France
Travel Destination – France
France is a captivating travel destination celebrated for its iconic landmarks, world‑renowned cuisine, historic towns, and diverse landscapes ranging from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean beaches. Visitors can stroll along the Seine in Paris, explore the vineyards of Bordeaux, savour fresh pastries in Lyon, or relax on the Côte d’Azur. With a strong cultural heritage, efficient transport network, and some of the best public healthcare facilities in Europe, France attracts millions of international travellers each year.
While France has a highly developed health system and generally low risk for most infectious diseases, smart health preparation and situational awareness help ensure a safe, enjoyable trip whether you’re exploring city streets, indulging in local gastronomy, or adventuring in rural areas.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to France, a travel health consultation with a doctor can help ensure routine immunisations are current, and discuss preventative health measures. During your pre-travel consultation, your doctor can tailor advice to your age, medical history, and itinerary, whether you’re visiting cities, rural regions, or the mountains. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and evacuation is essential, as healthcare in France can be costly without adequate coverage.
Ideally, this appointment should be made six to eight weeks before departure to allow time for multi-dose vaccines. Even if your trip is soon, a last‑minute consultation provides valuable advice on protecting your health abroad.
Insect avoidance
Insect-borne diseases have been reported in some regions of France. Tick-borne infections including lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, may pose a risk for travellers spending time in forested or rural areas. Zika which is transmitted by mosquitoes and leishmaniasis, transmitted by sand flies, have also been reported.
Travellers should reduce exposure to bites by using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wearing long sleeves and trousers when hiking or in rural settings, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities.
Food and water hygiene
France’s cuisine is celebrated worldwide, from flaky croissants and creamy cheeses to rich stews and delicate pastries. While food and water standards in France are generally very high, travellers should still take sensible precautions to avoid gastroenteritis and other food borne illnesses.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, and use alcohol-based sanitiser when handwashing facilities are unavailable. Choose freshly prepared foods served hot, and take care with salads, raw seafood, or unpasteurised dairy. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but if in doubt bottled water is available.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for France?
Measles
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Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread through respiratory droplets in crowded settings such as airports, public transport, tourist sites, and indoor venues. Despite high vaccination rates in many countries, measles cases continue to rise globally, and France has reported ongoing measles activity.
Prior to departure, travellers born during or since 1966 should ensure they are fully vaccinated with two doses of a measles‑containing vaccine, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR).
Influenza
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Seasonal influenza is common in France and circulates year‑round, particularly during the country's winter months of December to February. Influenza viruses can spread easily in crowded indoor environments, including public transport, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged six months and older, especially those at higher risk of complications such as older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19
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COVID‑19 transmission continues globally, including in France. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, especially in enclosed, crowded spaces such as public transport, cafés, and tourist sites. Travellers should be up to date with COVID‑19 vaccinations, including recommended booster doses according to Australian public health guidance, to reduce the risk of severe disease. Additional boosters are recommended for those with underlying health conditions, six-monthly for those over 75, and annually for those between 65 and 74. A travel doctor can advise whether COVID-19 booster is appropriate for you.
Routine vaccinations
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Routine immunisations protect against common infections that can be encountered overseas. These include tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and measles‑mumps‑rubella. Boosters are recommended depending on age and previous vaccination history. Additional vaccines such as hepatitis B, may be considered for travellers with particular exposure risks or extended stays. A travel consultation allows personalised assessment and ensures your immunisation record is optimised for your trip.
France
Other health risks in France
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis, often referred to as travellers’ diarrhoea, can occur in France despite high standards of food safety and water quality. It can be caused by bacteria in contaminated food and water. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Most cases are mild and resolve in a few days with adequate hydration; however, medical advice is recommended if symptoms are severe, persistent, or associated with significant dehydration. To reduce risk, practise thorough hand hygiene, choose freshly prepared meals, and drink safe bottled or treated water.
Lyme disease
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In France, Lyme disease is carried by ticks found in wooded and grassy regions, especially in the northeast and central parts of the country. The risk is highest during the warmer months of spring and summer, when ticks are most active. Infection can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, and sometimes a growing red rash at the site of the bite, though not everyone develops it. Travellers can lower their risk by applying insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing more serious illness.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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France is a diverse and generally safe destination, but travellers should be aware that serious crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching, theft, and occasional violent incidents, particularly in large cities such as Paris, can occur. Strikes and public demonstrations are frequent and may disrupt transport or services. Avoid protests and large gatherings, follow local authority advice, and keep valuables secure in crowded places.
Travellers should check Smartraveller for the safety advice and current updates before and during their trip.
Altitude sickness
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Altitude sickness can occur for travellers visiting France’s high‑elevation regions, particularly the French Alps, where peaks exceed 2,400 metres. Acute mountain sickness (AMS), commonly causes headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms usually improve with rest and gradual acclimatisation, but ascending too quickly increases the risk of more serious complications.
Severe forms of altitude sickness can affect the brain in high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE), and the lungs in high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). Both HACE and HAPE require immediate descent and urgent medical attention, as they can be rapidly fatal if untreated.
Travellers planning skiing, hiking, or mountaineering in the French Alps should ascend gradually, avoid overexertion in the first days at high altitude, stay well hydrated, and be aware of the early warning signs of AMS, HACE, and HAPE. Preventive medications may be recommended by a travel doctor in certain cases, and climbing with experienced guides improves safety for those unfamiliar with high-altitude conditions. Consult with your travel doctor for preventative health advice.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Long‑haul flights to Europe, including France, and prolonged periods of immobility increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs. Travellers can reduce risk by moving regularly during flights, performing leg exercises while seated, staying well hydrated, and seeking tailored advice if they have risk factors such as a history of clotting disorders or recent surgery.