Since spring (and eventually summer) is already underway, it's about that time of year when you can travel to your heart's content. But if you're a female traveler doing it on your own, you'll have to face the harsh reality that not all places are safe for you. Here in France, for example,
Paris may be popular for women and is generally safe, but its mid-to-high crime rates tend to argue otherwise. Fortunately, there are other French cities like Nice, Colmar, Lyon, Strasbourg, and Lille. Travel to any of these fabulous destinations as an independent woman and you'll find that not only are they safe, but they have so much to offer too!
Paris
Despite how relatively high the
crime rates in Paris are, the French capital is still a great place for female travelers. For one thing, it's as if the city was built for women! From fashion to food, Paris has a lot to offer the fairer sex. This is the best French city to shop, eat out, and find romance. Is it the safest city out there? No, not by a long shot. But there are many
neighborhoods in Paris where women can go out and about and remain safe throughout. Le Marais is one. It's the city's “gayborhood” so you know that both women and the LGBTQ+ community will be safe here.
Cannes
You can tell every May that
Cannes is a safe place for female travelers. This is when the Cannes Film Festival is held annually and all sorts of celebrities party in the beloved coastal city. Sure, the A-list celebrities have their own security teams to help them keep safe, but for the most part, the fact that these women can go out and about in Cannes is proof that the city is generally safe. Add to that the city's low crime rate and efficient local police and you have a destination where women can have the time of their lives without any worry!
Nice
Nice is a
nice place for women! (Get it?) Well, despite how corny that pun may be, it's no less true! One of the most beloved
towns on the French Riviera, it's a well-policed commune with low crime rates. This is the kind of place where women can travel to on their own, perhaps even go out naked in some parts of the coast, and they'll still stay safe. It helps that it's not as busy compared to other big French cities. Compared to Paris or even Cannes, Nice is practically a ghost town!
Colmar
The fairytale-like city of Colmar is a dreamy city that will enchant any woman lucky enough to see it in person. From the timbered houses that line the calm canals to the cobbled streets within narrow alleys, the place looks straight out of a
Disney film. As for how safe it is for female travelers, Colmar boasts a low crime rate and well-lit streets at night. Overall, women can go out and about and they'll still be safe no matter what. They'll do to avoid the darker areas, though. You never know what might transpire in the hidden corners.
Strasbourg
Despite how popular of a tourist destination it is, Strasbourg surprisingly has extremely low instances of crimes. There aren't a lot of pickpocketing and bag-snatching cases here, which is a testament to how locals treat tourists here. Not to mention how efficient the police are in maintaining order in the city. So doesn't this sound like a great French city for female travelers to visit? Add to that Strasbourg's signature storybook charms and you've got a great girl's trip ahead! Here, women can shop, relax in cafes, and take selfies throughout the picture-perfect
French countryside town.
Lyon
Located near the
French Alps, Lyon is a popular French city among locals and tourists alike. It’s famous for its Renaissance-style grandeur and delectable culinary scene. Lyon is arguably the best place for you to indulge in some authentic French sausages, duck pate, and roasted pork. And thanks to its low crime rate, the city is also great for female travelers going on holiday on their own. Any independent woman can roam most of Lyon's streets and they'll still remain safe and secure.
Lille
While it may not be the biggest among the French cities, Lille is still a lively metropolis with a lot of hustle and bustle. Normally, such cities tend to have high crime rates but this place is an exception. Lille currently has a general crime rate of 52.74% and a safety rate of 70.05% during the day. Is it the safest city in France? Nope! But even when you compare it to Paris, Lille is practically a safe haven! At night, the city remains well-lit, making it generally safe for women to go out and have a ball!
Avignon
Avignon is a walled city in Provence that's relatively peaceful. So much so that many would consider it boring and not worth the trip. Fortunately, it's still worth your while. The city's Medieval charms are on full display, with various corners transporting you all the way to the Middle Ages. It's easy to get lost in your fairytale fantasies when you gallivant from one cobbled street to another here. And thanks to its low crime rates, Avignon is one of the best French cities for female travelers to visit on their own.
If you're a female traveler going at it on your own, France is the place for you! Apart from the fashionable capital, Paris, there are other French cities where women will feel safe and happy all on their own.
