France's core emergency numbers are all free and geolocated: 15 for SAMU (medical emergencies/ambulance), 17 for police/gendarmerie, 18 for the fire brigade (pompiers — also handles gas leaks and road accidents), and 112, the single European emergency number, which works from any phone (including without a SIM or credit) and has English-speaking operators who route the call to the right service. 114 is a dedicated number for the deaf and hard-of-hearing (SMS/relay). If unsure which service is needed, dialing 112 lets the dispatcher route the call correctly.
15 — SAMU: medical emergencies and ambulance dispatch.
17 — Police/gendarmerie.
18 — Fire brigade (pompiers): fires, gas leaks, road accidents, trapped persons.
112 — European emergency number, works from any phone, English-speaking operators available; 114 is for the deaf/hard-of-hearing (SMS-based).
Common Mistakes
Not knowing 112 works from any phone (even without a SIM/credit) and offers English-language routing — useful when unsure which specific number to call.