Recently went to Paris for 8 days and here is what we experienced. I hope that it is helpful.
- We took an antigen test in advance of the trip for free at CVS. This was NOT required as we are fully vaccinated, but I didn’t want the restrictions to change last minute and then have a test be required causing a last minute scramble, or it change to a PCR requirement and have to worry about timing of results. There were rumors of restrictions changing the day before my departure.
- We connected through IAD and this is where they checked our CDC card. Gate agent looked at it and stamped our boarding pass. That was it.
- Arrival at CDG was a breeze and they looked at nothing, barely our passports. My wife and I joked at how simple it was.
- We took the train from CDG to the city and it was not crowded and easy.
- We stayed near Norte Dame and no issues with our apartment rental. No one asked for any documentation.
- As I have mentioned in another post, we were successful in getting our CDC card converted to the French Health Pass.
- Before July 21, we obviously had zero issues or questions. After the 21st, we were asked for the pass at all museums and were even asked for it on an SNCF day trip to Chartres, even though others have reiterated (and they are correct) that train travel was not subject to a health pass. Not sure why we were asked on just one leg.
- We took 3 day trips; Champagne region, Chartres and Rouen and there were not any issues on those days either. The vineyards did ask for a health pass or CDC card.
- Uber was challenging to get on this trip, whereas I have had great success on prior trips.
- The metros were packed at rush hour, and light otherwise.
- The French people were very gracious and seemed to truly appreciate us being there.
- We used Rick’s 2020 France book and between Paris, Rouen and Charteres we only came across 1 restaurant and 1 shop that had closed.
- We brought self tests with us for our return, we took the antigen tests at our apartment 2 days prior to our return flight. I bought these through emed and the process could not have been simpler.
- The train back to CDG for our return was out of service for a couple days, so we arranged a transfer.
- The CDG airport was NUTS this morning and I was glad to be able to use the N1 line (expedited security) as the normal security line looked to be a 2 HR line to me,
- They checked our negative test at the check in counter at CDG and never looked at it again, whether at France border control, boarding in Paris or when we arrived back in the states. Just the one time when we checked in for our flight.
That is basically it and I have zero regrets taking the trip. It got warm wearing the mask, particularly on the metro, but other than that it was like any other trip but with a fraction of the crowds. I cannot recall one group or tour leader with a flag or umbrella. We were one of 25 in front of the Mona Lisa. Cafes were not crowded and we got several dinner reservations the day of.
Hope this helps someone.