Emergencies

In a serious emergency you can call 112 and they will manage the situation in English.

112 and other numbers

The emergency numbers for the Fontainebleau Region are as follows:

When calling, be prepared to:

• Provide the location where assistance is needed.
• Give your name and telephone number.
• Explain what has happened.
• Indicate how many people require help.
• Mention if there are any weapons involved.

Also, note that there is a hospital in Fontainebleau.

Fontainebleau Hospital

When arriving at Fontainebleau Hospital, you will need to provide the relevant documents for your admission. In emergencies, this process can be completed before you leave.

Required documents include:

• Photo ID
• Carte Vitale or other valid insurance (such as AME)
• Your supplementary mutual card or complementary health solidarity card
• A certificate showing the name(s) of the holders of parental authority for minors or of the guardian/curator for protected adults
• Recent proof of residence
• The work injury or occupational disease form issued by your employer (if the visit is related to a work-related accident)
• Your European Health Insurance Card (if insured in an EU country)

Important:
If you cannot provide the necessary documents, you may be billed for all or part of the costs.

For emergency hospitalizations, your admission must be regularized upon arrival, either by you or a relative. This must be done before leaving the hospital to avoid receiving an invoice for all care provided.

Pharmacies

There are many pharmacies in Fontainebleau, but most close between 12:00 and 14:00 for the French lunch break. However, the Pharmacie du Marché in the main square is usually open during these hours.

Additionally, at least one pharmacy in the area will be open on Sundays. The schedule is displayed in the windows of all pharmacies and on the Fontainebleau Town Hall's Facebook page or Mon Pharmacien IDF. For the after-hours pharmacy, contact the police station at 01 60 71 58 00.

Emergency Siren

Across France, emergency sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of every month at noon (12:00). The test consists of three sequences lasting 1 minute and 41 seconds each, separated by five seconds of silence.

In an actual emergency, instructions will be broadcast on France Inter or France Info radio stations.

The French Police Services

France has three distinct police forces:

Gendarmerie Nationale

The Gendarmerie Nationale is a military force under the Ministry of Defense. They are responsible for policing rural areas, rivers, coastal regions, and small towns that are outside the jurisdiction of the National Police. Their duties include criminal investigations, crowd control, and security at airports or military locations.

In Fontainebleau, you may notice a significant presence of Gendarmerie officers on motorcycles. This is due to the nearby Gendarmerie training school on the Avon side of the Château.

Police Nationale

The Police Nationale is the civil law enforcement agency of France, operating under the Ministry of the Interior. They manage security operations in cities and large towns, including patrols, traffic control, identity checks, and criminal investigations.

Fontainebleau has a Police Nationale office located in the main square.

Police Municipale

The Police Municipale is responsible for local policing in towns and villages. Their duties include enforcing local laws, managing lost property, and handling minor traffic or domestic offenses.

In Fontainebleau, their office is situated behind the Town Hall.