Antigen Test, Tours, France

We saw them offered at pharmacies all over - in all cities and towns - from Rocamadour to Bordeaux to Amboise to Sarlat. My only caution to you is that we also wanted a test on a Sunday for our return flight. Sunday was a no-go. We just went ahead and did Saturday and that was within the 3 day timeline for return to US.

I am in a similar situation and am wondering how difficult it is to get a rapid COVID test at CDG. We arrive via TGV at 09:30 and do not depart until 14:30. Is this doable?
Thanks

Why don't you get a back-up appointment at CDG in case you can't find a place for an antigen test where you are traveling. You make the appt via doctolib. If you find a local place, CANCEL the CDG test so another can have your time slot.

Since the doctolib appointment website is say ING that results will be ready in 90 minutes, allow 2 hours max before check-in to give yourself plenty of time for paperwork, swab, results. My own test at CDG took 35 min, but it was in February with borders sealed so few travelers. Here is the link. Yes, the TGV travelers should be fine.

https://www.doctolib.fr/centre-depistage-covid/roissy-en-france/depistage-covid-aeroport-charles-de-gaulle/booking/motives?placeId=practice-150985&specialityId=286

Keep in mind that this should be PLAN B because in the unlikely event you test positive, you'd have to stay in France in quarantine. It's best to get yourself cleared to fly three days before.

Definitely do not count on getting a test on Sunday.

Thank you everyone! I did a lot more research and finally found a pharmacy (Girardearu-Housseau Pharmacy, 60 Mirabeau St, Tours) on website: https://www.sante.fr/cf/centres-depistage-covid/departement-37-indre-et-loire.html. I google mapped a lot of addresses in the zip code until I found one in walking distance of my hotel. They have Saturday hours 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm. I'm arriving Saturday morning, then taking the train to Tours, so I'll be able to get the test later in the day. No appointments, just walk-ups. My schedule is too tight to rely on time to test at the airport before departing. My back up plan is the eMed Abbott Binax Now online/home kit. These can be purchased in 2 packs on airline travel ready center links. I'll only use it if I get into a bind. A 2 pack is $70, or 6 pack for $150, and they're labeled as possibly expiring Dec 1, 2021. So if you're flying solo, it's an expensive option. And really expensive if I don't use it at all! But self testing is still not my first choice.

Thanks for the information. That is a good alternative. Does anyone have any experience with the self test for COVID that is monitored via video. Some research I have done indicates that the US Gov accepts the results. You can buy the kits in the states and take to Europe.
Thanks

The self/online video is the only self kit that's accepted to enter the US. It must be monitored to receive the travel certificate. I'm taking 2 kits in case there's a problem with one. I've never used one, but again, it's only my backup plan. I'd much rather have it done at a local pharmacy. You can purchase the kits online through a link on each airlines website, or order direct. This is the only one I've seen on the airline websites: eMed Abbott Binax Now online/home kit.
Regarding being tested 3 days before, I'm only going to be there 3 days, possibly 4, so Sunday would have been the best day to test, but that's not an option. So, I have no choice but to test on Monday. Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions!
Sandra

I successfully used the Abbott Binax proctored antigen test to come back home from France about two weeks ago. I'm very happy I brought them with me. I spent the last week of the trip in the Languedoc, and while tests were available, I would have had to drive a bit. I certainly did research as to where I could get the test if needed, but it was much easier to simply do it where I was staying, on my own schedule.

Some things to consider:
--There is a note on both the EMED and Optum sites (where you can buy the tests) that the tests they are shipping now will likely expire by Dec. 12 -- so maybe don't bother if your trip is after that date, unless the message changes.
--You need an internet connection and a device with a camera, so the telehealth observer can see you. I used my laptop.
--Supposedly at peak times, whatever those are, you might have to wait for a telehealth person. I did the test twice -- once before leaving home so I could see how it worked, and then 3 days before my departure -- and didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes.
--The test itself is very easy, and there are images onscreen to guide through it, as well as the observer. You aren't putting the swab up your nose as high as the dreaded "brain ticklers." You stick the swab into a card into which you have added a few drops of the fluid, and you wait 15 minutes. You can go do something else during that time -- the proctor will come back as time is up.
--As someone above suggested, I'd bring two tests, just in case one is inconclusive.

CK

Hi CK,
Can you do the test and communicate with the lab tech
by using just a smartphone?

OP: The eMed instructions say you can use a mobile phone. I think you start the process by using their accompanying Navica app, but I'm not sure as I used my laptop. I would call the eMed folks and ask -- they have been helpful. eMed is the company that manages the telehealth part of the process: www.emed.com.

Thanks on the info on the remote tests. It will be plan b but it sounds like a good one.