February holidays in France still possible - so far
Although ski lifts remain closed, you can still go on holiday in France as no movement restrictions are currently in place - but things may ‘still change’ as ministers call for ‘collective responsibility’
Holidays will so far be possible across France this February - despite Covid - as there are currently no restrictions on movement between regions, although this “may still change”, ministers have said.
February holidays for schools in Zone A begin this weekend. Zone B will begin on February 20, and Zone C on February 13.
Junior Tourism Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne told news channel BFMTV: “Today, going on holiday is possible. Today, there are no restrictions on movement between regions.”
This morning, delegate minister for housing Emmanuelle Wargon said: “For the moment, there are no restrictions on movement. Holidays can take place.”
Ski lifts will remain shut for the month of February, but the industry has said that holidays in the mountains will still be possible.
Jean-Luc Boch, president of mountain mayors group l'Association nationale de maires des stations de montagne said: “You can come to spend great holidays in the mountain, make the most of it!”
While ski lifts are closed, other mountain-based activities are open and possible, such as raquettes and sledding.
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Read more: Confirmed: French ski lifts will stay closed into February
‘Things may still change’
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Yet, ministers have been clear that the rules on travel may change in the near-future due to the constantly-changing health situation.
Ms Wargon said: “ Of course, our decisions change every few days, as the virus changes. Today, we have announced no restrictions for the school holidays, but as usual, things can always change.”
Mr Lemoyne said: “We are monitoring the health situation every day. The numbers will dictate what happens next. We will be extremely vigilant. If there is another lockdown, naturally everyone will need to stay at home.”
He called on the public to be responsible.
He said: “During this period, responsibility is in the hands of each person. The government has acted with confidence in collective responsibility [in not imposing a third lockdown yet].”
During previous lockdowns, restrictions have included not being able to travel further than 100km around your home. There has been no confirmation of whether this rule would be re-imposed on the country in the event of another lockdown.
So far, France has not chosen to impose a third lockdown, although the Health Minister Olivier Veran has said that the country will “not wait” to impose stricter measures if the health data demands it.
The government is set to hold a defence council meeting tomorrow, with the possibility of a third lockdown expected to be one of the topics of discussion.
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