What are the safe/unsafe parts of france?

Basic French phrases aren't that hard to learn. I HIGHLY recommend that you learn a few words because it will help you a lot through your trip & people will be nicer. If you speak French to them (no matter how horrible), they will try and help you. In Paris, when you speak French, they will speak English back if it is really obvious. :) French people can be nice, but if you act like a 'greedy American' (as they say) then they won't have much patience for you. People are nicer on the countryside because they are more relaxed while people in Paris always have somewhere to go & do...but that doesn't mean they won't help you! There are some seedy areas. In Paris, Sacre Coeur/Montmarte area is a little bit shady, but still is a great place to see. You just need to watch for scam artists & strip club owners. There are a lot of scam artists and gypsies in major tourist areas, like Notre Dame & Gare de Lyon. Watch your stuff & I also recommend you get a money belt for your passport and some money. Clichy is supposed to be a dangerous city but I've been there and it isn't bad. Also, Marseille has a reputation of being seedy/shady but when I went there, I felt completely safe and loved every second of my visit. The countryside of France is pretty safe - as the above poster said - but you should still be on guard just in case, you never know. Just act like you would here. Don't deface property, steal things, etc., and you'll be fine.