How to Stay Safe on the Paris Metro and Avoid Pickpockets

Whether it’s your first time in Paris or your fifth, chances are high you’ll end up riding the Paris Metro.

From Montmartre to the Marais, Versailles to the Latin Quarter, the Metro is fast, affordable, efficient, and takes you just about everywhere you want to go!

But while the Paris Metro is generally safe and reliable, it’s also infamous for one thing: pickpockets.

Type “pickpockets in Paris” into Google or Reddit and you’ll find hundreds of stories—some cautionary, some unlucky, some avoidable.

The truth is, you can absolutely ride the Metro without getting pickpocketed if you know what to watch for and how to act.

Here’s everything you need to know, from common scams to smart gear tips, real-life strategies from locals, and the subtle cultural cues that help you blend in (and not look like a target).

This is your ultimate Paris Metro safety guide, written by our guide team at Boutique!

Why Pickpockets Love the Metro

The Metro is the perfect hunting ground for pickpockets:

• It’s crowded. Tight spaces = easy distractions.
• It’s full of tourists. And pickpockets can spot them a mile away.
• There’s movement. People are rushing, distracted, or looking at maps.
• There are exits. Thieves can swipe and disappear in seconds.

But don’t panic. Paris locals take the Metro every day and are rarely pickpocketed. With just a few mindset shifts and habits, you can do the same.

1. Know Where You’re Most at Risk

Pickpockets don’t strike at random—they work the busiest spots. Stay especially alert in these locations:

🎯 High-Risk Metro Lines:

• Line 1: Major tourist sites like the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Bastille.
• Line 4: Connects key train stations like Gare du Nord (Eurostar) and busy stops like Châtelet.
• Line 9: Popular with tourists heading to Trocadéro for Eiffel Tower views.
• Line 13: Frequently cited in traveler stories for being packed and chaotic.

🚉 High-Risk Stations:

• Châtelet-Les Halles: Europe’s largest underground station = maze of distractions.
• Gare du Nord: Major transit hub, international arrivals = ideal for thieves.
• Saint-Michel / Notre-Dame: Always busy with tourists.

⏰ High-Risk Times:

• Rush hour: 8–10 a.m. and 5–8 p.m.
• Late nights: Crowds thin and you're easier to isolate.
• Tour group times: Mid-morning and early afternoon, especially in summer.

2. How Pickpockets in Paris Actually Operate

🤹 The Distraction Game

The number one tactic is distraction. While one person talks to you, another reaches into your bag or pocket. Here’s how they do it:

• Someone bumps into you “accidentally.”
• A group of kids might crowd into the Metro car and jostle you.
• One person drops something and asks you to help.
• A “helpful” stranger offers to show you how to buy a ticket.
• Someone blocks the Metro doors while their friend behind you grabs your phone or wallet.

3. Practical Paris Metro Tips to Stay Safe

🎒 1. Wear your bag in front

• Backpacks are easy targets.
• Crossbody bags with zippers are ideal.
• Use anti-theft bags that clip shut or can’t be easily unzipped.
• If you wear a backpack, put valuables in an inside pouch and wear it on your front in crowded cars.

📱 2. Keep your phone off the radar

Phones are the number one target in Metro thefts. Here’s how to protect yours:

• Don’t stand near the door while using your phone. Thieves grab it and dash out.
• Avoid scrolling while the train is stopped.
• Use headphones with the phone in your zipped coat pocket.

Local tip from a Parisian:
“Tourists hold their phones out like lighthouses. Locals keep them away when the doors open.”

👀 3. Watch your surroundings

This doesn’t mean being paranoid—just aware.

• Look around before you get on a train.
• If a group gets on and stands too close to you for no reason, move away.
• Don’t stare at your map. Memorize your route before you leave your hotel or use a discreet phone glance.

4. Blend In, Don’t Stand Out

Pickpockets can spot tourists instantly, especially American ones. Here's how to blend in just a little more:

🇫🇷 Try to look local:

• Dress simply. Avoid flashy jewelry, big logos, or cameras worn on your chest.
• Don't wear big backpacks or carry guidebooks out in the open.
• Try to walk with purpose, even if you’re not 100% sure where you’re going.

🗣 Use a little French:

A simple “bonjour” when entering a space helps you blend into the rhythm of French life. It signals you’re not fresh off the plane.

5. Common Metro Scams in Paris

Unfortunately, pickpocketing isn’t the only game in town. Be aware of these scams often seen in or near Metro stations:

📝 The Petition Scam

Usually young girls, pretending to be deaf, will ask you to sign a petition. While you're signing, someone else goes through your bag.

Tip: Never sign anything from a stranger in a Metro station.

💳 The “Help at the Ticket Machine” Scam

Someone offers to help you buy tickets—often with broken English and a smile. They may:

• Double-charge you
• Skim your card
• Or simply distract you while an accomplice steals from you

Tip: Politely say “non merci” and move on. If you need help, go to an official agent behind the glass or look for someone in uniform.

👛 Purse Drop / Wallet “Found” Scam

Someone shows you a wallet or phone on the ground and asks if it's yours—then tries to guilt or distract you. Often, it's just a ploy to draw you into a scam.

6. What to Do If You’re Targeted or Pickpocketed

It happens, even to the most experienced travelers. Here’s what to do if something goes wrong:

📍 Step 1: Move to safety

Get off at the next stop if you feel unsafe or have been targeted.

📞 Step 2: Report it

You can report incidents to the RATP (Metro staff) or at any police station. Pickpocketing is common, so staff may not chase a thief, but it’s still worth reporting for records.

📱 Step 3: Cancel cards & lock phones

If your wallet or phone is stolen:

• Use your bank app to freeze cards.
• Use “Find My iPhone” or Google’s Find My Device to lock or locate your phone.

7. Bonus Paris Metro Tips to Make Your Ride Smoother

🎟 Buy a carnet or a Navigo Easy pass

Don’t fumble with change—buy a pack of 10 tickets (carnet) or a contactless Navigo Easy card you can reload.

🕰 Let people off before you get on

Metro etiquette: Stand aside and let passengers exit first. It’s basic manners and prevents chaos.

🍷 Don’t eat or drink on the Metro

It’s frowned upon and makes you look like a tourist.

Final Thoughts: Yes, the Metro is Safe (But Be Smart)

Don’t let stories of pickpockets in Paris stop you from using the Metro. Millions of locals and travelers use it every day without issue. The key is to stay calm, aware, and prepared.

If you’ve lived in New York, LA, or Chicago, you likely already have some street smarts. If not—don’t worry. Paris doesn’t ask you to be paranoid, just attentive.

Want More Real-Life Paris Tips?

Join one of our award-winning bike tours and ride the trains like a local with us!

Our guides are real Parisians who share insider knowledge, cultural etiquette, and tips you won't find in guidebooks.

Follow us on Instagram (@boutiquebiketours) for more Paris Metro tips, French phrases, and daily behind-the-scenes of life in the City of Light.

✨ We’ll help you feel confident, not clueless, and have an amazing time in Paris.

Safe travels and we'll see you on tour!