France

France adopted the Nordic Model in April 2016. Selling sex is legal. Buying sex is a criminal offense — €1,500 fine (€3,750 repeat). Public soliciting was decriminalized in 2016. Pimping and brothel-keeping remain illegal. The law aims to reduce demand while offering exit programs. Sex worker organizations (STRASS, Médecins du Monde) strongly opposed the law and continue to advocate for full decriminalization.

Despite client criminalization, sex work continues in France. Paris remains a major market. The law has been widely criticized for pushing work underground and making client screening harder — when clients fear arrest, they rush negotiations and resist providing screening information. Indoor independent escorting continues with minimal police interference. Street work has been more heavily impacted.

Moderate. France has broad surveillance capabilities. The 2016 law's provisions against "facilitating" prostitution create legal ambiguity for advertising platforms, though in practice they continue to operate.

Viable but with caveats. EU citizens can work freely. Client criminalization makes screening harder — clients may be less willing to provide personal details. Paris is the primary market. Use established online platforms.

Sexemodel.com, 6annonce.com, international platforms.

• STRASS — French sex workers' union
• Médecins du Monde — health services and advocacy