We had 2 uneasy experiences in Paris, both in the subway. One was when a group of 3 guys tried to take my husbands briefcase right as the train door was about to close. They jostled him a bit and he believes their intention was to get the briefcase and run off right as the doors closed and the train pulled out of the station, leaving him no way to go after them. Luckily, it didn't work.

Second instance was just a rather odd looking fellow speaking to us in French on the Metro platform. My husband speaks French and could still not decipher what he was saying. I felt that he was just trying to divert our attention or throw our guard off so we turned quickly and exited the station.

Sometimes, maybe the lovely ambience of Paris can make you feel more at ease than you should. People who stand out as tourists (reading a map, speaking a language other than French, or taking photos, groups, whatever) might be more of a target. Best to look like you belong there.

My ultimate compliment in Paris was when people started asking ME for directions!