Our Guide to Telephone Numbers and Area Codes

This article covers phone numbers and area codes in beautiful France, including how to use them. 

Discover France’s Regional Phone Codes

France uses a 10-digit system, with the first two digits indicating a mobile phone, a non-geographic number or one of five geographic areas for landlines, depending on the region.

• 01 is the area prefix code for Paris and Île-de-France
• 02 is the area prefix code for northwest France
• 03 is the area prefix code for northeast France
• 04 is the area prefix code for southeast France
• 05 is the area prefix code for southwest France
• 06 Mobile / cell phone services
• 07 Mobile / cell phone services
• 08 Special phone numbers, including Freephone (numéro vert) and shared services
• 09 Non-geographic number (used by Voice over IP services)

Numbers and Country Code for France

This telephone numbering system is used in France and its French overseas departments and territories. All geographic numbers are dialled using the full 10-digit format, even for local and national calls.

Every country has a different country code that must be dialled before the local phone number. Without them, there wouldn’t be enough numbers for everyone in the world to have a unique one.

The international access code is the International Telecommunication Union’s recommended standard and starts with 00. France’s international country code is 33.

Making International Phone Calls

When calling France from abroad, omit the leading 0 of the local number. For example, to call a landline number in the southwest from overseas, you would dial +33 5 and the remaining 8 digits. To call a landline in Paris and Île-de-France, you would dial +33 1, then the other 8 digits.

In France, people (and website forms) usually write telephone numbers in pairs, forming a sequence of five double-digit numbers, for example, 01 23 45 67 89.

Two main directories let you look up people or businesses: les pages blanches (White Pages) to find an individual’s number, and les pages jaunes (Yellow Pages) for products, businesses, and services.

Visit our business directory for expats living and working in France, and learn out about the best times to contact companies in France before making a telephone call.

What is the Difference Between 0033 and +33?

When dialling France, 0033 and +33 serve the same purpose but are used differently depending on your phone type.

The “+” symbol is a universal international exit code and works best on mobile phones, as the network automatically replaces it with the correct code for your current country. 

The “00” prefix is an international exit code specifically used in the UK, Europe and other regions. If you’re calling from a landline in these areas, dial 0033 since landlines often can’t automatically recognise the “+” symbol.

Example to Call a Mobile in France

When calling a mobile or cell phone in France from abroad, you should also keep the leading 0 of the local number. If calling from a French mobile, you will need to use the 0.

To call a mobile phone (the French call it “telephone portable” or “le portable”) from overseas, dial +33 6, then the other 8 digits.

Here’s a concrete example of calling a mobile in France from overseas: if the “normal number” given is 06 12 34 56 78, you would need to dial 00 33 6 12 34 56 78 from a landline or a mobile.

Note that if you have or use fewer numbers than shown above, you won’t be able to contact the person you are trying to reach.

What is a Numéro Vert in France?

A numéro vert in France is a toll-free number, usually starting with 0800 through to 0805, where the receiving party bears the call costs. Called “Freephone,” these numbers are used for customer support, hotlines, and government services, and are free from landlines and mobiles.

Don’t confuse them with other 08 numbers, such as 0810 or 0820, which have shared or premium rates. Often shown in green, they are distinct from premium-rate numbers starting with 08.

What if You Can’t Speak French?

If you don’t speak French, try starting the conversation with, “Allo, parlez-vous Anglais?” If the answer is “non”, then try to use simple words and keep sentences short. Always finish with “Merci, et au revoir” or “bye”; either is fine. Take a course to learn French as soon as you can.

In the meantime, you may be interested in reading our selection of popular vocabulary and expressions to enhance your French language skills.

About France’s Telephone History

If you’re interested in France’s communication system, search for the former France Télécoms, now Orange, your first port of call when you move to France.

Explore the history of the Minitel, a precursor to the internet of the future. The Minitel was a videotex online service accessible through telephone lines and the world’s most successful online service before the advent of the World Wide Web.

And if you’re interested in more French fun, grab a cup of café and dive into over 130 fun facts.

Numbers in Case of an Emergency

Finally, if you have an emergency, here are the main telephone numbers to check. We hope you won’t need to use them.

We can also help with French insurance, or if you need to transfer currency swiftly, with excellent rates and English-speaking service.