dmu

That's what observers are speculating. At the time of writing, no Declaration concerning the end of the curfew has been scheduled yet, but it might be advisable to buy "non-essential" items this week, in case a lockdown as from/after the weekend is announced this week....

Annetje

Yes, that's what I understood as well ... Getting a bit desperate here ... Fed up living by myself !

dmu

Idem!
Probably back to the 1st confinement routine, but internet (mails, skype sessions, BE forum) keeps me sane, and a daily walk with a quick chat with neighbours out for the same purpose, also does wonders for the morale.
What I have missed this last year are my travels, not only to visit far-flung family, but even day-trips to Montpellier aren't possible. No point in going anywhere if the restaurants are closed....

Annetje

Fully agree with you.
This announcement of a probable lockdown again does give me a sense of desperation !
My problem is a bit that I just moved here and don't know anyone.
I want to open up the house, invite neighbours, get to know people !
Walks are nice and having a dog makes that easier.
I do like to go for a cup of coffee or so after a walk though and that is not possible.
Anyway, we have to get on with it ... Courage a tous et toutes !!!

dmu

I've lived in my hamlet for almost 30 years and have observed that, even if you know the neighbours and are friendly with them, you can't always socialise with them at home, at the best of times. In actual fact, only a few in the hamlet are hospitable in this respect, after having already made friends with you, and there's no inviting strangers in for an apéro or coffee in order to make your acquaintance! They mostly keep themselves to themselves and do their socialising outside the home.... But don't be put off, not all neighbours are unsociable! Is your new home in a town or a village?
As you say, we'll have to get on with it, and wait for gym classes, lotos and other activities to resume. Your Mairie will have a list of Clubs and Associations that you could join when normal service is resumed, and make friends with like-minded people!
Meanwhile, courage to you, too!

G-J-B

I sense the government wants to avoid another confinement if it can. Perhaps if the numbers are borderline they will find some sort of compromise between the current curfew and add a few extra measures. They certainly seem keen to keep schools open at all cost.

Annetje, it is an unfortunately situation in terms of timing for you. When we arrived in our hamlet, we went about introducing ourselves to all the neighbours. Over the years with people leaving and new people coming in, turns out we're the only ones to actually do this! It was a nice to have a chat, and several neighbours would pop over with fruit and vegetable baskets, inviting us over for an apero or would come over to share one with us. Whilst we're pretty indifferent to our immediate neighbours, the ones next door to them we consider family... Hopefully when it all blows over, and the weather improves too, you will get your chance to introduce yourself and say hello. You'll probably find you have a mixed bag of characters, but if nothing else it's good to know names, to smile and say hello when you pass instead of being complete strangers.

cyrian

When we moved into our home in France, we put a card into our neighbours letterboxes introdicing ourselves.
Since then (Pre-Covid) we are often invited for lunch/dinner/drinks with several neighbours.
Longest lunch was 7 hours which really tests your ability in French

G-J-B

Whoa, 7 hours, that must have been quite a bit of food and drink, and chatting! We usually pop over to our neighbours at least once a month for an apero, and end up staying for hours, with so much food that we don't need to eat for the rest of the day. We're also swapping seeds and home grown garden produce all year round. They're such nice people, with such an open minded and kind spirit; it was really a blessing to have found them, and especially having them so close - they're effectively grandparents to our children.

I think the card idea is a nice one. Something you can always do during these days of social distancing too.

Annetje

Thanks to all for your upbeat messages !!! It's just what I need right now !
I'm in a small village with not that much going on but the attraction was that there are a few little towns and the beach nearby with all the terrasses one wants.
As soon as it is possible I will put in an effort getting to know the neighbours and have a big apéro
Let's hope this year we'll have the "Fete des voisins" even later than normal !
And now, let's see what Macron will decide this week whilst cases seem to come down ...
I hope G-J-B is right

Annetje

7 hours
Yes I love the card idea, will consider how to attack that ...

dmu

I didn't watch it, but apparently the Health Minister didn't announce any changes today. I think the President and PM are still having discussions with all concerned, and one of them will make an official Declaration in the days to come.

dmu

Just read about an announcement by the PM this evening. The main item of interest to British expats is the closure of frontiers to all non-EU countries to and from France, as from Sunday 00h00, except for "motif impérieux".

Tweedpipe

One other thing which should be noted. The PM announced that as from Sun Jan 31st, non-food shopping centers of more than 20,000m2 will close until further notice, as these establishments are thought to be those which " favorisent le plus de brassage de population" (promote the most mixing of population). Relevant link HERE.

dmu

As I understand it, only the non-essential (= non-food) shops in the malls must close as from tomorrow. The hypermarkets usually located in huge shopping centres can stay open, with a reduced "jauge" (number of customers in the store at the same time), and possibly only allowed to sell food and other essentials in order to avoid unfair competition. It wasn't at all clear....

Nand

Is the curfew still on? I ask because there is a full out Rave in the street in front of our building, about 50 young people also inside a small, very small apartment super loud pounding music stuffed with people all singing together and as drunks do, hangin all over each other.

It started at 10 yesterday evening and its after 1:00 now with no sign of slowing down.



So, did Macron remove the curfew?

I'm living in a largish town in Brittainy.