I'll be in Paris for a week in mid-May before traveling to another country which requires a PCR covid test (and not a rapid antigen) within 72 hours of flight time. Where can I get a PCR test in central Paris, preferably near Hotel De Ville? What is the procedure for booking them in France? Because of a Tuesday morning departure I'd like to have the test on Saturday or Sunday as I fear a Monday test would not give a result in time before the Tuesday flight. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️
3223 posts
Every corner in Paris has a pharmacie ( green lighted cross outside) they all do testing. So much easier than here in the States.
Posted by
Paris
9560 posts
However, most pharmacies do not do PCR tests.
For a PCR test you probably need to go to a lab. There might be Saturday availability, but I am not sure (I would be very surprised if you find anywhere with Sunday availability).
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2544 posts
I don't think you will find a lab open on Sunday, but you can book a test on https://www.doctolib.fr/ at a lab on Saturday. I have used Cerballiance on blvd Raspail, you might also try Centre médical Réaumur at 106 Rue Réaumur in the second.
Using Doctolib´s search function, search for Dépistage PCR and for the location I would use 75001
If you set up a free account on Doctolib, you can use the website to book an appointment, but you can use the site without an account to locate a lab.
Posted by
67 posts
Not Paris, but my husband had to get a PCR test last week in Lyon. He went to a lab from this group: http://laboratoires.biogroup.fr I made the appointment for him about 9 AM (on Tuesday), was able to get an 11 AM appt the same day, and the results came about 7 PM the same evening. So much quicker than our experiences in the US. Biogroup web site shows 20 labs in Paris, including one ("Paris Pont Neuf") near Châtelet - which is not far from the Hôtel de Ville. I do think you should get tested on Saturday, as others have noted Sunday testing is hard. There are pharmacies that do rapid tests on Sunday, but not PCR, plus you pay extra.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
thanks to all who responded; this is very helpful as I felt stymied. While I remember much of my High School French it's difficult to know the contemporary terms, and to know the local customs.