposes.

Préfecture Centrale

• 01 53 71 53 71

• Open 24 hours

Women Travellers

Parisian men are generally courteous. A firm rebuttal usually halts unwanted attention. If not, try to seek the help of another man: they do not like to see a woman being pestered.

Insurance

Paris medical treatment is very good but it can be expensive, so be sure to have good health insurance. Visitors from EU countries should be equipped with a European Health Insurance card to avoid emergency fees. All other nationalities should take out private insurance. Report all crimes or lost property, and keep a copy of the statement you make to the police.

Hospitals

English-speaking visitors might want to contact the British or the American Hospitals, both open 24 hours a day. Paris hospitals are listed in the phone book, or call Hôpital Assistance Publique.

British Hospital

• 01 46 39 22 22

American Hospital

• 01 46 41 25 25

Hôpital Assistance Publique

• www.aphp.fr

Ambulances

If you need an ambulance, dial the emergency number. Fire stations also have ambulances and are qualified to carry out first aid.

Pharmacies

A green cross indicates a pharmacy (chemist). They are usually open between 9am–7pm Monday to Saturday. At other times, the address of the duty pharmacy will probably be displayed, or contact the local gendarmerie. Pharmacies will also give doctors’ details.

Dentists

These are listed in the Paris Pages Jaunes (Yellow Pages) under Médecins Qualifiés. In a dire emergency, a service called SOS Dentistes will provide a house call, but be prepared to pay. A large dental practice is at the Centre Médical Europe.

SOS Dentistes

• 87 blvd Port Royal

• 01 43 37 51 00

Centre Médical Europe

• 44 rue d’Amsterdam

• 01 42 81 93 33