What kind of harassment is it? I'm British and it's fairly normal for homeless people to ask for money or whatever here. But they don't often approach you, they are not persistent and I've never been followed or anything like that.

When I first visited Paris I was shocked at how different the homeless people were. They were actively going around targeting people and trying all kinds of tricks to get you to give them money. This was in the major touristy areas too. I can't say I ever felt unsafe, but I certainly felt less inclined to spend time outside (and I was wearing a money belt at all times, nothing valuable in my pockets).