The Big Question: How to stay safe in France during the Olympics?

Beware of the pickpockets and other risks.

As the eyes of the world focus on Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, France's national terrorist alert remains at the highest level. According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's update on Smartraveller, terrorists could target events and locations leading up to, during and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games. With the Olympics Opening Ceremony less than two weeks away, travellers heading to France should take note of important safety advice.

"Not surprisingly, France - and specifically Paris - has amped up its security forces for the Olympics," says Doni Belau, founder and owner of Girls' Guide to the World, and an expert on travelling in France. "Some 18,000 military personnel will be on duty during the Games, and there will be up to 45,000 police out in force. Terrorist plans have already been thwarted, so you can bet that the French government wants no incident to sully their moment in the sun."

It's not only large-scale terrorist incidents that travellers need to be aware of. With millions of additional tourists descending on France this summer, petty thieves and credit card scammers are also out in force. Belau notes there has already been an escalation in the number of pickpockets taking advantage of the crowds.

Read more on Explore:

"The Olympics will likely increase the chance of travel delays, lost luggage and stolen or lost personal items as the city swells, and transport and infrastructure is put under pressure," says Jo McCauley, CEO of Southern Cross Travel Insurance. "We urge Aussies to remain vigilant, particularly when it comes to their baggage and personal belongings. In 2023, claims for baggage and personal items were the most common claim type (by volume), accounting for 35 per cent of all claims from Australian travellers to Europe."

If you are heading to France, stay alert and aware but don't worry excessively, says Belau. Don't let safety concerns take the shine off a glorious Gallic summer.

"Paris is as safe as most major cities and in many categories, it's safer," she says.

1. Terrorist activity: Be aware of your surroundings, monitor the local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Australians should register on smartraveller.gov.au