My husband and I are planning to visit Paris in 2005 for our 20 year anniversary. However, after 9/11 and the recent Madrid train bombing, I have reservations about traveling to Paris. Has anyone that's been there recently (in 2004) found any problems regarding safety in traveling or in safety for themselves? Sure would appreciate some responses; would love to see Paris!

We have been in Paris three times since 9/11. Our most recent stay was late March-early April of this year, less than a month following the Madrid train bombings.

I feel just as safe in Paris as I feel where I live and possibly any other tourist destination during these troubled times. I may even feel more safe in Paris--the French (and other European nations) have been dealing with terrorism for years, whereas my city does not have Homeland Security down pat yet.

Prior to 9/11, we used to feel a little alarmed if we saw the French equivalent of the National Guard at a metro station or in the airport. Now I find it reassuring to know that they're there and on the alert.

I was in Paris in November and hope to be there again in May of this year. I'd be taking my four children with me (again). I would not go if I thought that it was an unsafe place.
Go and enjoy.

Agree with Elle. Paris is now on the alert called Vigipirate.
We went to Paris with our kids over our 20th anniversary and bought a set of china to remember it by (china anniversary on the traditional calendar). So this year we will take our kids and their spouses to celebrate our 40th--and a couple of other significant birthdays.
So, bring something back as a memento.

I agree with the other posters. I, too, have been in Paris over the last few years and find it quite safe. If you are looking for absolute assurances, however, that would not be possible.

I work in Wall Street. My daughter was in the WTC on 9/11 and barely escaped. Today terrorism is a worldwide phenomenon. The shadowy perpetrators move about the globe reeking their infamous acts.

I suggest two things:

-Go to Paris and enjoy this sublime city
-Vote for the presidential candidate that you think will be the best opponent of terrorism.

Happy Anniversary-en avance!

Anthony

Nobody can comment on how safe Paris is by what it seems or feels like, if what you fear is a terrorist bombing. I was in Spain and Madrid during end of March/beg April when they were having some problems, including finding a bomb on the train track, and the suicide bomber in Madrid suburb, but that wasn't something I could have predicted by what it felt like walking around as a tourist. They have more Spanish police in certain areas, on alert (train stations, major tourist locations, etc) and I think that is a good thing and might help discourage petty theft, also, and pickpockets.

I've been to Paris and various other parts of Europe recently and had no qualms about going; am going again in late June.

I will not get into any sort of "political" discussion about "the best candidate" but do remember the folks who jingoistically decided to "re-name" French fries and just how much that activity has made us all so much "safer."

Have a great trip.

How do you know some nut will not blow up the corner grocery store?
Or firebomb the dry cleaners?
How many attacks have there been in Paris in the last 5 years?
(I don't recall any.)

I often wondered why those blokes with the automatic rifles are out at times pacing up and down. A real terrorist is not going to be diverted by some guy in uniform with a gun.

Afterall, in Iraq, they shoot at those kind. At any rate, I never figured he was protecting me.

I recall that after 9/11, we flew home from Munich. A German armored car followed the plane down the taxi way with its cannon pointed right at us.
Did they think terrorists would hijack the plane while it was still on the ground - on the taxi way where it was a sitting duck? Rarely does that happen.

I was more afraid of the guy behind the gun getting an itchy trigger finger than I was of hijackers. I was literally staring right down the gun barrel.


I never could figure out a legitimate reason for that the show of gunpower.

I want to thank all of you for the positive responses! I do feel a lot better and now have no doubts that my husband and I will truly enjoy Paris and all the beauty it brings.