Canada updated its France travel advisory and here's what to know before visiting this summer

If you're eyeing a summer trip to France, you may want to take note of a travel advisory for the country that was recently updated by the Government of Canada.

Canada's travel advisory for France is warning residents to "exercise a high degree of caution" amid new safety and security concerns if travelling over the summer.

Earlier this month, the government updated its travel advisory for France with details of public events taking place this summer that could impact travel plans.

According to the advisory, the Olympic Games will take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11 followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, 2024.

"Public events will take place across France starting on May 8 and will continue until the opening ceremony," says the travel advice.

According to the Associated Press, Paris is expecting as many as 15 million visitors for the games, and the country is on high alert.

Ahead of the Games, France has updated its "Vigipirate plan," a set of measures established by the French government to prepare and protect the population, infrastructure and institutions in the event of a terrorist attack.

According to the travel advisory, terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities, and over the past few years in France, several "opportunistic and premeditated attacks" have occurred.

"These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely," says the Government of Canada.

In March, the French government raised the security threat level within the plan to "attack emergency," which is the highest level.

According to France's General Secretariat of Defense and National Security, this marks the tightening of the Vigipirate plan due to evolving terrorist and cyber threats, and places a greater emphasis on security for sites and gatherings linked to the Olympic games, as well as things like buildings used for teaching and places of worship, festive, sporting, cultural and religious gatherings, and public and institutional buildings.

In addition to this, the government is advising travellers that under France's Operation Sentinelle, which allows the deployment of military brigades in public places to patrol and deter terrorist acts, enhanced security measures have been deployed in various locations, including transport hubs, public places and tourist locations, especially in Paris.

What to expect when travelling to France this summer

The Government of Canada is warning residents to expect major disruptions to traffic and movement, large crowds and public gatherings and an increased presence of security forces (including police and military) if travelling to France amid the Olympics.

The government is also reminding Canadians that terrorist attacks can occur anywhere, and that terrorists may target government buildings, places dedicated to culture, airports, and public areas such as tourist attractions, monuments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.

Travellers should always be aware of their surroundings while in public places, and be "particularly vigilant" if attending large gatherings in France.

If you're planning to attend the Olympics, the Government of Canada has more information on travelling amid the games and how to stay safe during mass gatherings abroad.

Bon voyage!

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.