When entering or leaving France, travelers must follow several important customs rules. Here is a clear summary of the most relevant regulations.

1. Cash Regulations

You may travel with any amount of cash, but if you are carrying €10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency), you must declare it to French customs.
Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

2. Alcohol Allowances

You may bring into France (for personal use):

• 4 litersof still wine
• 16 litersof beer
• 1 literof spirits over 22% alcohol, or
• 2 litersof alcohol under 22%

Amounts above this must be declared.

3. Tobacco Allowances

Duty-free allowances:

• 200 cigarettes, or
• 100 cigarillos, or
• 50 cigars, or
• 250 gof loose tobacco

Anything more must be declared.

4. Drugs and Illegal Substances

France has a strict zero-tolerance policy toward illegal drugs.
This applies to:

• Cannabis / marijuana (including small amounts)
• Hashish
• Cocaine
• Ecstasy / MDMA
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• LSD and hallucinogens
• Any synthetic or controlled narcotic substance

Cannabis is illegal in France, even for personal use. This includes:

• Bringing it into the country
• Buying it
• Carrying it
• Consuming it
• Transporting CBD products that contain THC

Paris is a beautiful and welcoming city, but like anywhere, there are a few rules to follow so everyone can enjoy its charm. Here’s a friendly guide to public behavior in the City of Light — with a touch of humor where it helps!

Smoking Regulations

France takes public health seriously, and strict anti-smoking rules apply both indoors and outdoors.

You cannot smoke in:

·       Restaurants, cafés, bars

·       Metro, buses, trams, and stations

·       Parks, gardens, and children’s play areas

·       Beaches (seasonal)

·       Areas around schools

·       Sports facilities, libraries, pools

·       Bus stops and covered waiting areas

Fine: Around €68 if caught smoking where you shouldn’t.

Alcohol Regulations

You can usually enjoy a drink in public — think a quiet picnic with wine along the Seine — but some areas restrict alcohol consumption, especially at night.

·       Look for signs that say “Consommation d’alcool interdite.”

·       Public intoxication is not tolerated and can lead to fines or a night in a sobering facility (charged to you).

Paris loves wine, but it also loves civility. Cheers, responsibly!

Getting around Paris is easy and enjoyable — whether you’re taking the metro, renting a bike, calling a taxi, or driving a car. But like any big city, there are rules that visitors should know to avoid fines and travel smoothly. Here is your friendly guide to transportation laws in Paris.

1. Public Transport Rules

Tickets Must Always Be Validated

Whether you’re using the metro, bus, tram, or RER trains, you must:

·       Buy a valid ticket (paper ticket or Navigo pass)

·       Validate it before entering the platform or boarding

Ticket inspectors (called contrôleurs) are very active, especially in tourist areas.

Penalty for traveling without a valid ticket:
Fines start at €50 and can be higher if unpaid on the spot.

Keep Your Ticket Until the End of Your Journey

You may need it to:

·       Exit certain stations

·       Show it during inspections

Throwing it away early can lead to confusion or fines.

2. Cycling Rules (Vélib’, E-bikes, and Personal Bikes)

Paris is a very bike-friendly city — but there are laws you must respect.

Helmets

·       Not required for adults, but strongly recommended, especially on busy streets.

·       Mandatory for children under 12, even if riding as a passenger.

Where You Can Ride

You must use:

·       Bike lanes when available

·       The street (if no bike lane exists)

Sidewalks are strictly forbidden for cycling, except for very young children.

Parking Your Bike

·       Use bike racks or designated areas.

·       Do not block sidewalks, doorways, or access ramps.

Improper parking can lead to:

·       Fines

·       Rental bike charges

3. Electric Scooters (Trottinettes Électriques)

Scooters are popular, but the rules are strict:

·       Must be ridden on bike lanes, not sidewalks

·       Maximum speed: 25 km/h

·       Only one rider per scooter (no passengers!)

·       You must park in designated areas

Fines:

·       Up to €135 for riding on sidewalks

·       €49 for improper parking

1. Mandatory Documents

To enter France with a pet, you must have:

• Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
• Proof of valid rabies vaccination
• Official veterinary health certificate

EU Travelers:
→ Your pet must have an EU Pet Passport.

Non-EU Travelers:
→ You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days before travel.

2. Rabies Vaccination Rules

• Pet must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination.
• Vaccine must be given after the microchip.
• A 21-day waiting period is required after the first vaccination.

Travel may be refused if the rabies vaccine is invalid.

3. For Travelers from High-Risk Countries

Pets coming from countries with high rabies risk may need:

• A rabies antibody titer test
• Done 30 days after vaccination
• Then wait 3 months before entering France

Check your country’s classification before travel.

4. Airline Requirements

Airlines often have additional rules:

• Advance pet reservation required
• Approved carrier (soft bag for cabin, hard crate for cargo)
• Weight limits for cabin travel
• Health certificate specific to the airline

Always check with your airline at least 1 month before your flight.

5. Pets on Trains in France (SNCF)

• Small pets (< 6 kg): Allowed in a carrier, small fee
• Larger dogs: Must have a ticket, leash, and muzzle
• Service animals: Travel free and without restrictions