France lockdown: Can I prepare the house I'm moving into?

Reader question: I bought a new (main) house last month in France, but the sale of my current French house has been delayed by lockdown.

Can I continue to go to my new house to complete preparation, on my own, even though it is not yet my main residence?

Yes, you can. An operator from France’s Covid-19 helpline said that you can move house under current lockdown rules, and this includes travelling to your new home to make preparations.

You will need to carry valid identification and a travel exemption form ticking the box Déplacements pour motif familial impérieux as your reason for travel.

You will also need to papers showing proof of purchase (or a tenancy agreement if you were renting) for your new property.

If you require help moving house or making preparations to do so, up to six people can help you at any one time.

Anyone who does help must carry identification and a travel exemption form ticking the box Déplacements pour motif familial impérieux as their reason for travel.

They must also carry some form of proof that a move is taking place, such as verification from your estate agent, papers showing proof of purchase or a tenancy agreement.

The travel exemption form is available to print and download here (in French). There is an English version available and also an easy-read version with pictograms. There is also a digital version available via the TousAntiCovid smartphone app.