Masks: What are rules for beaches and campsites in France?

Do I need to wear a mask at the beach or at an outdoor pool at a campsite in France?

Published Wednesday 15 December 2021 - 14:09 Modified Wednesday 15 December 2021 - 14:09

No, it is not mandatory to wear a face mask at the beach in France or at an outdoor pool at a campsite.

However, it is recommended to wear it when walking to the beach or to the pool. Once arrived, you can take it off.

Social distancing is also recommended on the beach and at outdoor pools. So-called 'barrier gestures' must still be respected. This includes washing hands regularly, maintaining a one-metre distance between you and others, avoiding touching your face, avoiding kissing and shaking hands with others and making sure to cough or sneeze in your elbow.

Groups of more than 10 people are not allowed on the beach. There are also filtering measures at the beach entrance to limit the number of people and directions to follow to enter and leave the beach.

It is now possible to go to the beach to lie, sunbathe, or have a picnic. Previously beaches were accessible only for physical activity and staying for several hours was not allowed.

Each prefecture is free to decide on the rules and recommendations such as gatherings and social distancing, the government said. A prefecture can also decide to close a beach if the rules are not respected.

For campsites, the wearing of the mask is obligatory in some specific shared areas and this should be clearly indicated.

The use of the pool can be limited or staggered as well but there is no obligation to wear the mask while poolside.

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