A France plug adapter is essential for UK travellers visiting Paris, Nice, Lyon, or anywhere in the country. The first time I visited Paris, I assumed French plugs were the same as the rest of Europe. They mostly are, but France uses Type E sockets with a grounding pin that sticks out of the wall, not the plug. My basic two-pin France plug adapter worked for my phone charger but would not fit properly in some older sockets. Now I always pack a France plug adapter specifically designed for Type E/F outlets.
France uses Type C and Type E plugs with a voltage of 230V at 50Hz. UK plugs do not fit French outlets, so you will need a travel adapter.
What France Plug Adapter Type Do You Need?
France uses two plug types:
Type C (Europlug):
- Two round pins, 4.0-4.8mm diameter
- No grounding
- Rated up to 2.5A
- Used for small devices like phone chargers and shavers
Type E (French standard):
- Two round pins plus a grounding pin that protrudes from the socket
- Rated up to 16A
- Used for higher-power devices
- The socket has a male grounding pin; the plug has a female hole
The grounding arrangement is what makes France slightly different from Germany and Spain (which use Type F). However, most modern EU adapters are designed as “Type E/F” and work in both. The IEC World Plugs reference confirms France uses Type C and E.
Do I Need an Adapter from the UK?
Yes. UK plugs (Type G) have three rectangular pins and will not fit French outlets. You need a UK-to-EU adapter, specifically one compatible with Type E sockets.
Standard EU adapters sold in the UK work fine in France. Look for adapters labelled “Type E/F” or “Schuko compatible” to ensure they fit both French and German-style sockets.
Do I Need a Voltage Converter?
Almost certainly not. France uses 230V at 50Hz, which is virtually identical to the UK’s 230V 50Hz. Your UK devices will work without any voltage conversion.
Check your device labels anyway. Modern electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras) are typically rated 100-240V and work worldwide with just a plug adapter. Older or single-voltage devices (some hair dryers, curling irons) may need checking.
Choosing a France Plug Adapter
[
TESSAN UK to European Travel Adapter
View on Amazon.co.uk
](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07SXH3JT6?tag=trvell-21)
Basic UK to EU adapter: £3-5. Simple, compact, does the job. Fine for a single trip with a few devices.
Adapter with USB ports: £10-15. Converts the plug and adds USB-A or USB-C ports for charging phones directly. More versatile.
Universal travel adapter: £15-25. Works in France, Germany, Spain, US, Australia, and more. Worth it if you travel to multiple countries.
What to Look For
- Type E/F compatibility: Ensures it works in France and the rest of Europe
- USB-C port: Faster phone charging than USB-A
- Compact design: French sockets are sometimes recessed; bulky adapters may not fit
- Surge protection: Optional but useful for protecting laptops
Recommended Adapters
Type
Price
Best For
Basic two-pin
£3-5
Single device, short trips
With USB ports
£10-15
Charging phones and tablets
Universal adapter
£15-25
Multiple countries
Multi-pack (3-6)
£8-12
Groups, spare adapters
Where to Buy
Before you leave (cheapest):
- Amazon, Argos, Currys
- Supermarkets often stock basic adapters
- Prices: £3-15 depending on features
At the airport:
- WHSmith, Boots, Dixons Travel
- Prices: £8-20 (roughly double high street prices)
In France:
- Supermarkets (Carrefour, Leclerc)
- Electronics shops (Fnac, Darty)
- Note: You will need to buy a French-to-UK adapter, which is less common
Buy your France plug adapter before you leave. It is cheaper and you avoid hunting for an open shop after arriving. Amazon has a wide selection of EU adapters at reasonable prices.
Practical Tips
Bring a UK power strip. One adapter plus a four-way extension lead means charging four devices from one French socket. Hotels often have only one or two accessible outlets.
Pack a spare adapter. They are cheap and easy to leave behind in hotel rooms. I keep one in my toiletry bag permanently.
Check socket locations. French hotel sockets are sometimes in odd places — behind desks, inside wardrobes, or only in the bathroom. Bring an extension lead if you need to charge by the bed.
USB ports in hotels. Many French hotels now have USB ports by the bed, but they are often slow (1A) or positioned awkwardly. Do not rely on them for overnight charging.
France Voltage and Frequency
Specification
France
UK
Voltage
230V
230V
Frequency
50Hz
50Hz
Plug types
C, E
G
The voltage is identical, so UK devices work without conversion. The only difference is the plug shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a European adapter from Germany in France?
Yes, if it is a Type E/F adapter. Most EU adapters sold in the UK work across continental Europe including France.
Do I need an adapter for the Eurostar?
The train itself has UK and EU sockets. French stations use French sockets (Type E). Pack an adapter if you want to charge while waiting.
Will my iPhone charger work in France?
Yes, with a plug adapter. Apple chargers are rated 100-240V and work worldwide. You just need to convert the plug shape.
What about Monaco?
Monaco uses the same plugs as France (Type C and E). Your France adapter will work there too.
Do French Airbnbs have adapters?
Some hosts provide them, but do not count on it. Bring your own.
Related Guides
- Europe Plug Adapter Guide
- Spain Plug Adapter
- Germany Plug Adapter
- Italy Plug Adapter
- Worldwide Plug Types
