France lockdown: Can I go to second home to prep for winter?

Reader question: We have a second home in France and understand that we cannot travel there for a ‘holiday’ at the moment, but the house needs to be prepared for winter - water turned off etc. - we do not know anyone there to help with this and we are the only ones with keys. Could this be a valid reason to travel there?

Short answer: Yes.

A spokeswoman for the Covid-19 helpline in France said this would be a valid reason to travel to your second home.

You will need to carry with you proof of your address, for example an EDF bill, and fill out an exemption certificate (attestation de déplacement).

You should tick the box: Déplacements pour motif familial impérieux, pour l'assistance aux personnes vulnérables et précaires ou la garde d'enfants.

The spokeswoman also advised to have a Covid test taken within 72 hours before your arrival in France, and to carry the result certificate with you if the test is negative. If it is positive, she advises not travelling.

This is not mandatory, but will be useful supporting evidence if you are stopped.

Read more:

France lockdown: The exemption forms you need

France lockdown: Can we return home to UK from France?

Lockdown in France and second homes