Q & A

Subject: Safety in France.

Question: I have traveled to Paris a couple of times the last 2 years with my teenage son. I recently heard that the crime rate in Paris has dramatically increased. The crimes involved muggings and murder. I also heard some countries are advising their citizens not to travel there because of these safety concerns. Can you confirm any of this, as I would like to return to Paris with my son again this summer. Thank You

Answer: Yes, crime in France is on the up-swing, the French are very worried about this, crime is the number one issue in the current French presidential election. There have been some high profile crimes in France the last few months, that in my opinion create the perception of crime spiraling out of control. I don’t believe that in Paris you should have anything to worry other than pickpockets. I don’t live in Paris so I can’t say if crime there has “dramatically increased”. In Strasbourg, where I live with my wife and 14 month old son, I don’t feel unsafe. I would like to know what countries you have heard are advising their citizens not to travel to France as I have not heard this.