Avoid These Dangerous Vacation Spots When Visiting France
By SYDNEY BAKER
Marseille has a lot of crime, and many of its criminalities are violent and gang-related, with a rising number involving illegal gun possession and drug trafficking.
Marseille
Avoid the 13th through 16th arrondissements, as well as the 3rd and 9th arrondissements. In the rest of the city, exercise caution and pay attention to your surroundings.
Popular scams that target tourists, such as fake card tricks, are prevalent; be prepared to walk away. Consider taking a taxi instead of the subway, and choose a hotel carefully.
The French Alps have a very unpredictable nature. The weather can be erratic, transforming a bluebird day into a storm from your skiing nightmares.
The Alps
Check the forecast before you head out, and continuously monitor the conditions. Sign up for alerts from Keraunos, a French observatory website for storms, or MétéoFrance.
If you're already out on the mountain, keep an eye out for tell-tale signs of incoming storms. At the slightest chance of conditions changing, turn back immediately.
In addition to the dangers inherent to the Alps, Grenoble has drug trafficking and organized crime, which, according to Grenoble Redditors, has increased in recent years.
Grenoble
However, most of the time, the crime is smaller stuff such as bike theft or pickpocketing. Keep an eye on your belongings and lock up anything left behind, such as a bike or car.
Per Grenoble Redditors, avoid Pont De Claix, Saint Martin D'Heres, Echirolles, Villeneuve, and Mistral. In general, the northern part of the city is the best place to stay.
Paris is known for its alluring façade and famous sites, but there are places in the city where tourists shouldn't attempt to explore out of safety concerns.
Paris
Avoid the 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements. Additionally, Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est train stations and surrounding areas are best avoided in the evening.
Furthermore, many protests happen in Paris, and these can turn dangerous and involve conflict with law enforcement. Try to avoid them where possible.
Numbeo has recorded an uptick in crime in Montpellier, including offenses labeled "high." These include catcalling or harassment, theft, vandalism, and drug issues.
Montpellier
Stay sharp in the city center, and avoid being out alone after sunset. The rest of the city is generally safe per tourists and residents in the subreddit r/Montpellier.