Some weeks I sit down to write to you and despite not travelling, it feels as if the days have whizzed past – and in other ways I feel like we are all living in limbo land with a long way to go until normality returns for everyone.
But, this week there are a few changes. The UK Department for Transport has confirmed that people arriving in England from more than 50 countries including France will no longer need to quarantine from 10 July.
If you do plan to visit France from England, you’re currently invited to quarantine for 14 days but it’s not mandatory. However this could all change – the goals are moving seemingly daily. In France, you’ll find that on public transport and at many restaurants and shops you may be required to wear a mask. And, social distancing is a way of life, from one way systems in shops and at the street markets, to markings on pavements when you’re queueing to buy an ice cream. Hand sanitiser is everywhere from ski lifts to museums, restaurants, bars and shops.
As things are starting to assume a new normality, I am going to travel for the first time in more than 4 months. At the end of the month I’m off to the theme park of Puy du Fou. In France, it’s incredibly famous for its spectacular shows. And I’ll tell you more when I get back.
I’m also just sorting out a trip to lovely Annecy in the Savoie department. I’ve been before but it was a flying visit and certainly not enough time to appreciate its charms. All being well, I’ll be going in September. Pays de Gex which is on the border with Switzerland, Antibes and the Drome department too are on my radar. I’m looking forward to being back on the road, albeit it with a bag of masks and hand sanitiser!
Throughout this time of lockdown and travel bans, in the hope that one day soon, it will be safe for all of us to travel again as normal, I’ve aimed to continue to inspire with new articles on the website each week. And the spring/summer magazine is packed with features too (if you haven’t seen it, click on the link at the bottom of the email to read it totally for free).
I’ve also been podcasting! Feel free to listen in to me chat to Krystal Kenney of La Vie Creative about the quirkiness and wonders of life in rural France! You’ll find it here: laviecreative.buzzsprout.com
I’m taking a bit of time off through July and August to eat cheese and cakes! I’ll be popping into your inbox every two weeks until 29 August when my normal weekly whimsies will return!
Wishing you and yours truly well from my little pig sty.
Bisous from France
Janine
Editor
ps Every day on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram, I share a daily dose of France in photos. The most popular this week was the main street of Mont St Michel (top photo)…
Janine Marsh is Author of My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream – ebook, print & audio, on Amazon everywhere & all good bookshops online, and My Four Seasons in France: A Year of the Good Life
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