In these peculiar times for travel, the French mountains have been working on making the resorts safe and ready to welcome tourists for the 2020/21 winter season. France Montagnes has released an easy to understand infographic giving all the health & safety measures taken by every stakeholder of the French resorts – ready to welcome you when you are! 

Local Embassies

For all the official information on travelling to France, we recommend visiting the website for the French Embassy in the UK, which compiles all the latest updates.

Twitter channels

The most useful channels to follow for the latest updates on health and safety measures are that of the French Embassy in the UK (@FranceintheUK) and our own PR account (@AtoutFranceUKPR).

General measures across France

At the time of writing, France remains on the UK's quarantine list, meaning returning travellers are required to self-isolate for 14 days. In a voluntary reciprocal arrangement, travellers to France from the UK are also encouraged to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Since 20 July throughout France, wearing a mask has been mandatory on public transport as well as in enclosed public places, for anyone aged 11 and over. Additionally, on 28 August, wearing a mask became mandatory for pedestrians in all public spaces in Paris, both in the inner suburbs and in the wider departments of Seine-Saint-Denis, Hauts-de-Seine and Val-de-Marne. Anyone caught not complying with the rules faces a fine of €135 (120 GBP). For general details of the measures in place in France, please consult the official page on uk.france.fr.

Numerous health and safety measures have been taken, here are the highlights of the measures taken in the French mountains for the winter season:

Measures on public transport

In resorts, wearing a face mask is compulsory before boarding and while on public transport. 

Measures in accommodation and tourist offices

It is compulsory to wear a face mask in all communal and enclosed spaces, this includes accommodation and tourists offices. Accommodation hosts in the mountains will be providing guests with full details of the measures put in place for their stay. 

Measures on ski lifts

Specific measures are being applied to ski lifts including social distancing, single-directional movement and flow management in lift queues, obligatory mask-wearing and regular disinfection of equipment.

Measures at ski schools

When gathering at the beginning or at the end of the class, it is mandatory to wear a face mask for everyone aged over 11 years old. The mask can be taken off while on the slopes. All hired equipment will be thoroughly cleaned. If during the class, the group will walk into a public indoor space, it is mandatory to wear a face mask and hand sanitising gel will be made available. 

Measures in bars and restaurants

All guests must wear a face mask when walking in a bar or restaurant and when walking around the premises. Once seated, a table service only operates and tables are 1 metre apart minimum or separated with fixed or removable panels to ensure physical distancing. A thorough cleaning of all surfaces is done more frequently and hand sanitising gel is made available.

Measures in equipment hire shops

Shops are enclosed spaces and wearing a face mask is compulsory for both staff and customers, hand sanitising gel is also made available. All hired equipment is thoroughly cleaned before and after use.

Travel Insurance

The evolution of the pandemic remains unpredictable, so you may hear of local increases in COVID-19 numbers or possible local lockdowns. So please do travel responsibly, follow local government guidelines and ensure that you have valid and up-to-date travel insurance. Please note that presently the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will not be valid for travel after 31 December 2020, once the UK has left the EU.

As always, Atout France and France Montagnes are on hand for any questions you have as the industry negotiate the recovery of travel and our return to enjoying the opportunities and activities that the French Mountains offer.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Tiphaine Rolland

tiphaine.rolland@atout-france.fr 
Tel. 078 1304 5531, https://uk.france.fr/en 

About Atout France

Atout France - France Tourism Development Agency, is responsible for promoting the development of the tourism industry, the country's largest economic sector. Atout France's primary mission is to monitor and analyse the supply and demand in the tourist market. Atout France is also committed to promoting destinations and tourism partners in and from France. This is achieved through marketing campaigns, online promotion, PR and working closely with the travel trade sector. Atout France is represented in the UK and Ireland from its office in London. 

About France Montagnes

France Montagnes is the federating body of French mountain resorts, regional tourist boards, ski lift companies, French ski schools etc. France Montagnes' role is to promote travel and tourism year-round to the French Mountains.

About the infographic

France Montagnes have worked in association with its founding members, the National Association of Mountains Resorts'Mayors, the French Ski Areas and the National Union of French Ski Instructors, with the help of Union Sport & Cycle and its partners National Association of Self-Employed Hotels and Restaurants and National Union Of Tourist Residences – to create this infographic.