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On the website france.fr, prepare your visit to France. The official tourism website in France will give you all the information you need to get inspired and prepare your voyage to the cities and regions of France.

Last modified on 30/12/2016

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Coming to France? Your Covid-19 questions answered

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French people who are living abroad, travelling or returning from abroad, as well as visitors from abroad, will find answers below to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 measures.

This FAQ supplements the information on the Conseils aux voyageurs (Travel advice, in French only) section.

— Last updated on 26 August 2022 —

What are the rules relating to the vaccine pass?

Since 14 March 2022, the “vaccine pass” has been lifted in France in all areas where it was previously required (cultural and leisure venues, commercial catering, professional trade shows, etc.). Similarly, the COVID certificate is no longer required as of 1 August 2022.

What are the current rules applied at national borders?

Since the outset of the crisis, the health check system at borders has protected our healthcare system and delayed the arrival into France of worrying variants. This system was removed on 1 August 2022.

Therefore, the rules previously in place for travellers to France no longer apply :

• Travellers no longer have any formalities to complete before arriving into mainland or overseas France, and the COVID certificate can no longer be required, irrespective of the country or area of origin;
• Proof of a compelling reason for travel can no longer be required ;
• Travellers no longer need to present a sworn declaration that they are not infected with COVID-19 and pledge to take an antigen test or biological exam upon arrival in France. This also applies to travel between mainland France and each of the overseas territories.

However, in the event of a dangerous variant, a system requiring a negative virological test upon entering France may be reinstated for travellers arriving from countries believed to be at risk.

The government will thus maintain the option to use “emergency brake” measures for a maximum period of two months, following a recommendation from the Haute autorité de santé (French National Authority for Health) in the event of the emergence and circulation of a new COVID-19 variant which can be a serious health risk, or in overseas territories, if the health system is at risk of saturation.

Furthermore, for foreign travel, a vaccination certificate, a negative test certificate or proof of recovery in EU format may be required by the destination country. It is also recommended to store all relevant documents on the TousAntiCovid application or print them out.

For the health rules in force for entering other countries, travellers should visit the “ Conseils aux voyageurs ” section on the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs website (in French only).

What are the rules concerning mask-wearing in France?

• Mask-wearing is no longer mandatory in establishments open to the public, nor on board maritime, river, land and air transport;
• Mask-wearing continues to be recommended in enclosed and small spaces, and at large gatherings for vulnerable persons due to their age;
• It is also highly recommended in hospitals and retirement homes.
• Details on travelling to and from France

Visit Paris Region promotes the region to tourists as a tourism destination.

Paris Region Destination

For several years the destination “Paris Region” has been the most visited tourist region in the world .

Widely popular for the diversity of its natural, heritage and cultural wealth, our destination offers visitors of all ages, from near and far, a wide choice of holidays – particularly short city breaks – and activities of all types, all year round.

The principal region for French art of living, it promotes the influence of the cultural values for which our country is internationally famous.

“Paris Region” is also one of the youngest and multicultural regions in Europe and its creative energy in many fields ‒ design, fashion, music, etc – is constantly reinvigorated. Visit Paris Region – by agreement with the Ile-de-France Conseil régional (regional council), of which it is a public organization partner – promotes the region to tourists as a tourism destination.

Paris Region Tourist Centres, with the support of the Conseil Régional d’Ile-de-France and Paris Aéroports, welcomes visitors at strategic entry points to the destination.

Discover France's 11 national parks

Inspiration

Nature and Outdoor Activities Natural Parks

Reading time: 0 min Published on 16 February 2023, updated on 22 April 2024

They welcome 9 million visitors each year and represent nearly 10% of French mainland territory. With unspoilt nature and leisure activities that respect the environment, national parks embody a major part of France's identity. From the Pyrenees to the Alps, to Guiana and Guadeloupe, discover these 11 emblematic sites, among the most beautiful in the world.

France has 11 national parks, real 'monuments' of nature that are home to spectacular wildlife. They are recognised worldwide as exceptional territories and bring together diverse areas of land and sea.

The same objective brings them together: limiting pressures on the natural environment, promoting environmentally friendly behaviour and preserving the biodiversity and beauty of the park. National parks are governed by a charter, a real sustainable development project.

As free spaces open to all, they're ideal places to practise your favourite activities in a protected, awe-inspiring setting: hiking, swimming, diving, paragliding and winter sports... no limits to adventure!

11 national parks, of which 3 belong to French overseas territories

• Vanoise National Park Created in 1963, this is the oldest of France's national parks. Located in Savoie, the Vanoise boasts mountain peaks of over 3,000 metres and valleys opening onto wide passes. Its geological richness and wildlife are remarkable. It is twinned with the Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso, with which it shares a 14-kilometre border.
• Port-Cros National Park Also created in 1963, Port-Cros is the oldest land and sea park in Europe. The islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros, off Hyères, constitute its two hearts. It is based on an exceptional historical heritage, composed of Roman remains, wrecks and around 20 military forts. Enjoy admiring its diverse underwater and bird species.

Cévennes National Park This is the largest French national park after the Amazonian Park in Guiana - and in mainland France, it's the only mid-mountain national park and the only one inhabited all year round. UNESCO designated it a Biosphere Reserve in 1985, and the 'agro-pastoral cultural landscapes of the Causses and Cévennes' were added to the World Heritage List in 2011. You can enjoy starry skies and particularly beautiful night-time landscapes here.

Ecrins National Park Between the northern and southern Alps, the Ecrins has been recognised as a European High Mountain Park by the Council of Europe: it has 150 peaks of over 3,000m and some 10,000 hectares of glaciers! Its expanses of Alpine pastures and valleys with strong identities (Valgaudemar, Briançonnais, Champsaur) soften the wild beauty of the massif, where hiking is particularly popular.

Mercantour National Park This park has an exceptional geographical location, on the border between France and Italy. From the Alps to the Mediterranean coast, it is home to peaks, mountain lakes, canyons and gorges, and hills planted with olive trees. A mosaic of different natural environments, it forms the Alpi Marittime Natural Park - the first European Park - with its Italian twin.

© bennymarty / Adobe Stock - At the heart of the Guadeloupe National Park, the Carbet Falls are among the most impressive waterfalls in the Lesser Antilles

Guadeloupe National Park (French only) Founded on February 20, 1989, the Guadeloupe National Park was the first park created overseas, set up with the aim of protecting the Basse-Terre forest massif. At the heart of the Caribbean, it consists of rich and diverse ecosystems, ranging from the seabed and coral reefs to the summit of the Soufriere volcano , through to the rainforest. It's ideal for swimming, hiking and picnicking.

Amazonian Park of Guiana Covering 40% of French Guiana and bordering the Brazilian National Park of Tumucumaque, this massif of tropical forest is act

Calanques National Park The 10th French national park to be created, in 2012, the Calanques take pride of place at the heart of the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolis - and this is Europe's only national park straddling land, sea and suburbs. It brings together vast coastlines carved out by creeks and one of the richest underwater canyons in the Mediterranean in terms of biodiversity. Its landscapes are emblematic of Mediterranean Provence.

National Forest Park Situated between Champagne and Burgundy, this is the newest national park in France's crown, created on November 7, 2019. It's dedicated to the enhancement of the lowland deciduous forest, representative of the limestone plateaux of the northeast quarter of France. 80% of the forests that make up this park were already present at the time of the French Revolution. With its enormous water tower, the National Forest Park also plays a major role in the preservation of our most precious commodity.

Further info:

• Official website for France's national parks
• Interactive map of the parks
• 4 stargazing sleep spots in the Vosges
• Meditative summer hikes in the Alps

By Redaction France.fr

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