Travel Adaptor for France
& French Plug Types
France Plug Types & Sockets
Including: Corsica
- Voltage
- 230 V
- Frequency
- 50 Hz
France uses plug types C and E and socket type E. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
International travellers may need a type C/E plug adaptor.
France Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
A type C/E plug adaptor is all that may be needed for a trip to France.
A simple unearthed adaptor is compact and enough for phone chargers and most travel electronics. Models with USB or USB-C ports are useful when charging several devices, while PD ports are suitable for compatible laptops. For earthed equipment or several mains-powered appliances, choose an earthed adaptor or power strip.
Our recommendations for the best France travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your plugs to the French type E sockets.
Choosing the Right Power Adaptor
Having overcome the pesky differences in plug types and socket configurations you now need to decide what sort of adaptor suits your own, specific needs.
If you decide to buy an adaptor, here are some useful features to consider:
- Earthed vs unearthed adaptors
- Multiplug adaptors
- Extensions / power strip adaptors (great for families)
- Integral USB / USB-C ports for charging devices like phones and tablets
- Dedicated charging hubs with multiple ports
- USB-C port with power delivery (PD) using GaN technology for laptop charging up to 140W
- Universal adaptors (any plug to any socket) for the ultimate in versatility
- Combined transformer / adaptors
France Electrical Supply
France uses plug types C and E and socket type E.
The electrical supply voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.
France - Traveller Notes
Type C wall sockets have been prohibited in new installations for more than 10 years.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adaptor will allow you to physically insert a plug into a French socket it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The French mains supply is 230 V which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). If you have equipment that is designed to operate at 127 V or lower you will need a transformer or voltage converter to operate them safely. It is extremely dangerous to attempt to operate appliances at voltages that are higher than they are rated for and it could result in damage to the appliance, fire and serious injury to the operator
Frequency - France operates at 50 Hz, which is common in countries outside of North and Central America. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. Some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly when used with a supply frequency they were not designed for. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the French supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in France. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travellers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adaptor.
France Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type C
Plug type C (CEE 7/16) is the most widely used electrical plug in the world but most common in Europe. It has 2, insulated, 4mm round pins spaced 19mm apart and 19mm long. The spacing of the pins tapers to 17.5mm at the tips assisting in gripping the socket.
A second version (CEE 7/17) has 2, uninsulated, 4.8mm pins and is rated at either 10A or 16A for high power, unearthed appliances.
Type C sockets are being phased out in most countries around the world and are being replaced with their earthed equivalents (Types E and F in Europe).
Plug Type E
Plug type E (CEE 7/6) is mostly used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Tunisia and Morocco and rated at 16A. It has 2, 4.8mm round pins spaced 19mm apart and 19mm long. The socket has a 4.8mm male earthing pin that is 14mm long and offset by 10mm from the other 2 pins. The plug has a corresponding hole to accept the earthing pin and is polarised.
The socket is recessed by 15mm to prevent electrocution risk in the event of a partially pulled out plug.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adaptors for France
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France uses type C and E plugs, which are unearthed and earthed variants.
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France uses type E sockets.
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A type C/E adaptor, should they need one, will allow international travellers to connect to the sockets in France.
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The mains supply in France is 230 V, which is compatible with appliances designed for 220 -240 V (common outside North and Central America). Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz. Single-voltage appliances that are designed to operate at 127 V or lower will need a voltage converter or transformer to operate safely. Do not plug a 120 V-only appliance into a 230 V supply - it is dangerous.
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International travellers can charge their phone in France using their normal phone charger with a type C/E plug adaptor, if they need one. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, they can use a travel adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect their phone directly with the appropriate charging cable. The adaptor's USB ports convert the local supply to the voltage required by your phone, so no separate voltage converter is needed. -
Yes, type C plugs are fully compatible with the type C/E sockets used in France.
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Modern French plug adaptors tend to be a hybrid type C/E/F design, which has 2 round pins, an integral earth socket and a pair of earth clips top and bottom. Here's a picture of a France plug adaptor.
