SEX WORK IN FRANCE: WHAT IS THE LAW?

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO practice prostitution or be an escort. You cannot be fined for engaging in prostitution.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO look for customers on the street and online.

A CUSTOMER who buys sexual services runs the risk of being fined.

YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO perform a sex act in a place accessible to public view. However, a sex act may be performed in a parked vehicle with the doors closed if it the people inside cannot be seen.

A PERSON DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO employ you and earn compensation on your behalf from your clients.

RENTING A FLAT for the purpose of sex work is not permitted. The landlord can evict you and report you on property rental websites.

NOTE

In certain cities, decrees are issued by the town council to prohibit soliciting or van parking in specific neighbourhoods. In these places you may receive fines of 38 euros. For example, in 2023, soliciting was banned in certain districts of Toulouse and Cannes. Vans are prohibited from parking in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris and near the Gerland stadium in Lyon. Ask colleagues abort the regulations in your city.