How to Recover Lost Items in Paris: Airports, Hotels, Cafés & More
Lost Something in Paris? Here’s What to Do — A Practical Guide for Tourists & Expats
Losing your jewelry, laptop, or even your wallet while in Paris can be stressful — especially if you don’t speak French and are only visiting. This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to report, track, and retrieve your lost items — even if you’ve already left the city. From official platforms to hands-on help, we’ve got you covered.
What to Do First When You Lose Something in Paris
- Stay calm and retrace your steps
- Note the time and place you last saw it
- Gather references, receipts, or photos
- Write a clear, detailed description (brand, color, size, unique features)
Where You Lost It Determines What to Do Next
Airports (CDG, Orly)
If you lost an item at the airport, use the official Lost & Found portal.
Report Lost Item at Paris Airports
Metro, Bus, Tram (RATP)
Use the online form below. Found items are usually delivered to Gare de Lyon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Trains & Stations (SNCF)
Submit a report using their platform. Found items are often received from garages on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Gare de Lyon.
If you’re abroad, someone can retrieve your item with a procuration (signed authorization letter) and a copy of your ID.
Hotels & Airbnb
Contact the hotel front desk or Airbnb host via app. If you can’t return, we can coordinate pickup on your behalf.
Restaurants, Museums, Cafés
Call or return in person. If you’ve already left, we can visit the location to check and retrieve your item.
Public Spaces (Police Prefecture)
Submit an online declaration to the Paris Police Prefecture. They’ll email you if a match is found.
Paris Police Lost Property Portal
- Open Mon–Wed: 8:30am–5pm, Thu: until 12pm, Fri: until 4:30pm
- Fee: €11 for item retrieval
- Option for pickup or home delivery
Lost Phones, Wallets, and IDs
Phones
- Use Apple/Google tracking tools
- Lock or erase the phone remotely
Wallet or Bank Cards
- Block your cards immediately via your banking app
- Avoid open ATMs — use those behind security doors
- Store credit card numbers separately while traveling
Passport or ID
- Report it to the police station
- Contact your embassy for a replacement
How Long Are Lost Items Kept?
- RATP (public transport): About 1 month
- SNCF (trains): Up to 3 months
- Police Prefecture: Varies depending on the item
Can’t Retrieve It Yourself? We Can Help
If you’re not in Paris or need assistance, Paris Helper can act on your behalf.
- Submit declarations
- Visit Lost & Found offices
- Pick up items with a valid procuration and your ID
- Ship them internationally if needed
Example: We recovered a wallet at Gare de Lyon for a U.S. client using a procuration, and shipped it to them safely.