How to find pharmacies and access medical care
France takes good care of its visitors, and mishaps are rare. Even so, here's what you need to know, just in case.
Emergency services
In an emergency, dial 112 anywhere in France – it connects you to police, fire or ambulance, whichever you need. French hospitals are excellent and hold specialist units that treat everything from twisted ankles to serious trauma.
Dentists
Toothache at 9pm on a Sunday? Head to the nearest hospital's emergency department. In Paris and other major cities, SOS Dentaire offers a dedicated out-of-hours dental line too.
Pharmacies/Chemists
Pharmacies (the word is similar in French, les pharmacies) are easy to find, from Paris side streets to small villages in the Luberon. Staff can help with everything from blister plasters to sunburn, and point you toward a doctor if you need one.
Most open Monday–Saturday, roughly 9am–7pm, with shorter hours (or none at all) on Sundays. Look for the green cross – it flashes after dark, so you’ll always be able to find it.
French towns also run a rota of pharmacie de garde: one pharmacy in each area stays open through the night, on Sundays, and on public holidays. Ask at any pharmacy door (the rota is often posted there), check online, or ask your hotel's front desk to point you in the right direction.
Health Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential, wherever your trip takes you. We don’t offer this through Nordic Visitor (our Cancellation Protection is only for cancelling or rearranging your trip, should you need it).
EU and EEA citizens should carry their EHIC or UK GHIC card – without it, you'll be billed in full. Travellers from elsewhere are charged upfront, and can claim costs back through their insurer, depending on the policy
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