Thanks for all the input guys.<br><br>I confirmed the pickpocketing/theft problem by using the state department web site. It seems Paris is rotten with thieves :(<br>The state department also has a warning about Basque and Corsican separatists in southern France. Apparently they stage about six bombings a year.<br><br>The other thing I discovered (which applies to all foreign travel) is that a lot of health insurers will not cover you if you are out of the country. So before you take off to far away places make sure your provider will extend coverage. Otherwise you better buy travellers' health insurance.<br><br>Chris