Going to Paris in two weeks and know that HSBC is big in Europe but want to make sure there are HSBC branches/atms in Paris so I can withdrawl without penalties.

The easiest would be to ask your local branch to give you a list of their Paris locations. They are an Asian bank, I believe.

Even easier is to google HSBC Paris - you'll find address and maps for 258 branches in Paris.

they might still be branded CCF (hsbc's acquisition in france). last time i was in paris (about 6 months ago) CCF was displayed with the HSBC symbol.

be warned that hsbc is highly fragmented around the world and there is little integration of their business. don't expect to be treated like an hsbc customer unless you go to an hsbc in your home country. just from my experience with this bank. the whole "world's bank" think is a load of ....

I also remember seeing those CCF signs and saying to myself that looks like HSBC but I haven't been in Paris in two years - I am going in November
However, I have used my HSBC ATM card (US) in many different bank ATMs in Europe and Japan (post office) numerous times and have never been charged any fee. Their exchange rate is pretty good as well.

Just go to www.pagesjaunes.fr, enter HSBC and the zip code of your hotel for nearby branches.

I think they are very common in Paris. They are even the official ATM at the CDG airport.