So is France open from Monday.

buttons said:
Why would anyone want to travel to France just now. The UK weather forecast is just fantastic, our gardens look wonderful, the shops will be open. All this without the stress of living with and being alone in a van with someone that you have just spent the last six months locked down with.:cool:(y)
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"Gardens in Watford." How decadent !!!.
 
Charente16 said:
suavecarve, your post #34 was a very succinct and accurate response to my posting.

Yes, I can be classed as a 'NIMBY' but the difference is I have postponed my foreign trips indefinately, including a planned trip to the UK to see family. Reading various posts on this Forum, I don't think my presence in the UK driving around in a foreign registered ' motorhome' would be appreciated by the majority of the population. Just look at the problems experienced by UK vanlifers.

Robert

Broken Link Removed
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Firstly, why is there a "report" button in blue in your post. I thought long and hard about whether i should click it or not thinking it might relate to a report about UK vanlifers, and i did, but it invites me to report your post and think of a reason. The only reason i cold think of is the pathetic one of you dont agree with me !!!
Fair play to you for self reflection.
I genuinely have no idea of the problems experienced by UK vanlifers, but suspect they had a van and nowhere to be and are probably full timers and experienced some anti feeling where they parked. No idea of nationality of their vehicle.
All i can say to that is it wasnt me. Is there a link (not the report button!) to enlighten me.
Now if I were in your position and wanting to see the family in France under the same regulations I would be going. But you cant because we have a quarantine which is possibly/probably illegal.

I do understand the points you make, but i feel they are personal ones (which you are perfectly entitled to have). I (and i suspect others who are coming) will be fully respectful as anything less than that would be putting me in danger. In order for me to spread the disease, I have to get it. I have done quite well as a first responder dealing with all sorts of Covid related incidents over the past 3 months not to get it and control my team at incidents that only one of them got it (and he got it from his wife a Covid nurse) so the thought process of allowing all this hard work for 3 months to go out of the pan for a 10 or 20 day holiday (as i may have to abide by quarantine on the way back) on a campsite in the middle of nowhere, in the open air, and being treated like a leper by the Dutch, Germans and French for the first few days (I expect) is not going to increase my chances of getting it and therefore spreading it.

I am just enjoying the ethos of the EU (which we are currently members of) in freedom of movement. If the EU were to prevent it ..... well thats a whole different subject

If i were a European (ex pat or not) I would not be concerned about me in a motorhome going to france. If i were in Ibiza, I would be fairly concerned about an influx of younger, less socially desirable, less responsible, drinking culture youths.

Your democratically elected Government have deemed it safe, openly invited me, in fact encouraged me to attend and spend my hard earned money to help their country out.

What is it you would do if you were in my circs. I have had to take my months annual leave. I have had my tunnel booked since January. No campsites open here (I dont agree with that but accept it). My choices are to go on holiday (not illegal) or stay at home like i have done (apart from work).

I wish you well.
 
Vickysponge said:
This is because travel insurance is designed to provide protection against unexpected and unforeseen risks and travelling to a country or area that the FCO has advised against going to because it is dangerous, is a very different risk from taking a holiday in a country that is considered to be generally safe.
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Europe is not dangerous. (IMHO and the opinion of Europe)
The legality of their advice, on Monday, has to be questioned by themselves. I am quite sure the EU will ask them to define "dangerous" if they dont change it.
They will have to name the countries. Would love to see a justification for Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Finland, Swtzerland, Serbia etc. I would hazard a guess that the differential between those countries and France is fairly similar to the differential between UK and France and yet they arent stopping french citizens entering, but they too are encouraging (maybe not the Austrians to Brits) visitors
I get why they havent changed it yet. It is because the borders arent yet open.

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suavecarve said:
I get why you dont want us there. It makes no sense. Apart from getting your economy running faster. I think i might be in the same boat as you if the situation were reversed. But I dont recall the shouting from the rooftops about the expats who were allowed back into GB over the past couple of months. We are, after all, Europeans at this moment in time. Do you not want Germans ? Austrians ? or is it just the British that shouldnt be allowed ?
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The progression and regression of this disease seems to be in phases and the recovery process has to be staged according to the numbers of infections and deaths. The UK was, I believe, a week or two behind most other European countries in the spread of the infection and still seems to be so, judging by the daily numbers.

Whilst there is such a disparity between the UK and European numbers, I would suggest that it would be prudent for the UK to be patient and not try to catch up with the European progress, as it seems to be trying to do. The science won't allow it. It's not a national thing - the same would go for any country with significantly higher numbers. Another couple of weeks to allow the UK numbers to fall to the levels now being seen across Europe and I wouldn't see any problem whatsoever.

Certainly, local businesses are eager to see their summer trade return as soon as possible, regardless of nationality and there are encouraging signs that the area is waking up, with my local campsite opening this week and more activity in town with the reopening of bars and restaurants.

PS I don't understand the expat comment. They've stayed put wherever they live, surely? Any large movement of people was the return of tourists, visitors etc to the country of their principal residence, as far as I am aware?
 
spitfire said:
I wouldn’t trust too much the Connection as they have often got things wrong including guide on filling out your tax form ! Wait for announcement from Macron on Sunday or Edouard Phillipe.
But don’t come to my area as we have no new cases or deaths !!
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That's great news Spitfire - I'll be straight down your neck of the woods on Tuesday - No new cases in my motorhome either, and I've not died recently too. We'll be like twins...:eek::ROFLMAO:
 
As in other posts we too live in an area frequented by many tourists. Having survived this virus relatively unscathed we are concerned at what may happen when visitors return. At present the government 5 mile limit on travel serves to protect us. Should freedom of movement be reintroduced it is highly likely that the virus will be brought back here. In simple terms, we don't want that to happen.
 
Pete5996 said:
The progression and regression of this disease seems to be in phases and the recovery process has to be staged according to the numbers of infections and deaths. The UK was, I believe, a week or two behind most other European countries in the spread of the infection and still seems to be so, judging by the daily numbers.

Whilst there is such a disparity between the UK and European numbers, I would suggest that it would be prudent for the UK to be patient and not try to catch up with the European progress, as it seems to be trying to do. The science won't allow it. It's not a national thing - the same would go for any country with significantly higher numbers. Another couple of weeks to allow the UK numbers to fall to the levels now being seen across Europe and I wouldn't see any problem whatsoever.

Certainly, local businesses are eager to see their summer trade return as soon as possible, regardless of nationality and there are encouraging signs that the area is waking up, with my local campsite opening this week and more activity in town with the reopening of bars and restaurants.

PS I don't understand the expat comment. They've stayed put wherever they live, surely? Any large movement of people was the return of tourists, visitors etc to the country of their principal residence, as far as I am aware?
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You would need to follow the thread back to see why ex pat statement made, and not originated by me.

If my maths is correct, and your statement that we are a couple of weeks behind france (which i think is about right) then we are in the same position now as france was when it opened up on June 2nd and it will be 15th June when we "invade". So UK is actually being more prudent than France was 2 weeks ago. You have campsites and bars and restaurants open on that date.

In relation to numbers. It does depend on how you want to read them, just like everything else. France has double the amount of people in ICU beds than the UK. France doesnt count how many tests. France doesnt count deaths at home. Our daily figures are a complete and utter joke if you want to take them as "current"

In June we average 63 deaths per day (obviously decreasing) in hospitals in England, considering NI and Scotland had days of zero deaths it does beg the question why are we announcing 200 + a day. The answer is simple. They never occurred yesterday but in April and May. The headline figure is for deaths reported in the past 24 hours not occurred and reported. If that were the case then Englands figures for the past 2 days (just like spain is reporting) would have been 11 and 14.

In your area you actually have had less deaths than the average mortality rate !!!
In my area (parish), we havent had a death !!! in the region (local council)we had 19 to the middle of May.
Probably somewhat similar I would suggest.

Belgians Italian Spanish Swedes and people from San marino have a higher death per capita than france. And therefore every other country in Europe has a lesser rate than the French. By the same token why arent France stopping their citizens enjoying Liberte egalite fraternite and why wouldnt their citizens want this for others. It goes against French culture, from what i can see.
 
suavecarve said:
You would need to follow the thread back to see why ex pat statement made, and not originated by me.

If my maths is correct, and your statement that we are a couple of weeks behind france (which i think is about right) then we are in the same position now as france was when it opened up on June 2nd and it will be 15th June when we "invade". So UK is actually being more prudent than France was 2 weeks ago. You have campsites and bars and restaurants open on that date.


France did not open everything from 2 June. It was very much up to each individual business and prefectures of departments. Here in Brittany many campsites opened on a restricted basis, i.e no swimming pool facilites yet, etc from the 6 June. Some may not open at all this year and I saw an article in the local newspaper yesterday about a campsite that has decided not to open this summer, due to most of their clients being "foreigners". You also need to understand that visiting shops can be difficult, for example

- many shops and businesses are making masks obligatory
- smaller shops only one person in at anytime
- some shops you need an appointment to go there
- restaurants and bars are being advised to use outdoor terrasses, okay when it is not raining!!!
- swimming pools, gyms, cinemas etc not yet opened

So whilst France may have eased lockdown, it is by no means totally open. We await Sunday evening to hear what the President has to announce, to hopefully open everything a little more.
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Sorry I have incorrectly commented. You will need to expand the quote to see what I wrote :unsure:
 
IanRJ said:
That's great news Spitfire - I'll be straight down your neck of the woods on Tuesday - No new cases in my motorhome either, and I've not died recently too. We'll be like twins...:eek::ROFLMAO:
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Don’t be bringing your germs near me lol
 
If i changed my words to opened up "significantly more than the UK has done" I actually dont see anything wrong with what i said "as france was when it opened up on June 2nd" Your interpretation of what i said is that the whole of france has opened up everything. I am quite aware there are still restrictions.
A lot of what you have stated ( ill copy it to here) will be going on here on Monday. Apart from the bars and restaurants. I thought it was only Paris, where they werent allowed to serve people standing up for food inside or beer but the rest of the country could go inside for something to eat or drink ?
The singular news report of someone not opening their campsite because their clientele is foreigners doesnt hold much water for me. Why someone would not open their business for the singular reason of trying to deter their clientele beggars belief. I dont doubt it has happened as per the report. Ii would respectfully take more note of the 10,999 who havent been reported as taking this action.

- many shops and businesses are making masks obligatory
- smaller shops only one person in at anytime
- some shops you need an appointment to go there
- restaurants and bars are being advised to use outdoor terrasses, okay when it is not raining!!!
- swimming pools, gyms, cinemas etc not yet opened
 
BIHAN said:
Sorry I have incorrectly commented. You will need to expand the quote to see what I wrote :unsure:
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We’ve been travelling now for over a week, and we haven’t seem much of what you’re seeing in Brittany. We were heading that way but now have changed our minds - perhaps that’s a good decision!

What we have seen is almost all restaurants open, with tables inside. You are expected to wear a mask to go to your table. Almost all shops open, with some of them restricting how many can enter at once, and sometimes masks required. Camp sites fully open, including their swimming pools. This is just our experience. So not quite back to “normal” but pretty close. Most people being very sensible and obeying the rules and keeping their distance, staff in shops and restaurants wearing masks etc.
 
suavecarve said:
In relation to numbers. It does depend on how you want to read them, just like everything else.
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...and therein lies the problem - 'there are lies, damned lies and statistics'. Naturally, every government will be doing its best to present themselves in the best possible light, so I can only apply a (fallable) judgement to anything I read and treat all figures with a degree of scepticism.

I'm in no position to influence anyone's opinion, let alone a government's policy, so I limit myself to airing my thoughts on a forum, when I am allowed to, that is;)

Getting a bit bored with it all now, frankly. I'm content to carry on living within my own little bubble, looking after number one, following the local rules and having consideration for how my actions might affect others - until wiser people than I resolve this problem.

I can't do any more than that...
 
Pete5996 said:
I'm in no position to influence anyone's opinion, let alone a government's policy, so I limit myself to airing my thoughts on a forum, when I am allowed to, that is;)
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Made me giggle !!!!
Keep well big fella
 
Pete5996 said:
Getting a bit bored with it all now,
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and youre not on your own. what started as 'is France open from Monday' - has turned into 10 reasons why you should or why you shouldnt go to France (either on Monday or the foreseeable future)

The answer to the original question is - not at the moment. The French Prime Minister has said it will be but nothing has been confirmed for definite. Mr Macron will be making a statement on Sunday in which he is expected to make an announcement on Tourism (and other subjects)

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Klaatu.

Pleased that you haven't seen so much of the campsites with limited facilities on your travels. I know that in Brittany everyone has been very cautious and that is why we have had the least cases of Covid. When the Parisians came to Brittany to their 2nd homes there was uproar by the French people.

I think that as I said in my last post, it differs between departments and obviously the prefectures.

It could be part of the reason that the campsites are restricted at the moment (although I believe they are hoping to change that after Sundays annoucement) is because BF are not running and the sites are not willing to open everything for fewer people, because as you probably know the Brittany campsites are usually filled with British, Dutch and Germans.
The aires are now open and have been very busy.

As for the shopping etc in our town it seems to be very strict on applying rules and as you say people are being very cautious and acting responsibly.

I hope that soon everything will be almost normal and like most motorhomers, we are looking to holiday near Bergerac next month. Although our holiday we booked to Uk for last April will now have to wait until probably next year.
 
Charente16 said:
as a result of visitors coming from the UK or anywhere else where the virus is still rampant.
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So know one will be going anywhere again ever then? As the liklihood of a vaccine is like rocking horse..............
MisterB said:
:reel:
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No it was a post about the situation on sunday night including many people having to book hotels as there booked trains were full. Certainly not a wind-up or fishing as you seem to think.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...Calais-minute-bid-home-quarantine-begins.html
Allanm said:
thoughI don’t know why people want to come to France,
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I just drive through use nothing, buying nothing if it is necessary.
denisejoe said:
to schengen countries which the uk is not a member .
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It is schengen + the UK.Always.
buttons said:
, the shops will be open.
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Yes but you have to queue for 2 + hours ,there are no seats, nowhere to have a leak. No one is wearing masks & gloves, there's too many out & about & not working, the list is endless.
klaatu said:
There are some Italians on the camp site we’re on at the moment. I have no idea how they come to be here, but their money is apparently as good as anyone else’s, and they are treated warmly by the staff and the French people here.
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We have Italians & Dutch & Germans & Belgians here in motorhomes + plenty of Germans in cars & 4x4's.
Vickysponge said:
Has anyone actually called their insurance company?
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vehicle insurance? Why would I ? They insure the van for being on the road & traffic accidents ,fire & theft. A virus is nothing to do with them,nor should it be .The scum will try anything to get out of paying.
Stealaway said:
Out of a population of 66,000,000 -
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That's what they'd like you to believe but it¡s far more than that.
 
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vehicle insurance? Why would I ? They insure the van for being on the road & traffic accidents ,fire & theft. A virus is nothing to do with them,nor should it be .The scum will try anything to get out of paying.

Your final comment is what worries me and why I think it would be prudent to check before you travel.
 
Vickysponge said:
Your final comment is what worries me and why I think it would be prudent to check before you travel.
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having driven 00's of 000's of kms across Europe with only third party or T,P ,F&T it only concerns me that anyone hitting me has insurance & under the regulations they always have to pay out for 3rd parties damage.
 
jongood said:
I feel more than a little sorry for buttons wife, what did she do to deserve 6 months worth!!!!
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I dont know about his wife, BUT as he has two of em living with him anything he gets he deserves two fold. Its his own fault for being greedy.
 
gus-lopez said:
Did you all not see the 00's if not 000's of british plated cars & vans queuing at both ferry teminals & Tunnel on sunday trying to get back in to the UK before the quarantine came in ? Most of these had only recently left the country with booked returns & complaining of being jogged off allocated times due to the companies giving preferential treatment to those they had scammed with 'pay on the day' Many said they 'd only gone to vist family & friends.
The tunnel was struggling as they were only allowing 200 vehicles on for 'social distancing'
:giggle:
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Blimey...I didn’t know vehicles had to social distance...is it 2 meters and does that include the length of the van.
 
Charente16 said:
"but i see no reason why i can't travel to France, there may be reasons that others wouldn't travel and i respect their position, but i consider it to be a viable option|"

I can think of a very good one; we 'the people' don't want you to come! We have gone through a fairly strict 'Lockdown', not as strict as some countries have had to endure but still a lot stricter than the UK. Our 'Day to Day' lives are still governed by Covid 19 restrictions and we don't want another 'dose' as a result of visitors coming from the UK or anywhere else where the virus is still rampant.

The UK's FCO and the French government both still advise against 'foreign' travel to their citizens which should be a clear enough message.

You might not like the 'message' and you might decide not to heed it, but like areas in the UK don't be surprised if you get a less than warm reception here.

Cordialement

Robert
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I’m bringing a high pressure hose to hose down all the Lockdown Luvvies who question my personal risk/reward assessment...

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