France

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for France 🇫🇷

A country where rich history blends seamlessly with the charm of its picturesque landscapes. Get ready to be captivated by its timeless elegance.

France, known for its vibrant history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, offers something for every traveler. From the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera, there’s no shortage of iconic destinations. Indulge in world-renowned cuisine and fine wines that epitomize French gastronomy. Explore charming villages, majestic castles, and picturesque vineyards. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, France promises an unforgettable experience.

Travel Immunizations for France

What vaccines do I need for France? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections. 

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.  

  • Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
  • Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

France Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to France

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing. 

Medical Services and Facilities in France
  • Health care is adequate, but varies throughout the country.
  • Facilities are generally good in cities such as Paris and Marseille and in towns that have large hospitals, such as Cannes, Lyon and Chambery.
  • If you’re travelling to smaller towns or to remote areas, you may need a medical evacuation to a central hospital, in the event of serious illness or injury.
  • Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Consular Assistance in France

Street Address: 130, roe du Faubourg Saint-Honore, 75008, Paris, France

Telephone: +30 (0)1 44 43 29 02

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/france/paris.aspx?lang=eng

Street Address: 37, boulevard Dubouchage- 1st floor,  06000 Nice, France

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/france/nice.aspx?lang=eng

Street Address: 3, place de la Bourse, 69002, Lyon, France

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/france/lyon.aspx?lang=eng

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, dial: 

  • 112 for emergency assistance
  • 17 to connect to the police

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