The telephone numbering system in France
The French numbering plan, established in 1996, structures all telephone numbers into 10 digits. This organization makes it easy to identify the geographical origin of calls.
To call a French number from abroad, dial +33 followed by the 9-digit number. For example, to reach 01 23 45 67 89, dial +33 1 23 45 67 89.
Area codes in mainland France
Telephone prefixes are divided by geographical area:
- 01 : Île-de-France and Paris
- 02: North-West (Brittany, Normandy, Centre-Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire)
- 03: Northeast (Grand Est, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Hauts-de-France)
- 04: Southeast (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, PACA, Corsica)
- 05: South-West (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie)
Mobile and special numbers
Mobile telephony uses two main prefixes:
- 06: First code assigned to cell phones
- 07: Expansion to meet growing demand
Telephone operators also offer special numbers:
- 08: Value-added services
- 09: Internet telephony (VoIP)
How do I call to and from France?
The use of telephone codes varies according to your situation. Here are the essential rules for successful communication.
Calling from abroad to France
To reach a French number from abroad :
- First dial the country code: +33 or 0033
- Remove the initial 0 from the French number
- Complete with the remaining 9 digits
Example: To call 01 45 67 89 10, dial +33 1 45 67 89 10.
Call from France to abroad
Rates vary according to your calling area:
- European Union: Included in most mobile packages
- Outside the EU: Check your operator’s rates
- French overseas departments and territories: Special packages exist for these territories
Costs and packages available
Operators offer various options:
- Packages with unlimited international calls
- Country-specific options at reduced rates
- Special packages for companies
Options for professionals
Businesses can benefit from dedicated solutions such as VoIP telephony with Kavkom :
- Number portability to keep your number when changing phone operator
- Dedicated customer service for line management
- Unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles
- Integration with existing professional tools
Kavkom offers specialized services such as :
- Virtual switchboard
- Regulation-compliant cold calling
- Complete management of international calls
- Technical support available 24/7
Special numbers and emergency services in France
Emergency services and special numbers are essential in the French numbering plan. Here is the complete list of useful numbers.
Free emergency numbers available 24 hours a day
Emergency calls can be made from any landline or cell phone:
- 112: European emergency number
- 15: SAMU (medical emergencies)
- 17 : Police Secours
- 18 : Fire brigade
- 114: Emergencies for the deaf and hard of hearing
Special numbers for public services
National numbers dedicated to essential services :
- 3939: Service public (administrative information)
- 116 000 : Missing children
- 119 : Children in danger
- 39 19: Domestic violence
Kavkom lets you integrate these numbers into your virtual switchboard for better call management.
Protection against cold calling
ARCEP and the utility have implemented several measures:
- Free registration on Bloctel
- Reporting unwanted numbers
- Automatic call filtering with Kavkom’s VoIP solution
- Compliance with new regulations on canvassing
Innovations in French telephony
The French telephone network is constantly evolving to meet modern business needs. New technologies are transforming business communications.
The IP telephony revolution
Traditional fixed-line telephony is being replaced by innovative solutions:
- Virtual switchboards via internet box
- Unified communications over IP networks
- Integration of voice data and messages
- Virtual numbers available in each geographical area
Kavkom offers these advanced technologies to optimize business communications.
Developments in metropolitan France and abroad
Operators are adapting their services for all zones:
- New area codes for the North and Paris regions
- Extensive coverage from the Indian Ocean to New Caledonia
- Optimized connections to Monaco, Andorra and Spain
- Modernized numbering plan for January 2025
Business solutions
Professionals benefit from advanced tools :
- Simplified RIO portability between operators
- Flexible, no-obligation subscriptions
- Compliance with international standards
- Manage communications from a single interface
Kavkom facilitates this transition with :
- Integrated CRM for customer relations
- Detailed call statistics
- Intelligent matchmaking options
- Ongoing technical support
Frequently asked questions about telephone codes in France
How do I call France from abroad?
To call a French number, dial +33 or 0033, then the number without the initial 0. Example: to call 01 23 45 67 89, dial +33 1 23 45 67 89.
Which area codes correspond to my region?
Metropolitan France is divided into 5 zones:
- 01 : Île-de-France and Paris
- 02: Northwest
- 03: Northeast
- 04: Southeast
- 05: South-West DOM-TOM have specific area codes.
How do I get a virtual number in France?
Operators like Kavkom offer virtual numbers in all geographical areas. Activation is immediate and non-binding, with the option of choosing your fixed or mobile area code.
Are calls to Europe included in the packages?
Most packages include calls to the European Union. Check with your operator for specific conditions for countries such as Andorra, Monaco or Norway.
Which area code should I use to call French overseas departments and territories?
Each territory has its own area code:
- Reunion and Mayotte: 02
- Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana: 05
- New Caledonia: +687
See the full list right here.
How do I choose between a fixed-line and VoIP number?
VoIP telephony offers greater flexibility:
- Possibility of having a fixed VoIP number with Kavkom
- More economical rates
- Advanced features (unified messaging, virtual switchboard)
- Greater mobility
- Integration with your professional tools and CRLs, Kavkom offers solutions to suit every need.
