In France do I really have to keep my passport with me at all times?

[roisin]

My guidebook says that according to French Law I should have my passport on me at all times, as the police can choose at any time to inspect it.

Is this correct?

We never have aad have been to France for a few days mosy years for past 5. I never knew I was supposed to.

We got our passport inspected once but in a way I don't blame them... we looked the part with DH insisting in bringing all his favourite food for a six month stay at England inside of a Ford Fiesta, the only thing that was missing was a spanish chorizo hanging from the mirror!!!

But any other times we live the passport at the hotel (and then we don't remember about it until we are in the airport!!!)

live? leaved!

Yes, it is true, you are supposed to carry your passport with you at all times. And they can check and fine you if you don't have it on you - highly unlikely but as French citizens are required to carry their own ID with them at all times, the rules apply to foreigners too. It is fairly common in many European countries -sounds odd to us as we have no national ID! The French police can be pretty intimidating - they scare me just by looking at me! Passez de bonnes vacances!

Thanks all! Has anyone else been stopped (and fined?) by the police?

roisin, I have never been asked to present my ID in France, so please don't worry about it. If you go somewhere like the beach where your passport might get lost or stolen, just leave it at your hotel. It's very unlikely you'll get asked for it. If you do and you don't have it on you I think you'll be perfectly fine going to present it later at the police station.
Have a lovley time

I've never carried mine around with me when I've been to France - have been going every August last few years (off again in 13 days ).

In fact, only times our passports have been checked was leaving/entering the UK!

You'll need it to get in and out of the country + if e.g. you rent a bike or sth you'll need to leave it at the shop. Apart from that, leave it at the hotel. I never ever carry id - I figure I'll plead ignorance/feign inability to speak French etc etc if I ever get asked.