With the health crisis around COVID-19 and the summer fast approaching, many French people were worried about whether or not they would be able to go on holiday. But the good news is that the government has announced the relaxation of the rules related to the epidemic and from June 2 or June 22 depending on the area, many establishments and structures throughout France will once again be able to open their doors and welcome the public. Future holidaymakers can therefore breathe a sigh of relief and with the lifting of the 100 km limit, they can now start to make their bookings on the territory. But beware, caution is still called for and the rules of distancing must continue to be respected. Here's the situation

Where can the French go on holiday?

The government recommends that French people spend their holidays in France as the best way to limit the risks. As far as Europe is concerned, the country says it is in favour of reopening its internal borders from 15 June, with no fourteen-week conditions. This would allow the French to spend a few days abroad this summer, and on this subject it should be noted that Italy has already reopened its borders. The various countries of the European Union are due to meet and will communicate their decision around 15 June, when they will also announce what has been decided collectively about the reopening of Europe's external borders

As regards overseas, a wider opening of flights for holidays is envisaged, but for the time being, strict measures of fourteen on arrival are maintained. On the subject of flights, Orly airport will resume its commercial flights from 26 June

Hosting facilities will reopen

Key players in tourism, campsites, tourist accommodation and holiday villages will reopen from 2 June. But beware, only in the green zone. The areas located in orange, namely Île-de-France, French Guiana and Mayotte, will only be able to reopen their accommodation facilities from 22 June, as these areas are currently under surveillance for the circulation of the virus. Summer camps will also be able to reopen from 22 June in all departments

Beaches, lakes, parks and gardens, bars, restaurants, cultural places, where are we?

Parks and gardens will reopen throughout the country from 30 May. Depending on the commune, the wearing of masks may be compulsory and playgrounds may be closed. Beaches and lakes, which are very popular places on sunny and hot days, will be accessible throughout the country from 2 June

Bars, restaurants and cafés, which have suffered greatly from being closed during the time of the lockdown, will reopen as of June 2. But beware, in the orange zone, only terraces will be accessible. In the green and orange zones, masks will have to be worn by staff and the public when travelling. The tables will be separated by a distance of one metre and there will not be more than 10 people per table.

For those who like cultural holidays, museums and monuments will reopen throughout the country from 2 June. Cinemas will reopen in France from 22 June

For the other key players in the holiday and leisure industry, theatres, amusement parks, swimming pools, gymnasiums and sports halls, reopening in the green zone from 2 June, but only on 22 June in the orange zone. Discos, games rooms, stadiums and racecourses remain closed at least until 22 June for the time being

The rules of social distancing are still valid today

With all these forthcoming reopenings, holidaymakers have reason to rejoice, but be aware that social distancing is still the order of the day everywhere. The government recommends wearing a mask, encourages people to wash their hands as often as possible and to maintain a distance of one metre from others. In the public space, gatherings of more than 10 people are forbidden. In accommodation facilities, cultural venues, cafés, bars and restaurants, measures are being put in place, as in shops, to ensure compliance with health regulations and limit the transmission of the virus. The main thing is there, the French will be able to breathe a sigh of relief from these two months of confinement and go on holiday and recharge their batteries.