Saudi intelligence services have warned of a new terror threat from al Qaeda against Europe, particularly the country of France.

French officials said the warning of a potential attack is real. This is the latest of several threats against Europe by the terror organization in the past several weeks.

"Several hours or days ago, there was a new message from the Saudis that said al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula was without doubt active or planning to be active in Europe, especially France," Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux told French radio RTL Sunday.

France began boosting security last month at tourist sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower, which was evacuated twice after false threats that an attack was imminent.

"We must not overestimate the threat or underestimate it," Hortefeux said. "I am indicating, based on all these elements, that the threat is real."

The U.S. State Department advised American citizens living or traveling in Europe earlier this month to take more precautions following reports that terrorists may be plotting attacks on a European city, possibly a shooting spree or other type of attack similar to the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks in India.