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Food Poisoning in France? Here Is When to Seek Medical Advice

Most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own with rest and fluids, but some require medical assessment and treatment. If you are unwell and unsure whether you need help, I can assess your symptoms by video and advise you. 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. Cabinet Medical Gordon has been providing English-speaking medical care in the South of France for over 30 years.

Where medication is needed I can email you a French prescription (ordonnance) the same day and you can collect it from any French pharmacy immediately.

How it Works

You book a video consultation using the link below. I will assess your symptoms, advise on whether you need medication, and where appropriate email you a French prescription. You take that prescription to any French pharmacy and your medication is dispensed on the spot. If I feel your symptoms warrant in-person assessment or emergency care, I will tell you clearly and advise on where to go locally.

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What I can assess and prescribe

I can assess symptoms of food poisoning and gastroenteritis and prescribe anti-nausea medication, rehydration treatment, anti-diarrhoeal medication, and antibiotics where clinically appropriate. I can also advise on when symptoms are serious enough to require emergency care.

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Most mild gastroenteritis resolves within 24 to 48 hours. You should seek medical advice if your symptoms are not improving after 48 hours, you have a high fever, there is blood in your stools, you have severe abdominal pain, or you are showing signs of dehydration — dizziness, dark urine, or an inability to keep fluids down. If you are unsure, a video consultation can help clarify whether treatment is needed.
The consultation fee is €100. This covers the video consultation and the emailed prescription where applicable. 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 if you are unsure.
Yes. You do not need to travel anywhere. You book online, connect by video from your hotel, villa, or wherever you are staying, and your prescription is emailed to you. If needed, someone else can collect your medication from the pharmacy on your behalf.
Call 15 (SAMU) or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you are unable to keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours, have severe abdominal pain, are significantly dehydrated, have a very high fever, or there is blood in your vomit or stools. For symptoms that are unpleasant but not severe, a video consultation is an appropriate 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.