Covid rules: Can I walk with friends on my daily exercise?

It is now possible to do individual daily exercise for up to three hours within a 20 kilometre radius of the home

Published Modified

Reader question: Now that we are allowed to go out for three hours of exercise up to 20 kilometres away, can I meet up with some friends and go for a walk with them in the forest?

Short answer: No.

It is not permitted to meet with members of other households during your daily exercise as France is still under lockdown.

The exemption certificate (attestation de déplacement) stipulates that your daily exercise must be carried out individually.

This does include exercising with members of the same household, even if you are unrelated.

If you are stopped by police, you will be asked to show your exemption certificate and possibly a proof of your address, to prove you are from the same household.

Updated attestations for November 28 rules

Individual exercise can now include a wide range of sports, including golf, fishing, hunting, swimming, cycling etc.

You should tick the sixth box on your exemption form when going out for exercise.

If France removes lockdown rules on December 15 as planned, it will then be possible to meet with friends or members of other households again.

Read more:

12 questions on France's easing of lockdown measures

How to calculate your 20km exercise zone

Cross-country skiing allowed from November 28