Paris_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Lonely Planet [302]
The Police
Thanks to the Napoleonic Code on which the French legal system is based, the police can search anyone they want to at any time – whether or not there is probable cause.
France has two separate police forces. The Police Nationale, under the command of departmental prefects (and, in Paris, the Préfet de Police), includes the Police de l’Air et des Frontières (PAF; the border police). The Gendarmerie Nationale, a paramilitary force under the control of the Ministry of Defence, handles airports, borders and so on. During times of crisis (eg a wave of terrorist attacks), the army may be called in to patrol public places.
The dreaded Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS) – riot-police heavies to be avoided at all costs – are part of the Police Nationale. You often see hundreds of them, each bigger and butcher than the next and armed with the latest riot gear, at marches or demonstrations. Police with shoulder patches reading ‘Police Municipale’ are under the control of the local mayor.
The American concept of neighbourhood cops walking their beat or the British bobby giving directions does not exist whatsoever in France; police here are to maintain order, not mingle and smile. If asked a direct question, a French policeman or policewoman will be correct and helpful but not much more; assisting tourists is not part of their job description. If the police stop you for any reason, be polite and remain calm. They have wide powers of search and seizure and, if they take a dislike to you, they may choose to use them all. Be aware that the police can, without any particular reason, decide to examine your passport, visa, carte de séjour (residence permit) and so on. Do not challenge them.
French police are very strict about security. Do not leave baggage unattended; they are quite serious when they say that suspicious objects will be summarily blown up. Your bags will be inspected and you will have to pass through security gates not only at airports but also at many public buildings (including certain museums and galleries) throughout the city. If asked to open your bag or backpack for inspection, please do so willingly – it’s for your (and our) safety ultimately.
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MAPS
The most ubiquitous (and user-friendly) pocket-sized street atlas available is L’Indispensable’s Paris Practique par Arrondissement (€4.90), though the similar Paris Utile (€4.50) from Blay Foldex has its supporters. More detailed is Michelin’s Paris Poche Plan (No 50; €2.20). All of these are usually available from newsstands and the Espace IGN Click here.
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MEDICAL SERVICES
If you are not an EU citizen, it is imperative that you take out travel insurance before your departure. EU passport holders have access to the French social security system, which reimburses up to 70% of medical costs.
Hospitals
There are some 50 assistance publique (public health service) hospitals in Paris. If you need an ambulance, call 15; the EU-wide emergency number (with English speakers) is 112. For emergency treatment, call Urgences Médicales de Paris ( 01 53 94 94 94) or SOS Médecins ( 01 47 07 77 77 or 0 820 332 424). Both offer 24-hour house calls costing between €35 and €90 depending on the time of day and whether you have French social security.
Hospitals in Paris include the following:
American Hospital in Paris (off Map; 01 46 41 25 25; www.american-hospital.org; 63 blvd Victor Hugo, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine; Pont de Levallois Bécon) Private hospital offering emergency 24-hour medical and dental care.
Hertford British Hospital (off Map; 01 46 39 22 22; www.british-hospital.org; 3 rue Barbès, 92300 Levallois-Perret; Anatole France) A less-expensive private English-speaking option than the American Hospital.
Hôpital Hôtel Dieu (Map; 01 42 34 82 34; www.aphp.fr, in French; 1 place du Parvis Notre Dame, 4e; Cité) One of the city’s main government-run public hospitals (Assistance Publique