Traveling to France in 2021

After a long wait, we were finally able to make it back to France! La Foire de Chatou (the fair in Chatou) was waiting for us right as we got off the plane.  

If you’re hesitating to go because you think everything will be closed, think again! We found the flea markets and city to be buzzing, and had a wonderful time. 

We were so happy to meet up with our dear friends Sharon Santoni from My French Country Home and Molly Wilk, author of French Pastry Made Simple. We also had the chance to meet Landen Kerr from @pariswithlanden, after first connecting with her on Instagram!  

As we all get used to living and traveling with the pandemic, rules have changed. Because it can be difficult to know exactly what to expect as the world slowly opens back up, we’ve written our top 4 tips for traveling to Paris in 2021!

1. COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations

The hardest part about planning a trip to France is understanding the rules required to enter or leave the country. Let’s make it easy for you and break it down:

If you’re vaccinated you can enter France with no restrictions! You’ll need proof of vaccination and a sworn declaration stating that to the best of your knowledge you do not have COVID-19 nor have you been in contact with someone who had the virus.

You can find the declaration form here: Certificate of International Travel Form.

Once you are in France, your vaccination card will help you get into restaurants, fairs and museums. The Health Pass QR code can be difficult to get as the French government is swarmed with applications. Don’t be alarmed! Any proof of vaccination is accepted, including your CDC vaccination card, a negative PCR or antigen test.

Just to err on the side of caution, our hotel recommended that we get a rapid antigen test because museums tend to be more strict about entry. If you’re wondering where to get a rapid test, go to one of the many tents placed near pharmacies all over Paris. Within 15 minutes of testing, you’ll have the result as proof, valid for 72 hours.The cost of the test is 30 euros for travelers.

To leave France and enter the US, regardless of vaccination status, a negative COVID-19 test is required.

2. Masks in Restaurants and Museums

Mask rules, like vaccination rules, change regularly.

When we were in Paris, wearing masks outdoors was no longer mandatory, with some exceptions such as flea markets, stadiums, or large gatherings.

Masks were required in certain instances:

• When entering a restaurant until seated

• In enclosed spaces such as shops or museums

• On public transport (metro, trains, planes, buses, taxis...)

3. Citymapper App

Outside of new COVID-19 regulations, we’ve discovered a helpful app to get around Paris! It’s a “must-have” if you’ll be walking or taking public transportation. The Citymapper App gives you multiple suggestions to get from point A to point B. It will even tell you where to situate yourself in the wagons of the subway (front, center, or back of train) to get to the exits faster! 

4. Le Métro (the subway)

When riding Le Metro, it’s important to save you ticket after you’ve used it to enter the station - do not throw it away! Officers will conduct occasional ticket checks and if you cannot show the ticket used for that specific ride, you might be fined. Keep the ticket with you until you exit the station at your arrival.

A word of caution - be aware of pickpockets in the city and mostly in the metro! Don’t leave anything in your pockets, and keep your bags in front of you.

Now you’re sure to be an expert on the streets of Paris!

For Sandra's insider tips on where to stay, eat, shop and visit when in Paris, read Sandra’s Paris Guide!

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Please note that this article pertains to conditions during our last trip to France in September 2021. As travel requirements and restrictions may change, see the following links to websites for up-to-date information on travel to France:

Official French Government information on travel to France

CDC recommendations on travel to France

Bon voyage!

XOXO,
Sandra