Page 242 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Provence & The Côte d'Azur

240  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health

On the whole Provence is a fairly safe place for visitors,
however, it is wise to take a few precautions. Extra caution
is required in the larger cities and along the Côte d’Azur,
especially in Nice, which has a higher crime rate than
Marseille. Car crime is prevalent along the coast, so make sure
you never leave your valuables in a vehicle. You should also
avoid groups of innocent-looking children who may, in fact,
be skilled in the art of pickpocketing. Consular offices can be
good sources of help in the event of an emergency (see the
directory box opposite). Rural areas are usually very safe.
Personal Property
and parking there will also
Pickpockets are common in the remove the risk of being towed Policeman Fireman
tourist areas of the Côte d’Azur away, which is a greater everyday
and in larger towns. In Nice, issue than most car crime. insurance claim you make.
bag snatching is on the rise, It is not advisable to sleep If your passport is stolen, contact
but fortunately muggings are still on the beach, since robberies the police and your nearest
rare. Take care of your belongings and attacks have been known consulate (see opposite).
at all times. Do not carry much to take place there at night.
cash at any one time, and avoid In the event of a theft, go to the Personal Safety
carrying valuables with you nearest police station (gendarmerie)
when sightseeing. with your identity papers (and Certain train routes – for example
Try not to park your car in vehicle papers, if relevant). The the Marseille-Barcelona and
remote areas, and use multi-storey report process (procès-verbal, or Marseille-Ventimiglia (Italy) lines –
car parks if you can. These are PV) may take time, but you will have dubious reputations. Stay
monitored by video cameras, need a police statement for any alert and keep the compart-
ment door shut and your
valuables close to you, especially
if you are travelling at night.
Some tourists visiting the area
during the summer, have been
victims of road piracy, with their
vehicle being rammed on the
motorway to force them to
stop. There are police stations
at most motorway exits, so if
Police car you encounter any trouble, try
to stay calm and keep going
until the next exit.

Legal Assistance
If your insurance policy is
comprehensive (including a legal
service in France), they will be
able to help with legal advice
on claims, such as accident
procedure. If you are not insured,
Fire engine call your nearest consulate office.

Women Travellers
Women should take the usual
precautions: wearing their
bag strapped across the
body; being careful after dark;
avoiding quiet, unfamiliar areas;
locking the car doors when
driving; and taking care on
Ambulance trains, especially sleepers.