We will be updating this blog with every new regulation update to inform you of all COVID 19 2020 updates in France.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. 

Please also see our blog about how wedding planners are dealing with COVID 19 for more industry updates.

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Regulations update from November 24, 2020

France’s President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Tuesday November 24, 2020 with information on the next steps regarding COVID 19 restrictions. Cases have dropped, however Macron wants to avoid a third wave and a third lockdown by still being vigilant. Here is a summary of what was communicated to the country this week:

  • Commerce and shops can re-open starting Saturday November 28, 2020.
  • Bars and restaurants will remain closed until January 20, 2021.
  • Ski lifts will NOT open for Christmas and New Year’s. A decision on ski areas opening for the Winter 2021 season will be communicated in about 10 days time.
  • Justification to go to supermarkets, exercise, moving around is still required until December 15, 2020
  • Working from home is still required when possible.
  • Kids continue going to school.
  • Universities will resume in-class teaching on January 20, 2021.
  • Curfew from 9pm until 7am will be in place even after the provisional de-confinement on December 15, 2020.
  • The curfew will be relaxed on December 24th and December 31st so people can visit and gather with family.
  • Starting, Saturday November 28, exercise time is extended to 3 hours and up to 20km compared to the previous 1 hour and 1km radius.
  • A vaccination campaign will start at the end of December with the elderly and most vulnerable people treated first. He emphasized that the vaccine would not be mandatory.

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Regulations update from October 28, 2020

The French President Emmanuel Macron spoke last night to inform the country of the upcoming restrictions due to COVID. Here is a summary of what was communicated to the country on October 28, 2020:

  •  Confinement will be in effect from Thursday October 29, 2020 at midnight.

  •  Schools will remain open and kids will attend school. This includes day-care, elementary school, junior high and high school grades.

  • Universities will teach online.

  • Teleworking will be enforced wherever possible 5 days out of 5. If not possible to work from home then people must carry justification papers.

  • All non-essential businesses will close.

  • All bars and restaurants will be closed.

  • No circulating between regions within France.

  • No gatherings of any kind.

  •  Gyms, stadiums and sporting facilities will be closed. No team sport practices permitted.

  • People will be able to go outside for fresh air and exercise however the exact details have not yet been communicated.

  • The confinement will most likely be until December 1, 2020.

  • A re-opening will be considered in 15 days time once the situation has been evaluated.

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    Regulations update from October 14, 2020

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Wednesday October 13, 2020 to address the country on the new restrictions that will be implemented in the coming days: 

  • There will be a mandatory curfew in the following major cities between 9pm and 6am start Friday October 16th at midnight: Paris, Grenoble, Lyon, Aix-en- Provence, Marseille, Montpellier, Lille, Saint Etienne, Rouen and Toulouse. The duration of this curfew is currently set at 4 weeks.

  • People are not to be outside after 9pm. If they need to circulate for work purposes, or health reasons, they will need to show justification. Paperwork to be found on the government website.

  • All private gatherings, parties, including weddings, are forbidden across the entire country for the next 4 weeks.

  • Restaurants: Maximum of 6 people per table. And client identity may be required to trace contact to COVID cases.

  • Private home gatherings recommended to have no more than 6 people present.

  • Working from home: Regions of France where curfew is in place must also enforce teleworking with a minimum of 2-3 days per week.

  • Government aid: Financial aid is going to be extended to those affected by the COVID pandemic in their respective sectors.

  • Masks must be worn in all areas of France on public transport and inside commerce. Most big cities require wearing a mask outside as well.

  • No restrictions on travel within France, people can still circulate freely throughout the country.

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Regulations update from September 14, 2020

No major updates from Prime Minister Jean Castex regarding COVID in September. Cases are increasing here just as they are everywhere else in the world. But here are some quick points to note: 

  • The isolation period has been decreased from 14 days to 7 days for those infected or who have been in contact with someone with COVID. Scientists know that people are infectious for 5 – 6 days after symptoms so there is no point to enforce 14 days of isolation.
  • The strategy is not changing. People need to be vigilant and continue preventative behaviors by wearing masks, washing their hands, and social distancing.
  • French government officials have said that the economic crisis could become worse than the health crisis, insisting that they wanted to take local measures to address the crisis instead of doing a national lockdown.
  • Schools across the country are open. Children and teachers are wearing masks, placing the desks further apart than normal, and enforcing social distancing within the campus.
  • In some circumstances, a school or part of a school may shut down for a short period. In this case, distance learning will be put in place by the school.
  • It is required to wear a mask if you are 11 or over in enclosed public spaces such as public transport, shops, and museums.
  • It is required to wear a mask outside in some areas and towns, including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.
  • Bars & restaurants are open with adapted measures.
  • From September 1st, It is required to wear a mask on all indoor company premises except individual offices. Your employer is required to pay for the masks.

Wedding specific COVID Updates:

  • Church weddings are allowed. Social distancing however is imposed requiring 1 meter between guests.
  • Masks are mandatory for people over 11 years old.
  • Gatherings outside in public areas such as in front of city hall, parks & gardens are limited to 10 people.
  • Seating at restaurants limited to 10 people per table, with at least 1 meter distance between tables.
  • Staff must wear masks.
  • Guests must wear masks when not seated.
  • There is no dancing permitted 

Small weddings of 10-50 people are probably the best way forward in the upcoming months. Our clients from now through the start of winter will be Swiss, French, and local Schengen country nationals.

When choosing a venue consider being close to a private residence you can rent where you can have the dance party after dinner. For example, choose a restaurant or hotel that is within walking distance or a short drive to a villa or chalet where the family is staying and can host the party afterward. 

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Regulations update from June 14, 2020

President Macron gave a speech on June 14 for Phase 3 of de-confinement, here is the update:

The de-confinement will allow France to go back to living ‘almost like normal’.

  •  European borders re-open from June 15. For some countries there will be quarantine restrictions (ex: UK)
  • Borders with the rest of the world re open on July 1st, only with countries where the virus is contained.
  • From June 15, all regions of France are considered to be in a ‘green’ zone, meaning all restaurants, bars and public places are open in all of France.
  • All schools re-open as normal starting June 22, with no restrictions on number of children per class.
  • Cinemas and casinos open on June 22
  • Stadiums open July 11th, with a limit of 5000 people
  • Gatherings in public areas still limited to 10 people
  • Dance/night clubs will stay closed for the summer, until further notice
  • Fairs and exhibitions will stay closed for the summer, until further notice
  • Stay tuned for another Presidental annoucement in July

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Regulations update from May 28, 2020

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe delivered a hopeful speech to France on May 28 to announce phase 2 of de-confinement. “Freedom is returning as the norm, and restrictions are the exception.” 

The de-confinement will allow France to go back to living ‘almost like normal’.

  • Bars and restaurants will re-open June 2, with some limitations: 10 people max per table , tables need to be at least 1 meter apart, clients must be seated, no standing service (bar, for example, people need to be seated). Staff required to wear masks.
  • Regions still considered as orange zones will only be allowed to open outside terrace seating, no indoor seating (Paris for example).
  • Unlimited travel is now allowed within France with no restrictions on distance 
  • Beaches, gyms, monuments, and museums  open June 2
  • All schools are open June 2
  • Team sports and contact sports not yet permitted
  • Cinemas will re-open on June 22.
  • The application STOP COVID will be available for phones to track exposure to people who were in proximity to others with COVID 19
  • Working from home still encouraged
  • EU borders will start re-opening June 15
  • Gatherings in public areas still limited to 10 people
  • Cultural and sporting events not yet allowed
  • Dance clubs, stadiums do not open until at least June 21

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Regulations update from May 7, 2020

The French Prime Minister spoke a few days before the official de-confinement date in France of May 11, 2020. France has been on lockdown for nearly 8 weeks, and the country will slowly re-open in a few days. It will be a progressive re-opening. Here is a re-cap of the major points addressed:

  • People can now circulate freely up to a 100km radius from their home (up until May 11, it was required to have a document for going to the grocery store within proximity of the house, physical exercise limited to 1km radius of the house for one hour, working from home, etc.)
  •  Health precautions still need to be respected. For example, having distance between people in public and wearing masks.
  • Working from home is still enforced when possible.
  • Elementary schools will re-open with smaller class sizes. Junior high schools will progressively start welcoming students on May 18. High-school students progressively starting May 24th.
  • Northern France is still classified as being in the ‘red’ meaning disciplinary measures and enforcement is still strict in those departments. Junior high schools and parks will remain closed there.
  • Masks are mandatory when using public transportation. Those not wearing masks will be fined 135 euros.
  • No events gathering over 5000 people will be permitted before September 2020.
  • Gatherings in public or private is still limited to 10 people maximum.
  • Lakes and beaches can re-open upon the discretion of the local authorities
  • Borders in Europe will remain closed until June 15, 2020.
  • Stores and commerce will re-open May 11, 2020 except for bars and restaurants.
  • Bar and restaurant re-opening dates will be announced at the end of May.
  • Financial aid by the government to small businesses will still be available through the end of May.
  • Churches and religious gatherings may be allowed at the end of May.
  • Permission and restrictions on summer vacation will be announced June 2, 2020.

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Regulations update from April 29, 2020

France’s Prime Minister, Edouard Philppe, gave us the next steps of what’s in store for life in France after 7 weeks of confinement.

  • On May 11, 2020, France will slowly be opening up again after facing nearly 24,000 deaths in the hexagon. 
  • Schools will start opening up in waves starting with elementary grades the week of May 11, then Junior high-school grades the week of May 18th, followed by high-school students the week of May 25th.
  • Wearing masks will be mandatory for taking public transport, teachers, and children in junior high or older.
  • Businesses will start opening on May 11, with the exception of cafés, bars, and restaurants. No known date is yet communicated for the re-opening of these establishments. 
  • Working from home will still be enforced for another 3 weeks following May 11th.
  • People can move freely in a radius of up to 100km from home without previously required documentation after May 11th.
  • No events with more than 5000 people before September 2020.
  • Movie theatres, museums and concert halls will stay closed but smaller establishments may open.

Views and advice from Haute Wedding:
We like to have an optimistic  (yet realistic) look on life, and we are hopeful that life will slowly get back to normal and we can celebrate life and love sooner than later! We are still maintaining high hopes of weddings on the calendar for late August 2020 and onwards. Even though borders are still closed, uncertainty still lingers, but we are hopeful!!! 

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Regulations update from April 13, 2020

  • Full confinement will continue until May 11, 2020.
  • The government is continuing financial aid for small businesses and freelance employees. 
  • Borders remain closed until further notice.
  • Exercise in Paris is permitted only before 10am or after 7pm due to people taking advantage of the previous timings and lingering in public places for too long.

Views and advice from Haute Wedding:
For couples who were straddling the fence on their July or August weddings, it is probably best to postpone until the fall of next year, 2021. We know this is disappointing, and believe us, we are just as gutted as you are. But for your well-being and happiness, this is honestly the best suggestion we can give.

Spring 2021 is going to be very busy with the original spring 2020 weddings being rescheduled to 2021, plus the new 2021 weddings on the calendar. May & June in 2021 are going to be very busy….lock in your 2021 dates as much in advance as possible! 

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Regulations update from March 16, 2020

  • People in France listened attentively to President Emmanuel Macron on March 16, 2020, with information regarding the pandemic and the instructions given to the country.
  • Schools, bars, restaurants, and public places of gathering such as parks are now closed until further notice.
  • People are to work from home. 
  • Physical exercise is permitted for one hour per day, within a 1km radius of home.
  • People must carry required documentation when leaving their homes for everything including grocery shopping, exercise, and helping family members in need.
  • Fines for breaking the rules are set at 135 euros the first time, and if a second infraction is broken then the next fine is at 1000 euros.

Views and advice from Haute Wedding:
At this time we are recommending all couples who have weddings scheduled from March 16 through the end of June 2020 to postpone until either the fall of 2020 or spring 2021. It is too uncertain and risky to have couples, their families and friends travel internationally. The hotels, bars, restaurants, and venues are closed until further notice so it is best to keep the wedding planning journey a joy rather than a burden. Postponing to a later date will certainly be inconvenient, but as everyone knows a wedding is a once in a lifetime celebration that should be a time of bliss and beautiful beginnings, planning a wedding in this cloud of uncertainty will take away from this important chapter in life. Postponing will allow you to keep your joy… just celebrating it a bit later than planned.

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We hope everyone is staying positive through this pandemic. 

We are all in this together and together we are stronger.

– The Haute Wedding Team