With the tense relations between the U.S. and France in recent months, coupled by terrorist attacks worldwide, anyone longing to visit France may wonder if it is safe.
There have been concerns over the recent rioting plaguing France. The latest State Department travel advisory also mentions that the French operate a national anti-terrorism plan, called "Vigipirate Renforce." The advisory states the following:
"Under this plan, in times of heightened security concerns, the government mobilizes police and armed forces and installs them at airports, train and metro stations, as well as other high profile locations such as schools, embassies, and government installations.
"In recent years, France has experienced political assassinations and random bombings. One U.S. citizen was injured in these attacks, but none have been killed. All passengers on subways and trains are urged to be aware of their surroundings and to report any unattended baggage to the nearest authority."
There has been violence in France lately: a bomb threat on the U.S. Embassy in Paris, attacks on Jews and so on. France opposed the U.S.'s push for force against Iraq, so travelers could face anti-American sentiment in France. But Americans are probably more likely to get pick-pocketed wandering the Champs Elysees.
While the government hasn't isolated France as a particularly dangerous country, it has issued general warnings for Americans traveling or living abroad. And some people are simply nervous about traveling in these uncertain times. The notorious Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne's daughter, canceled an appearance at an awards show in London in February 2003, saying she would feel safer staying at home.
The government's "worldwide caution," warns Americans to avoid demonstrations and increase awareness when in places where Americans tend to gather, such as churches, hotels, outdoor recreation events and resorts.
With the world so uncertain, it's normal to feel nervous. However, France has its own version of homeland security against terrorism. Even so, Americans traveling abroad and to France should have heightened awareness of their surroundings and take certain precautions.
If you do plan to travel there, instead of dwelling on today's conflicts, why not honor the memory of the dead from wars past? There are several sites, monuments and museums in Normandy dedicated to D-Day and World War II.