VPNs and other tools worth installing before you go, curated for travelers visiting France.
Météo-France is the optional official weather app for mainland France and overseas territories. It provides forecasts, radar, short-term rain information and Vigilance notifications for dangerous weather. Enable the relevant department and read the full warning rather than relying only on an icon. Mountain, avalanche, marine, flood and heat risks may require the specialist bulletin and instructions from the local authority. Weather can close trails, beaches, monuments, roads and transport, so recheck before a long drive or outdoor plan. France's FR-Alert public-warning system does not require an app, registration or subscription. Compatible phones in the affected area receive a cell-broadcast notification with a distinctive sound; follow the message and official instructions. For emergencies call 112, or use 15 for medical emergencies, 17 for police and 18 for fire and rescue. The 114 service is available for deaf and hard-of-hearing users. A callback may display 0800 112 112, but that number is not itself an emergency number to dial. Keep the accommodation address, passport copy, insurer assistance number, embassy contact, prescription list and card-blocking numbers available offline. An app is a supplement, not a substitute for official alerts, emergency services or local evacuation instructions.
Official French forecasts, radar, short-term rain information and dangerous-weather Vigilance notifications.
These apps need data
Guac eSIM covers France with plans from $1.50 per GB. Install it before you land and activate instantly.
Check our utilities section for France.
There are 1 utilities apps available in France as of 2026.
Local taxi apps, lek cash and offline maps matter more than global brands
Public transport first, with city and Alpine tools that prevent expensive mistakes
Carry BAM, use local transport apps, and stay on established routes
National rail, regional transit and simple card backups for Belgium
Licensed taxi apps, city-specific transit tools and euro cash backups
Use SBB first, keep a card and francs handy, and prepare offline maps for the mountains