Close protection services in Paris are becoming ever more popular. Bodyguards are a common sight around the city as people worry more about their personal security and safety. Recent terrorist attacks have drawn attention to some of the dangers. Many visitors feel more vulnerable and afraid. As a result, they are seeking tighter personal security measures to keep themselves and their families safe.
The ongoing terrorist threat in France means that Paris and other large cities have seen a surge in demand for close protection services. Professional bodyguards in Paris are highly sought after. Hiring close protection or bodyguard services has become the norm for many visitors on business or leisure.
France is home to some of the world’s most famous locations, landmarks, events, fashion designers, and luxury brands. It is no surprise then that Paris alone attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world. France may be on its highest-ever security alert, that does not stop visitors flocking to its capital city, Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez and the rest of the Côte d’Azur. These are ‘go-to’ destinations for the most affluent and influential. They seek class, culture, and history for which these areas of France are renowned for. Not forgetting the millionaires playground, Monaco.
High-profile visitors often need first-class security, especially at times of disruption and protest, both of which are almost daily occurrences in Paris. Security companies based in the capital receive many requests for close protection services daily. Westminster Security Group established a French subsidiary company and Paris office in 2018, with CNAPS protection rapprochée accreditation to conduct close protection services in France.
Private security, particularly personal protection, is highly regulated in France. Organisations and individuals hiring bodyguards in Paris or elsewhere in France should be sure that the French private security company and their close protection operatives are fully licensed and insured. Under French law, the security company providing bodyguard services in France must be CNAPS authorised and accredited, each different type of security service requires a separate license. For example, a security guarding company cannot conduct close protection services in France. Lack of licensing and accreditation means that any insurance is null and void, not to mention the security risks of using an unlicensed, potentially unqualified, inexperienced bodyguard or organisation. Furthermore, the hirer would commit a legal offence in France if they engaged an unlicensed company or security operative without a valid CNAPS card. Buyer beware!
Furthermore, security companies must comply with onerous employment regulations and administrative requirements. Individual contractors must be registered on the French Trade and Company Register before trading and issuing invoices.
French laws and regulations surrounding private security ethical codes, use of force, and self-defence are highly complex. So, be sure to satisfy yourself that the French bodyguard company and their close protection teams know their responsibilities and how to legally operate.
Westminster Security Group’s French subsidiary, Westminster Security, is fully licensed and insured to provide services de Protection Rapprochée (close protection services) and gardes du corps (bodyguards) for Paris 2024.
All the bodyguards provided by Westminster Security in France are company employees or direct contractors whom we have hired and known for many years. All of these bodyguards are fully contracted, insured, CNAPS licensed, qualified, and accredited. They are subject to strict non-disclosure agreements, with full screening and vetting completed. We only hire and provide the best!
Westminster Security can provide male and female close protection security operating as individual bodyguards or as part of a larger executive protection team. Our French operatives come from exemplary backgrounds within the military and police. They are all fluent in French and English as standard with most speaking at least one additional language (Arabic, Spanish, Russian, etc.).
Crown, part of Westminster Security Group, can provide emergency extraction of staff and private citizens from Lebanon.
The law heavily regulates the French private security industry. CNAPS (Conseil National des Activités Privées de Sécurité) is the French equivalent of the UK SIA licensing model. Companies need authorisation from the Ministry of Interior and must use trained and licensed security personnel.
Of course, there are always charlatans out there. Some companies operate under the radar and with little regard and respect for the rules and law. Many UK-based companies are claiming to entitlement under the SIA 3-month rule. You should note that this is not a proper licence or authority. Also, this agreement is likely to be revoked at any time due to Brexit – The UK having left the EU. Companies who try to use this loophole will be operating illegally.
Westminster Security are an industry leading, forward thinking, and thorough company leaving nothing to chance. We incorporated a Paris based French security company and gained local licensing, CNAPS protection rapprochée authorisation, many years before Brexit to legally and seamlessly provide our bodyguard services in France to our clients. We have undergone rigorous localised scrutiny and earned proper authorisation and licensing which allows us to operate legally under French government guidance. We are the only London-based security company to hold CNAPS Authorisation for the ‘Protection physique des personnes’ (physical protection of people) in France.
In theory, you are probably safer now in Paris than ever before. However, with protests, terrorism, and civil disruption, the authorities are at breaking point. Police and security services are extremely stretched. The situation with Covid-19 lockdowns only made things worse. Who knows how long the current ‘show-of-force’ by security services can last.
As a result, the police in Paris have taken their eye off the ball with general lower-level street crime. They don’t have the human resources to cope. Street crime in Paris is especially rife. Unsuspecting foreign tourists are their primary target. Pickpocket gangs and distraction thieves are using complicated, well-practised routines. These will quickly relieve you of your money and possessions. Expensive smartphones are the most natural target, and gangs use scooters for a quick ‘grab and dash’ getaway.
We already have extensive experience and a proven team of multilingual French bodyguards. Westminster Security provides personal protection to our clients throughout France, including Reims, Paris, Lyon, Cannes, Saint Tropez and Monaco. Our clients extend from London based business executives to celebrities travelling for work or leisure. Also, there is an increasing demand for our services from overseas holidaymakers. Tourists are concerned about the ongoing terror threat and attacks. Both residents and travellers find themselves seeking a more robust personal security solution.
As a company, our established presence in Paris is crucial as a basis for our European operations. It allows us to serve our existing clients better and to build on our exclusive client-base. Our French private security teams are already in-situ, ready to react and assist with all our client’s security concerns.
Personal Security Tips
Or you could simply a full team or a personal bodyguard to protect you, your family and your valuables.
Westminster Security has vast experience operating across Europe and worldwide for high-net-worth, high-profile, at-risk individuals, families and organisations. We are used to providing close protection services in France, Paris, in particular, where our country office is based. We provide premier protection services to all our clients.
Our close protection services in France include:
Ahead of your arrival, our team will book hotels, cars and restaurants. We arrange VIP arrival services at the airport providing cars for transfers. The security team will liaise with all the service providers to make sure your visit is smooth, safe, and efficient.
We provide luxury chauffeured vehicles of your choice driven by local security-trained chauffeurs. Our drivers know routes, hotels, and restaurants inside out. They are security-aware and able to react to any threats and risks posed to you while travelling. Armoured vehicles are also available.
You may only need a single bodyguard in Paris – male or female. Alternatively, you could also choose a full close protection team. Our experience and quality of service make us stand head and shoulders above other security providers.
Should we deem the threat and risks to be high enough, we can use a surveillance team. Our specially trained operators track individual principals in and around their immediate environment. They see the bigger picture. They can be crucial in providing vital seconds to react in an emergency.
Whether a hotel room, townhouse, or chateau on a temporary or permanent basis. We provide professional residential security guards in Paris, France to protect you and your property 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We provide residential security in France and Monaco for many ultra-high-net-worth and high-risk individuals and families. Even onboard their yachts with our superyacht security services.
We can also provide tour guides, childminders, chefs, and interpreters. We can supply almost anything you may need during your travels. As experienced operators in Paris (and in France more generally) we have established an enviable ‘black book’ and network of approved service providers. We have a substantial list of proven contacts who we can call upon at any time to fulfil all of your requirements.
Westminster Security provides personal security and bodyguard services in Paris and throughout France through our French subsidiary company under strict regulations. Our highly sought-after company CNAPS licence allows us to provide close protection (bodyguards), security chauffeurs, residential security, and VIP event security. We only employ highly-trained, former military, and police close protection specialists. They have vast experience in providing an exemplary discreet service.
All our bodyguards in France are CNAPS registered and multilingual English, French, and Arabic speaking. We can provide male and female bodyguards in Paris throughout France and Monaco for your personal protection. Our French company details are:
French Company SIRET: 839 681 798 00014
CNAPS Licence Number: AUT-075-2118-04-30-20190694985
Westminster Security, 66 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Westminster Security provides professional close protection security services in Paris, France, and worldwide.
I am travelling to Paris on business. I need a local chaperone who can drive me about, assist me, and also provide personal security. Can you provide an English and French-speaking bodyguard?
Yes, certainly. All our bodyguards in Paris provide this service as standard. We would happily assist. You will, however, need a separate bodyguard and driver.
My family and I are travelling to Paris for our vacation from the US this summer. We are very disturbed by the recent terrorist attacks. I am looking for a private security company in France to take care of us throughout our stay.
Do not worry. We can make sure your holiday is smooth and safe. Our bodyguards in Paris can accompany you discreetly. They provide complete personal protection at all times.
Do you have any Arabic speaking bodyguards in Paris to accompany my wife for a week of shopping and dining?
Yes, we do! We have local Arabic speaking male and female bodyguards in Paris. Our CNAPS licenced operatives can protect and assist your wife during her visit. We assure you she is in safe hands. Please contact us to hire a bodyguard in Paris.