View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
Lockdown loosening in France
France moved into the second phase of its loosened lockdown restrictions last Tuesday, 2nd June – so what changes did that bring to our everyday life?
France began to loosen its strict lockdown from 11th May, but encouraging data on the virus circulation meant that from 2nd June the country moved to the next phase of the plan which will last until 22nd June and returns life to a state where, according to the Prime Minister Edouard Philippe:
……freedom will, finally, be the rule and restriction the exception.
As with all stages of France’s lockdown plan, this comes with the caveat that restrictions could be reimposed if the health situation worsens. Plus, local authorities retained the power to impose extra restrictions in their area.
So what changed?
The map of France divided into green and orange zones for phase 2
Map: Santé Publique France
France is now divided only into two zones where the vast majority of the country is coloured green – showing a low circulation of the virus. Unsurprisingly, the exception is the greater Paris Île-de-France region, which is coloured orange to show higher levels of the virus, along with the overseas départements of French Guyana and Mayotte. Orange zones naturally have more restrictions than green ones.
Bars, cafés and restaurants
These could reopen from 2nd June, having been closed by government order since 15th March. There are a lot of hygiene restrictions for owners to abide by, including spaces of at least one metre (3 feet) between tables, and in orange zones – including Paris – only outdoor terraces can reopen.
We went out for coffee on the Tuesday to one of our usual hangouts and things were quiet, almost deadly quiet. However, it was only day one and many places close anyway on Tuesdays. Friday we went out for lunch at our favourite local restaurant and it was reasonably busy, about 50% of their normal trade and all regulars.
The 100km rule
This rule was scrapped and people can now travel freely around France for any reason, without the need for a self-certified form (attestation). The second week of half-term saw a number of French holiday makers in their second-homes in the Domaine – good news.
Seats of learning
The gradual reopening of schools was accelerated, with all infant, primary and secondary schools able to re-open. Maximum class sizes remain, however, so many pupils will only be attending for part of the week. High schools (lycées) will only reopen in the green zones and universities will continue with online teaching.
Parks, beaches and gardens
These have now all reopened though it’s down to individual local authorities on whether masks are compulsory in parks, beaches and gardens.
We had a picnic on the beach on Saturday evening. It was the usual crowd and we may have just numbered 2 x 10, including dogs and children. It was so nice to catch up with everyone’s news in person and we’ll be getting together like this on a regular basis.
Gyms and swimming pools
All gyms in green zones have reopened with those in orange zones scheduled to reopen on 22nd June. The same applies to swimming pools. Thank goodness my beloved can finally use the Domaine’s 50 metre, Olympic-sized outdoor pool.
Cinemas, theatres and museums
Theatres and museums have begun to reopen in green zones, while orange zones must wait again until 22nd June. Cinemas can reopen in the whole country as of 22nd June. Wearing a mask will be mandatory in all these spaces.
What doesn’t change
While life in general looks and feels a lot freer, there are still restrictions in place.
- Those who can work from home are asked to continue to do so
- Masks remain compulsory on public transport and shops can require their customers to wear masks – all our shops and shopping centre require masks to be worn
- Gatherings in a public place are still limited to a maximum of 10, although there is no restriction on gatherings in private residences
- Contacts sports remain banned and professional sports such as rugby and football are not expected to restart before September
- Nightclubs and music venues remain closed
- The rules on international travel remain in place, with entry into France heavily restricted. This is not expected to change before 15th June.
What else?
The annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris on 14th July 14 will be replaced with a much smaller tribute to health workers. However, the football authorities are hoping the postponed French Cup final could still go ahead before a limited number of spectators in Paris. While both domestic Cup finals, postponed in April, may now be staged in August just before the planned start of next season.
The government hopes to further ease restrictions from 22nd June, and the second round of voting for the country’s municipal elections, originally set for March, are now planned for 28th June.
View from the Back 
Thank you for the firsthand updates; my daughter was supposed to start working in Lyon on May 2nd, and is eagerly awaiting for the international travel ban to be lifted.
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My pleasure Irene. Lyon’s a lovely city, I’m sure she’ll love working there and you’ll enjoy visiting.
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Thank you for sharing the information with us. I like to be updated throughout the world.
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No problem Susie. I find it interesting how different countries and States are reacting.
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Love the masks cartoon. 😀
Good to see thins are returning to normal there also. 🙂
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Slowly but surely
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Sounds like freedom is slowly returning to France – at leat you can now go to a cafe. For some reason that is among the things I’ve missed the most.
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I can understand that.
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This is great news. Glad to know you are getting back to activities
And the face mask image made me smile. 😀
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Yes, slowly but surely.
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Smiles. Love that.
Happy weekend ma’am. 🤗
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You too
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Glad to hear of these updates in France Sheree, opening up a little sooner than things here in the UK. And that shot from the terrace is beautiful, I want to be there!
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Thank you! Hope you’re well?
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I am good thank you, enjoying some time off work to explore whilst it is still somewhat quiet. It is certainly getting busier though.
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Yes, I too have been doing some exploring.
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Great! I hope you have made some interesting finds 🙂
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More refinds
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How wonderful that you are getting some loosenings. I went on a motorcycle ride yesterday to a tourist town. About half of the stores were open with a limit on the number of customers and masks were required. What puzzled and amused me most was that in a tourist town that makes it clear that their bathrooms are not for customers, the town’s public restrooms were closed because of Covid. It seems that everyone across the world has a different take on what is safe or what they are willing to do.
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In France there’s clear demarcation between orange and green zones but local mayors have a big say. In Nice, you should be masked at all times but not where I live as the population is much smaller. Our public facilities are open.
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Lovely post again, thnx
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My pleasure and thank you
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