Deconfinement

Covid: Daily updates on the situation in France

How many recorded new cases are there? Who in France can access a fourth vaccine dose? How is the vaccination campaign progressing? We explain

Can we play golf from May 11 in France?

Reader question: As you can walk, run or cycle from May 11 can you play golf as it is possible to do so and keep social distancing?

What happens for routine dentist visits in France?

When can I see my dentist for a non-urgent appointment?

practical

Covid-19: Can we travel to our second home in France?

Can we travel from Britain to our property in France now the lockdown has eased? We really want to visit.

Covid-19 France: Can we meet up with friends?

Can we meet up with friends?

Covid-19 France and proof of address when out

Is it correct that for every trip out now I must carry proof of my address?

When is it obligatory to wear a mask in France?

France has not generally made mask wearing obligatory in public spaces – however there are places where it is mandatory. We explain.

When will campsites open in France?

Reader question: Will campsites also open on June 2 in France? We live in France and are keen to organise our usual camping holiday.

Covid-19: Travelling through France to UK

Reader question: We need to travel through France from Spain to the channel tunnel. Are B&B hotels open and are we allowed to leave the motorway for overnight stops?

When can hotels in France reopen their restaurants?

France is set to ease Covid-related restrictions over the months of May and June

Eating out, shops: What changes for Covid rules in France from June 30

Today marks the last part of the government’s deconfinement timetable - we explain what is now allowed. Restrictions to stay in place in Landes due to cases of the Delta variant

Roland Garros tennis fans can break curfew, Paris party-goers cannot

The government has been criticised for letting fans stay after 23:00 to watch a tennis match at Roland Garros, while people at a nearby street party were evacuated with tear gas

French health pass launches today: How and when to use it

The French health pass can be used for attending large events from today and it will also facilitate international travel within the EU. We explain how the pass will work

Curfew, cafes, work, travel: France's new Covid rules from June 9

The next stage of deconfinement begins today with changes for eating out, sports, travel, work, events and public spaces - and the nightly curfew starts later

Covid France: When can we stop wearing face masks?

President Emmanuel Macron has said the rule could be relaxed from the end of June, if enough people are vaccinated

Covid France: Health minister on masks, vaccines and end of lockdown

Olivier Véran took questions on a range of issues relating to the health crisis in a television interview last night. We summarise the key points.

Covid France: 'We are not yet safe from fourth wave' says specialist

A French infectious disease expert says the next six weeks are vital in knowing whether the epidemic will be controlled

5,000 to attend indoor Covid test concert in Paris on May 29

Attendees, which may include President Macron, must test negative for Covid beforehand and wear masks throughout but will not need to social distance. The rate of infection will be tested several days later

MPs agree to end France’s state of health emergency on June 1

The government will, after this date, only be able to bring in local lockdowns that impact at most 10% of the population during a four-month transition period

Covid France: How restaurants, shops, museums will reopen from May 19

We explain the details for reopening restaurant terraces, shops, cinemas and museums on May 19, and plans for further reopenings in June

Number of recorded Covid-19 cases drops across France

The average number of cases per 100,000 people in France went from nearly 350 in mid-February to around 220 at the start of May

Five million discount TGV and other train tickets go on sale in France

The French train company hopes to increase passenger numbers this summer

Covid France: Ending lockdown now risks fourth wave warn senior medics

The first step in the timetable to end lockdown restrictions in France begins today (May 3) but several high-profile medics say that it is ‘premature’ and risks a ‘fourth wave’ of the epidemic

France's lockdown exit plans: Which departments risk remaining closed?

France is to ease Covid-19 restrictions in four stages starting on May 3 but the president has warned that ‘emergency brakes’ will be maintained in areas where the epidemic is not under control

Covid France: What are the key May-June dates for easing of lockdown?

Check our calendar of what will reopen and when according to President Macron's four-step plan announced April 29

Covid-19: President Macron gives four dates for easing of restrictions

The curfew will gradually get later until it ends on June 30 while terraces of cafés, restaurants and bars are set to open on May 19

France deconfinement: Dates for reopening restaurants, museums, shops

Check our chart to find out when different establishments are currently set to open again after Covid lockdown

French minister favours easing Covid rules in lower risk areas first

The health minister said circulation of the virus is decreasing in France but efforts to stop the spread must continue

Macron: Terraces and museums to reopen from mid-May across France

No firm date was given and the President also suggested that openings could be staggered across the country dependent on the local health situation

Restaurant workers protest Covid-19 closure in Paris today

Hospitality workers will protest business closures due to Covid-19, as leading chefs say restaurants are on the verge of financial collapse

France lockdown: What changes on December 15

Confinement ends to be replaced with a 20:00 curfew, with an exception for December 24

France lockdown to end December 15, 20:00 curfew to start

Cinemas, theatres, museums will remain closed and the curfew will not be relaxed on December 31 as previously announced

France rules out Christmas travel ban ahead of PM speech

President Macron has said, ahead of the PM’s deconfinement speech tonight, that stopping Christmas travel is ‘not an option’ in France despite Covid cases remaining high

Why must Covid cases reach 5,000 for French lockdown to end?

President Macron said that confinement measures in France will lift on December 15 if daily Covid cases go down to 5,000. Why was this figure chosen?

Covid: France ‘far from December 15 target’ of 5,000 cases

The government has said lockdown will end on December 15 when daily new cases drop to 5,000 or fewer - but some experts warn this target will be ‘difficult’ to hit

Covid-19: Study finds 10% infection rate in France

The study from l’Institut Pasteur also predicts how the virus will progress in December, and the possible risk of a third wave next year

French PM announces mass Covid testing trial after Christmas

PM Jean Castex discussed Covid health plans this winter including vaccines, skiing restrictions, and a Covid testing campaign for densely populated areas during an interview this morning,

12 questions on France's easing of lockdown measures

Can I return to my second home? Can my family visit me for Christmas? Can my hairdresser come round? We have the answers

France lockdown: Forms to leave the house from November 28

As more travel is allowed in France but lockdown travel exemption forms are still required we explain the new rules for leaving the house.

France lockdown: More details of November 28 changes

Prime Minister Jean Castex, alongside other key ministers, provided clarity on France’s three-step process to ease confinement at a press conference on Thursday

France lockdown: What changes on January 20

Restaurants, cafés and gyms to open as the third phase of a planned three-step easing of confinement will come into effect

See the key dates of France's 3-step deconfinement

The first phase to end lockdown will begin on November 28, with further changes set for December 15 and January 20. Use our easy-to-read calendars to see what you will be allowed to do

France deconfinement: What changes from Saturday

Shops that were deemed non-essential are set to open and everyone will be able to travel further and for longer for exercise

Restaurants in France wait for January reopening

President Macron said last night that restaurants and cafes will stay closed for two more months, and no date has been set for reopening bars

Shops: France considering Sunday opening in December

The government is said to be 'favourable' to the idea put forward by unions - as La Poste warns against parcel delivery scams

President Macron to announce 3-step route out of lockdown

The President will give a speech tomorrow evening detailing deconfinement plans in France for December and January

Amazon France may hold Black Friday in December

The online retailer has said it will delay the annual sales event if it will allow shops in France to reopen before December 1

France lockdown: Prime Minister to speak tomorrow

Jean Castex will speak (November 12) at a press conference. His message will be mainly "informative," a government source told a news agency

Macron expected to announce new Covid restrictions tonight

New Covid-19 restrictions are being discussed by the Conseil de défense this morning, with a four-week national lockdown possible

France may start curfew at 19:00 as Covid-19 intensifies

President Macron is to hold meetings today to consult on stricter rules as record numbers are hospitalised and pressure rises

December lockdown needed in France ‘to save Christmas’

A winter lockdown period in France from December 1-20 would be a “clear solution” to avoid “having to cancel Christmas”, two Nobel Prize winners have suggested.

Making sense of France’s contradictory Covid-19 social rules

Overlap between rights, laws and health advice has led to confusing and contradictory Covid-19 health regulations for social gatherings in France. We explain.

French bike repair scheme extended to end of year

The state will invest a further €20 million in the scheme, and double grants for people on low incomes to buy electric bikes.

Public place mask-wearing rule challenged in French court

The French department of Bas-Rhin must now adapt its “disproportionate” rules ordering mask-wearing in all public places, after two hospital workers took local authorities to court.

Germany adds Paris and (some) of south France to risk list

Travellers who have visited Ile-de-France or Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur must get a coronavirus test upon return to Germany. If the result is positive, they face a 14-day quarantine.

Masks restrictive? Try a ventilator, says French doctor

A French doctor has refuted claims that masks restrict personal freedom, as the first court case challenging obligatory mask-wearing in public is brought in France. Cases of Covid-19 in France continue to rise.

Controversy as French theme park allows 9,000 visitors

The President’s office has denied accusations that the park has been granted a “special favour” due to the founder's friendship with Emmanuel Macron.

Plans for mask-wearing at work from end of August in France

Tomorrow, Tuesday August 18, the French minister for work Elisabeth Borne will present plans for masks be worn in the workplace. The measures are expected to be mandatory by the end of August.

Paris and Marseille now ‘active’ Covid-19 circulation zones

As cases continue to rise in France, residents in two major cities may face restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care remains stable.

Covid-19: How to stay healthy this summer in France

New videos have been released by French health authorities reminding people to maintain hygiene and social distancing measures this summer, to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

PM calls for discipline as Covid worsens in France

French Prime Minister Jean Castex has called for “vigilance, discipline” and more mask-wearing, as he called the current Covid-19 situation “worrying” - but one top professor has said the minister did not go far enough.

France to allow gatherings of more than 5,000 from August 15

Gatherings of more than 5,000 people are to be permitted once again in France - with some conditions - from August 15; including concerts, shows, festivals, and salons.

French police holiday service in demand as break-ins soar

Did you know that you can ask your local police service in France to keep watch over your house when you go on holiday? The free service aims to reduce break-ins, which have soared by 114% since deconfinement.

New Covid-19 spike: French department bans large gatherings

Gatherings of more than 10 people have been banned in Mayenne (Pays de la Loire) as almost 1,000 new cases of Covid-19 were reported, two weeks after the department was put on “high vulnerability” alert.

France makes Covid-19 tests free for all as cases rise again

France has confirmed that all PCR Covid-19 tests will now be reimbursed without a prescription and without conditions, as the government warns that “we still have not won the war” against the coronavirus.

France makes plans to reconfine at local level if required

Plans for possible future localised "re-confinements" are being developed, as Prime Minister Jean Castex says the current rate of Covid-19 circulation in France is not “serious” but does require “more vigilance”.

France confirms where masks are mandatory from tomorrow

France has issued a partial list of “indoor, enclosed” places in which masks are to become obligatory from tomorrow (Monday July 20), alongside further recommendations of how to wear a mask safely and effectively.

Eurostar increases France-UK trains from today

From today (July 17), six trains per day will run between London and Paris (Ile-de-France), and four per day will travel between London and Lille (Hauts-de-France). Connections to Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Brussels Midi have also resumed.

French department on ‘high alert’ after spike in Covid cases

The department of Mayenne in northwest France (Pays de la Loire) is now on “high vulnerability” alert after new cases of Covid-19 were reported, with local authorities calling for masks to be mandatory in public as soon as possible.

Masks to become obligatory in indoor public spaces in France

Wearing a face mask will become obligatory in all "enclosed public spaces" from August 1, President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised interview yesterday (July 14).

Coronavirus circulation higher in France since deconfinement

Factors suggesting that the virus is circulating at a higher rate include a rising R number and an increase in the number of people per month calling medical helpline SOS Médecins with Covid-19-related queries.

French state of health emergency: What changes as it ends?

Midnight tonight (from Friday July 10 to Saturday July 11) marks the end of France’s state of health emergency imposed due to the Covid-19 crisis, with some changes taking place as a result. We explain.

Rise in Covid-19 traces found in Paris water

Results from recent tests show a resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes Covid-19 - in water in the French capital at minimal levels, as the government considers how to control a possible second wave of the virus in France.

Top doctor: French are 'abandoning' Covid-19 protections

Barrier gestures that prevent the spread of Covid-19 are being “abandoned” in France, according to Professor Jean François Delfraissy, head of the government’s scientific advisory body Le Conseil Scientifique .

French law on authorisation for public gatherings overturned

Organised street gatherings are now allowed without authorisation, although gatherings of over 5,000 people are still banned under Covid-19 health guidelines.