Travel Adaptor for France
& French Plug Types
France Plug Types & Sockets
Including: Corsica
- Voltage
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230 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz
France uses plug types C and E and socket type E. Voltage: 230 V, Frequency: 50 Hz.
Your British (type G) plugs will not fit any of the French sockets.
You will need a UK to type C/E plug adaptor.
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Adaptor Required?
(See recommended adaptors) - Yes
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Voltage Converter
Useful?
(More info) - No
UK to France Plug Adaptors
Best choice
Our Adaptor Recommendation
A UK to type C/E plug adaptor is all that you will need 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 UK to France travel adaptors ensure that you'll always be able to connect your British type G plugs to the French type E sockets.
Need some ideas for your trip? We found a helpful guide for planning a trip to France that you might be able to get some useful information from, including local info, tips and ideas of interesting places to visit & things to do.
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 UK 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 within the normal UK range of 230 V +10%/-6%, so British appliances are compatible.
Frequency - France operates at 50 Hz, the same as the UK. Frequency compatibility is therefore not a problem for UK appliances.
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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British travellers will need a UK (type G) to type C/E plug adaptor for France. Adaptors with USB or USB-C ports are useful for directly charging compatible devices. No voltage converter is required for UK appliances.
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British travellers do not need a voltage converter. The French mains supply is 230 V, which is within the normal UK range, so British appliances are compatible.
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To charge your phone in France you can use your normal phone charger with a type C/E plug adaptor. Modern phone chargers are normally dual voltage, but check the input rating before use.
Alternatively, you can use a travel adaptor with built-in USB or USB-C ports and connect your 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.
