Published on: August 18, 2024 | By: @rprasanth_kumar
In France, telephone numbers are composed of 10 digits. The first two digits identify the type of number and there are 4 main types of numbers. The international telephone code for France is +33 for calls to landlines and mobiles in France.
Numbers starting with 01, 02, 03, 04 & 05
These are landline numbers and so the codes represent a geographical area in France.
- 01 corresponds to Paris and the Île-de-France region.
- 02 is from the North-West.
- 03 is from the North-East.
- 04 is from the South-East and
- 05 is from the South-West.
Numbers starting with 06 & 07
- The codes 06 and 07 belong to the mobile numbers with a SIM card. They are assigned by a mobile operator to a subscriber.
- Since 1st January 2023, the telephone numbers that start with 06 and 07 are reserved for individuals. Businesses cannot use them.
Numbers starting with 08
- The numbers in 08 are “non-geographic” numbers, which correspond to value added services (VAS).
- These are business numbers assigned by Arcep to companies or administrations to give them access to a service related to their activity.
- The service can be toll-free or paid. When it is paid, several pricing options apply and are indicated by colour codes.
What are the applicable rates for calling 08 numbers?
- Free: It’s 100% free for the user, even when calling from a mobile. This applies to numbers starting from 0800 to 0805.
- Standard: The cost of the call may be charged (depending on your operator and subscription), but the service itself is free. This applies to numbers starting from 0806 to 0809.
- Premium or Surcharged: In addition to call costs, there is a fee for the service. This applies to numbers starting from 081, 082, 089, and four-digit numbers like 3xxx.
Color codes
A color-coded system has been implemented to help users easily identify the pricing of Value-Added Services (SVA) numbers:
- Green: For fully free services, including calls made from mobile phones.
- Gray: For free services with a paid call (standard rates)
- Purple: For paid services (premium or surcharged rates)
Numbers starting with 09
- Telephone numbers prefixed with 09 are dedicated exclusively to exchanges (texts, calls) between individuals and call centers used by platforms such as Internet companies, Doctolib, Taxi drivers, delivery services, etc.
Summary of Phone Numbers
| Starting Digits | Landline / Mobile / Customer care Numbers |
| 01 | Landlines in Ile-de-France including Paris |
| 02 | Landlines in Northwest France (Brest, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Nantes, Orleans, Rouen) |
| 03 | Landlines in Northeast of France (Boulogne, Calais, Dijon, Lille, Nancy, Strasbourg, Reims, Troyes) |
| 04 | Landlines in Southeast France (Cannes, Grenoble, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, St. Etienne, Toulon, Valence) |
| 05 | Landlines in Southwest of France (Bordeaux, Limoges, Lourdes, Toulouse) |
| 06 & 07 | Mobile phone numbers across France |
| 08 | Customer service numbers |
| 09 | VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) numbers |
