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Need Emergency Contraception in France? Here Is What You Need to Know

If you need emergency contraception while in France, the most important thing is to act promptly. 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. I offer confidential video consultations for English-speaking visitors anywhere in France and can email you a French prescription (ordonnance) the same day.

A note before booking: The morning-after pill (levonorgestrel, sold in France as Norlevo) is available from French pharmacies and is effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex. If more than 72 hours have passed  ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) is the appropriate next step.

How it Works

You book a video consultation using the link below. I will ask about your situation and the timing, and advise on which option is most appropriate. Where a prescription is needed I will email it to you. You take that prescription to any French pharmacy and your medication is dispensed immediately.

Book a video consultation
What I can prescribe

I can prescribe levonorgestrel (Norlevo) and ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) following a consultation. Ulipristal acetate is effective for up to 120 hours after unprotected sex and may be more effective than levonorgestrel later in the window. Each case is assessed individually and all consultations are handled with complete confidentiality.

Book a video consultation

Levonorgestrel (Norlevo) can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex and is most effective the sooner it is taken. Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) is effective for up to 120 hours and tends to perform better later in the window. If you are approaching or beyond the 72-hour mark, please act promptly — time matters with both options.

The consultation fee is €100. This covers the video consultation and the emailed prescription. There are no additional charges. Note that levonorgestrel is available directly from French pharmacies without a prescription, and is free for those under 26.
All consultations are governed by the same standards of medical confidentiality that apply in the UK and France. I have no obligation to share any details of your consultation with anyone.
For levonorgestrel within 72 hours, you can go directly to a French pharmacy without a prescription. For ulipristal acetate (EllaOne), or if more than 72 hours have passed, a consultation and prescription are required. I can advise on the right option for your specific situation.
Yes. The consultation is a calm, confidential conversation. I will explain your options in plain English and help you understand the appropriate course of action for your situation without judgement.

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.