Emergency Telephone Numbers and Helplines in France

In a case of an emergency in France, here are the main telephone numbers to use if you live, or you are holidaying there, even from your mobile/cell phone. 

First, make sure it is safe to call; if unsure whether it’s a medical emergency, check with a local pharmacist/chemist, depending on the condition. They are trained to handle many urgent situations, including first aid, poisoning ... 

You must be prepared and able to indicate your exact location. Many people use the what3words app, an easy and efficient way to say and share accurate location details, with a unique combination of three words.

You will need to briefly explain the nature of the emergency, if possible in French. If you don’t have a native speaker amongst you quickly rehearse what you need to share with the service des urgences, start with your name, ‘je m’appelle” and your age, “j’ai .... ans”.

Try to stay calm and speak clearly to the operator. Ask them if they speak English; many do. “Parlez vous Anglais”. For example, if you have time, use a translation tool or app. on your mobile to prepare the text before you call.

Main Emergency Numbers in France

From a landline or public phone free call:

• Police/Gendarmerie - dial 13 (from a French phone or landline)
• Medical Emergencies/Samu - dial 15 (from a French phone or landline)
• Fire services/Pompiers - dial 18 (from a French phone or landline)

NOTE: the above emergency numbers are for serious medical emergencies and accidents only.

IMPORTANT - From October 1st, 2024, all the emergency services listed above may use 0800 112 112 to contact you. Try to remember this, it’s not a scam, cold call or charge, if you receive a call from 0800 112 112, ANSWER IT. This may help save yours or someone else’s life.

DIAL 112 for the whole of the EU and Europe - English-speaking service

• For all emergencies in the EU, you can dial 112 from your mobile phone.
• 112 is a free emergency number that can be dialled from any landline or mobile phone.
• Operators are English speakers who will connect you to the appropriate local services.
• Do not call 911; this will not work in France (and in most European countries).

More Emergency & Helpline Numbers

Call the following services from a French landline or public phone :

• To find a duty pharmacy in your local area, dial 3237
• For the Medical advice line (SOS Médecins), dial 08 20 33 24 24
• For dental emergencies, call SOS dentists on 01 43 37 51 00 (Paris)
• For the Child Abuse, visit their website and to call the hotline, dial 119
• For young victims of digital harassment and violence, dial 30 18 (free anonymous call, 7/7, from 9 am to 11 pm)
• For the Abused Women Helpline, dial 3919
• For the Red Cross hotline (La Croix Rouge), dial 0800 858 858
• For the SPA - animal protection, equivalent to RSPCA, dial 01 43 80 40 66

Reporting Credit Cards Problems in France

• To report a lost or stolen Visa Card, dial 08 00 90 11 79
• To report a lost or stolen Mastercard, dial 08 00 90 13 87
• To report a lost or stolen Amex card, dial 01 47 77 72 00

Gas & Electricity Emergencies

• For EDF emergencies dial 01 43 35 40 86
• EDF Customer service is 0333 200 5100
• GDF - Emergency contact for gas leaks/problems
• Dial 0800 473 333  or  01 40 33 80 60
• If calling GDF from abroad, you can talk to a operator on +33 4 72 74 56 89

British & US Embassies in France

• For the British Embassy in Paris, dial +33 1 44 51 31 00
• The address is 35, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
• The UK also has Consulates in Bordeaux and in Marseille.
• For the Embassy of the United States dial +33 1 43 12 22 22
• The address is 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris

Traffic, Breakdown and Customs

Motorway Breakdown Service in France

call from the emergency phone on the motorway, usually an orange box, they’re easy to spot. Breakdown service is available 24/7 across the French motorway network.

Before driving in France, we recommend you check the driving rules, ensure your car insurance covers your vehicle adequately, and invest in a French driving kit with a red emergency roadside triangle. 

There are many websites to help you plan your journey while driving in France; the most popular ones are Google Maps and the handy Bison Futé, which alerts of peak traffic times during busy weekends and school holidays. If you’re planning a trip to look at properties, take a look at our planning your viewing trip tips in our buying guide.

French Customs

Whether you travel to France for leisure or business, you should learn about the formalities to check before you go.

We’ve aimed to be as thorough as possible, but don’t hesitate to share any suggestions you think may be useful to travellers and businesspeople going to France, or to expats already living there.

And Finally ...

Why not improve your language skills with an award-winning course from Rosetta Stone. And you should consider health insurance and/or travel insurance before you leave, especially if you are travelling with kids or relatives with medical history.