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Got an Ear Infection in France? Here Is How to Get It Treated

An ear infection can be painful enough to be disruptive, and managing it without access to a doctor who speaks your language adds unnecessary difficulty. I am Dr Simon Gordon, a British GP (MB ChB) registered with both the GMC and the Ordre des Médecins, and based in Valbonne on the Côte d’Azur. Ear infections — particularly swimmer’s ear from time in the Mediterranean or pools — are among the most common problems I see in visitors to this region during the summer months.

After a video consultation I can assess your symptoms and email you a French prescription (ordonnance) if treatment is needed. You can then collect your medication from any pharmacy the same day.

How it Works

You book a video consultation using the link below. I will take a clinical history — the nature of the pain, whether there is any discharge or hearing loss, how long you have had symptoms, and whether you have been swimming recently. Where treatment is appropriate I will email you a French prescription. You take that to any pharmacy in France and your medication is dispensed immediately.

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What I can assess and prescribe

I can assess outer ear infections (otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear), assess if there is risk of a middle ear infections (otitis media), and ear pain associated with upper respiratory tract infections. I can prescribe antibiotic ear drops, oral antibiotics, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory medication as clinically appropriate. Swimmer’s ear — very common after time in the Mediterranean or pools — typically responds well to antibiotic ear drops and does not usually require oral antibiotics.

Book a video consultation
Although a physical examination is best ear infections can be assessed from symptoms alone — the type and location of pain, whether there is discharge, what preceded the infection, and any associated symptoms. I will take a thorough history and give you my clinical assessment. If I feel a physical examination is necessary I will tell you and advise on the best next step, including where to be seen in person locally.
The consultation fee is €100. This covers the video consultation and the emailed prescription. There are no additional charges.
Many travel insurance policies cover urgent medical consultations abroad. I can provide a receipt and a clinical summary for your insurer. I would recommend checking your policy before the consultation.
Otitis externa is very common in people spending time in the sea or pools. It causes pain in the outer ear canal, sometimes with discharge, and is usually treated with antibiotic ear drops rather than oral antibiotics. Ear drops are available in French pharmacies on prescription and are effective within a few days. I will assess your symptoms and prescribe accordingly.

Seek emergency care immediately — by calling 15 (SAMU) or going to the nearest emergency department — if you have sudden significant hearing loss, severe dizziness or problems with balance, swelling spreading around the ear or jaw, or a high fever alongside ear pain. For a painful ear without these features, a video consultation is a reasonable first step.

About the Author

This page was written by Dr Simon Gordon MB ChB, a British-trained GP registered with the General Medical Council (UK) and the Ordre des Médecins (France). Dr Gordon trained at the University of Glasgow and has over 20 years of experience in general practice across the UK, Israel, and the French Riviera, including time at the London Clinic on Harley Street. He is based in Valbonne on the Côte d’Azur, where Cabinet Medical Gordon has been providing English-speaking medical services for over 30 years.

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Dr Simon Gordon, British GP in Valbonne, France
This page is for informational purposes only. Dr Simon Gordon (MB ChB) is registered with the Ordre des Médecins in France and the General Medical Council in the UK. All consultations are conducted in accordance with French medical regulations and the deontological rules of the Ordre des Médecins. This service does not replace emergency medical care — if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 15 (SAMU) or 112 immediately.