Staying Healthy while Traveling in Paris: A Guide

Traveling isn’t the ideal time to come down with an illness, but as these times have shown us, being prepared is important.

For long-term stays in Paris, if you find yourself needing a doctor or a prescription, then you’ll need a French doctor. The best way to find a physician who speaks your language is through the Doctolib website. Generally, visits are about 25 euros and don’t require that you to have French health insurance.

For short-term visits, however, the pharmacists in France are a trusted resource for medical advice and recommendations for remedies. Here is a quick guide to Paris pharmacies:

1. On just about any corner in Paris, you will spot an illuminated green cross symbol, indicating a pharmacy.
2. Many pharmacists in Paris speak some English, but it is a good idea to have a translator app on your smart phone ready to use, so you can easily explain your symptoms and communicate.
3. French pharmacists are highly trained and give wonderful free healthy advice—even about other health issues such as skincare and haircare. Got dandruff? Your French pharmacist can point you to a product that will help. Ingrown toenail? Ask a pharmacist.
4. Like in other French stores and businesses, visitors should always greet the staff with “bonjour” and go directly to the person on duty, rather than trying to read packaging and guessing at the appropriate products on their own. Let the pharmacy staff help you.
5. When it comes to masks and hand-sanitizer, pharmacies are often pressed to keep stocked. French grocery stores are another source for these, but you may have to ask for them.
6. French pharmacies are also legendary for stocking highly sought after hair- and skincare items at good prices; favorite French brands that have reached almost cult-like status include Embryolisse, Avene, Bioderma, Klorane, Biafine, and many more!