Mask up while visiting France?

Yes, masking is still required in most places in France.

It’s not required if you’re outside freely walking around - HOWEVER if you’re packed together in a crowd (I.e. spectators at the Tour de France), or in a queue or at a market for example, you still have to wear a mask even outside.

And you still have to always wear one inside.

They were masked at the crowded finish, but I saw very few masks on those watching along the road

Of course visitors should know about whatever masking requirements there are in any country they plan to visit - and abide by them. Much of Europe and other places in the world are still 'masking up'.

For context: restaurants just opened for inside dining not even three weeks ago (after being closed since mid-October), and it’s only six days ago that they lifted ANY part of the mask-wearing requirement.

And yes, visitors should be aware and follow rules if they are going to be a guest in others’ countries.

We will be in France and Spain in September. Our plan is to bring a handful of masks, God knows we have plenty. When a mask is required or when we feel it's prudent, we'll wear a mask. As long as I'm not running a marathon (doesn't happen often!) a mask is not a big deal. Above all when I travel, I like to be respectful of the locals, their rules and customs.

As an aside, I think the Europeans think that people in the U.S. were pretty loose with COVID restrictions. They feel they were all on lockdown while we in the U.S. were able to carry on with life. Much like individual countries in the EU, there were huge variations in restrictions/COVID response among the states. States like Hawaii, and my home state of Minnesota were quite cautious. Others less so. Minnesota has only been fully open since, May 1st, I believe. It wasn't like we could dine outdoors from November thru at least March. We were cooped up, too. I purchased a propane firepit for our deck so I could see my children. Some businesses in Minnesota are still requiring masks. I was at an artfair today and some of the artists were wearing masks, and I take that as a sign that they'd appreciate customers to wear a mask as well, so I do. I also noticed a couple wearing masks, and when they stopped to look at some artwork, the artists in that booth slipped on masks. So thoughtful.

Actually, mask up while visiting most of Europe, not just France.