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I live in France, in western suburbs of Paris. For a few days I have seen two of the insects below in my apartment. It is slightly smaller than a thumb, say 4cm (1.58") (sorry for not putting a ruler next to it but I was afraid it could chomp out my hand).

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I tried to use this picture to differentiate the hornet:

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(from left to right: bee, wasp, European hornet, Asian hornet).

It looks like this is the European hornet and I did not kill it (apparently they are useful, not sure about that) but would like to be ready with the flamethrower next time if needed. We are also actively encouraged to report Asian hornets.

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  • $\begingroup$ You've identified it correctly; the size/markings/coloring are right for the European hornet worker female. They should not be in your house, though; I'd be concerned that there's a nest in the building and some of the hornets are confused as to how to get outdoors. If you can open the window for them, it might work, but move slowly. I really hate killing things, but if they were stuck in my house (and this used to happen with some regularity at one of my dwellings) I would use a rag or whatever was necessary to protect my humans from a confused hornet trying unsucessfully to get outside. $\endgroup$
    – anongoodnurse
    Commented May 18, 2023 at 1:16

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This is indeed a European Hornet (Vespa crabro) of the genus Vespa

The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the largest eusocial wasp native to Europe. It is also the only true hornet (genus Vespa) found in North America, having been introduced to the United States and Canada from Europe as early as 1840.Vespines, such as V. crabro, are known for making intricate paper-like nests out of surrounding plant materials and other fibers. Unlike most other vespines, reproductive suppression involves worker policing instead of queen pheromone control, as was previously thought.

This species stings in response to being stepped on or grabbed, but generally avoids conflict. It is also defensive of its nest and can be aggressive around food sources. Care should be taken when they are found in these circumstances, as they may sting without warning. European hornets are largely carnivorous and hunt large insects such as beetles, wasps, large moths, dragonflies, and mantises. They also feed on fallen fruit and other sources of sugary food. Mutual predation between medium-sized hornets and the Asilidae (robber flies) is often reported. Source: https://wikipedia.org

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Image ref: https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/18078852, Photo 18078852, (c) Jakob Fahr, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jakob Fahr

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