Electricity and sockets
An adapter is required: France uses Types C and E, which does not accept plugs from the UK.
Sockets at the destination
The grid in France works at 230 V and 50 Hz; the recorded sockets are Types C and E. At 230 V the supply matches what UK and European appliances expect, so no converter is needed.
The same socket system is used in Monaco, Czechia, Belgium and Poland, so one adapter covers all of them. Watch out when moving on: Cyprus, the Isle of Man and Ireland use a completely different system. In Europe, 6 of 50 recorded destinations use exactly this combination.
Protective earth
France has sockets with a protective earth (Type E) and without (Type C). A plug that fits mechanically does not guarantee earthing.
Quick check by home country
| From the UK | adapter for Types C and E | Check route → |
|---|---|---|
| From the US | adapter for Types C and E | Check route → |
Voltage and frequency in France match UK appliances, so only the plug shape matters. Check your own device →
The same sockets are used further afield: Congo, Niger, the Western Sahara, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.
Common questions
Yes. UK plugs do not fit the sockets in France.
The records list Types C and E; the grid supplies 230 V at 50 Hz.
No. At 230 V the supply matches UK and European appliances.
If a socket gets hot, crackles or smells burnt, unplug the device straight away.
Data for France from IEC World Plugs and IEC TR 60083. Sources and method →