For tourists & expats
Food poisoning & stomach bug in France: what to do
A stomach bug can derail a trip very quickly. This guide explains what you're probably dealing with, when you can manage things yourself, when you actually need a doctor, and how to get one who speaks English — from your hotel room.
Food poisoning vs. stomach bug: what's the difference?
Both cause similar symptoms — nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps — but they have different origins and slightly different timelines.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning is caused by bacteria, toxins or other pathogens in contaminated food. It typically comes on quickly — within a few hours of eating a suspect meal — and often affects multiple people who ate the same food. Symptoms can be intense but usually resolve within 24–48 hours.
Viral gastroenteritis ("stomach bug")
Viral gastroenteritis — what the French call gastro — is an infection of the gut, usually caused by a virus like norovirus or rotavirus. It tends to develop over 12–24 hours, spreads easily from person to person, and typically lasts 2–4 days. It is extremely common in France, particularly in autumn and winter.
From a practical standpoint, the distinction matters less than how you feel and whether you're getting better or worse. A doctor can help assess which you're dealing with.
Managing mild symptoms yourself
For mild symptoms — loose stools, nausea, general discomfort without fever or severe pain — the priority is staying hydrated. Small, frequent sips of water or a diluted soft drink are better than drinking a large amount at once. Oral rehydration sachets are sold in any French pharmacy (pharmacie) and replace the salts and minerals lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Food-wise, plain, low-fibre foods are generally better tolerated while symptoms are active — think dry bread or crackers, plain rice, banana. Avoid dairy, fatty food and caffeine until you're feeling better.
French pharmacies are an underused resource. A pharmacist in France can assess your symptoms, recommend appropriate over-the-counter products, and tell you whether you need a doctor. They are highly trained clinicians, not just shop assistants — and many speak enough English to help tourists. Look for the green cross.
When you need a doctor
Most cases of gastroenteritis and mild food poisoning resolve on their own. But certain symptoms signal that a medical consultation — and possibly physical examination or tests — is warranted.
See a doctor if you have any of the following:
- High fever (above 38.5°C / 101.3°F)
- Blood in your stool or vomit
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration: dizziness when standing, very dark urine, inability to keep any fluids down
- Symptoms lasting more than 3–4 days without improvement
- You are pregnant, elderly, or have an underlying health condition
- Multiple people who ate together are seriously ill (suggests a more significant outbreak)
Getting medical help in English in France
If you need a doctor but don't want to sit in a French hospital waiting room, an online consultation with an English-speaking GP is often the most practical option for stomach-related problems. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, timeline, what you've eaten, and any relevant medical history — and assess whether your situation can be managed remotely or requires in-person care.
If medication or specific treatment is needed, a prescription can be issued and sent to you as a PDF, valid at any French pharmacy. If your symptoms suggest something more serious that requires physical examination or tests, the doctor will tell you clearly and direct you to the right care.
For severe symptoms, severe abdominal pain, or if you feel very unwell, go to the nearest hospital urgences or call 15 (SAMU). Don't wait for an online consultation in a genuine emergency.
Stomach problems in France?
Talk to an English-speaking, French-licensed GP — from your hotel room. Prescription sent by PDF if needed.
Start on WhatsApp Or see consultation options & prices →Frequently asked questions
How do I tell if I have food poisoning or a stomach bug in France?
Both cause similar symptoms. Food poisoning typically starts within hours of eating a suspect meal and may affect others who ate the same food. A viral stomach bug (gastro) usually develops over 1–2 days and spreads person-to-person. A doctor can help distinguish between the two — but for mild symptoms, the management is similar regardless.
What can I buy at a French pharmacy for a stomach bug?
French pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter products suitable for your specific symptoms. Oral rehydration sachets (sels de réhydratation) are available without a prescription. Ask the pharmacist directly — they are clinically trained and this is a core part of their role in France.
When should I see a doctor for food poisoning or diarrhoea in France?
Seek medical attention if you have a high fever, blood in your stool, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or if symptoms have not improved after 3–4 days. In a genuine emergency, call 15 or go to hospital urgences.
Will my travel insurance cover a gastroenteritis consultation in France?
Most travel insurance policies cover medical consultations abroad. French Doctor provides an itemised invoice after every consultation, which you can submit to your insurer. Check your policy's terms — some require pre-authorisation for non-emergency consultations.
Private consultation with a French-licensed GP. Invoice provided for private insurance reimbursement. Not a substitute for emergency care — call 15 or go to urgences if you are severely unwell.