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LIVING IN FRANCE

On the agenda: What’s happening in France this week?

Here's a look ahead to what is happening in France in the week beginning April 12th.

Published: 12 April 2021 11:18 CEST
On the agenda: What's happening in France this week?
A highly controversial law is coming back before the French parliament this week. Photo: Alain Jocard/AFP

Monday, April 12th 

The Covid vaccine rollout opens up to a new section of the population – those aged 55 and over with no health issues. Monday also marks the first delivery to France of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and a change of policy on the second-dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines – these will now be given six weeks after the first dose, as opposed to three weeks after. The spacing of the second dose of AstraZeneca remains at 12 weeks.

READ ALSO How to book an appointment for a Covid vaccine in France

Home-testing kits for Covid are available to buy from pharmacies.

The start of the two-week Easter holiday for schools across France. Normally schools in different regions have different holiday dates, but this year the government has moved the holiday dates for the whole country to run from April 12th to April 23rd. This was preceded by one week of home-learning for all pupils, in the hopes that the total three-week closure of schools would halt growing Covid rates.

Judicial proceedings begin in Marseille of 12 former police officers for theft of drugs and money.

Tuesday, April 13th

Presentation to the Senate of the plan to reopen cultural spaces such as cinemas, theatres and museums, which have all been closed since October under health restrictions. The plan includes several ‘experimental’ concerts in Paris and Marseille and is part of the wider plan to begin re-opening things including cultural sites and bars from mid-May, health situation permitting.

Start of Ramadan.

Wednesday, April 14th

Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti presents to Cabinet his project to reform the processes of the French justice system, including filmed court hearings, the abolition of automatic sentence-reduction credits and an increased emphasis on mediation to solve civil disputes. The minister, who before he joined the government was a high-profile lawyer whose clients included Julian Assange, said he hopes the changes will “restore the confidence of our fellow citizens in justice”.

READ ALSO: ‘I have to vomit’: Five things to know about France’s controversial justice minister

Thursday, April 15th 

Final reading in the Assemblée nationale of the security bill loi sécurité globale. This proved highly controversial when first announced, particularly the clause that would criminalise publication of images of police offices where there is an intent to harm their “physical or psychological integrity”. There have been widespread protests over the law, which many believe will limit the ability of journalists and members of the public to expose police officers who are engaged in violent or racist behaviour.

EXPLAINED The French law that would restrict photos and videos of police officers

Thursday evening will also see the regular weekly update from the Health Ministry on the Covid situation. Since the nationwide ‘partial lockdown’ has been in place for less than two weeks there are not expected to be any new measures announced at this briefing.

Friday, April 16th 

By the end of the week, Assurance maladie aims to have contacted by letter, phone or text message all over-75s in France who have not yet been vaccinated or made an appointment to get the vaccine. Over 75s have been eligible for a vaccine since January and the health insurer will be contacting those who are not yet vaccinated to invite them to make an appointment and, if necessary, help them find an appointment slot near them.  

Online screening by Lost in Frenchlation, the cinema club that shows French films with English subtitles. The screening of Ne Croyez Surtout Pas Que je Hurle’ (Just Don’t Think I’ll Scream) start at 8pm and is followed by a Q&A with the director – full details here.

Member comments

  1. Hello. I need advice, please. I am an American travelling from Poland to CDG 30 April; I will spend one night at CDG, then a train to St Malo. I will then take the ferry to Jersey, where I live. I am pretty sure I am allowed in France; just wondering about the travel. I will have the PCR and document when I arrive at CDG.
    Thank you
    Kind regards
    Michael

  2. I think you will be OK. You are not travelling from the US but from an EU country, and a negative pcr test should be enough.
    If you are travelling in day time and not after curfew time, you don’t need an “attestation”, but it may be handy to have one printed that you could fill in if necessary. You never know if trains break down, etc etc, and better well prepared than left wanting.
    We have now re-entered France twice with all the paperwork ready but have not been checked at the border for covid regulations. We were travelling by car. However, we were stopped by Customs and asked if we were transporting cigarettes, alcohol or drugs.

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PROPERTY

How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

Storm Ciaran’s property-wrecking passage through France - with another storm forecast for the weekend - may have many people wondering how comprehensive their insurance cover is. 

Published: 3 November 2023 15:45 CET
How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

In the wake of Storm Ciaran, thousands of property owners in France are preparing insurance claims – with initial estimates of the bill for damage between €370 million and €480 million.

Home insurance is compulsory in France, whether you own the property you live in or you rent – and it must include some level of storm damage cover. 

Check also to see if your insurance provides cover in case of a declaration of a catastrophe naturelle.

The garantie tempête (storm guarantee) covers damage caused by violent winds. What constitutes a ‘violent wind’ varies from contract to contract, but there appears to be a widespread consensus of agreement on wind speeds over 100km/h.

In most insurance contracts, this covers damage caused by the storm and within the following 48 hours – so you’re covered if, for example, a tree weakened by the storm comes down within that period and damages your property.

Be aware that, while the storm guarantee automatically covers the main property, it generally only covers any secondary buildings and light constructions – such as a veranda, shed, solar panels, swimming pool or fence – if they are specifically mentioned in the contract. 

The same is true of any cars damaged by debris. A basic insurance contract might not include storm damage, so it is always worth checking.

Damage must be reported to your insurer as quickly as possible. The deadline for making declarations is usually five days after any damage is noticed. This is especially important for second home owners, who may not be at the property when the damage occurs. 

In some cases – such as in the aftermath of Storm Ciaran – insurers may extend the reporting period. But under normal circumstances, it’s five days after the damage has been discovered.

What happens next

To make a claim, the first thing to do is contact your insurer by phone or email. Your insurer will take you through the next steps, but usually you have to send in a declaration – which should include an estimate of any losses and for any repairs, with evidence where possible, such as photographs and any receipts for purchases. 

Your insurer may also request proof of wind intensity, which can be provided for example by a nearby weather station.

The insurance company may appoint an expert to come and assess the damage, so make sure to keep damaged property safe until they arrive, as well as all invoices for any urgent repair work. 

What if you’re a tenant?

If you rent your property, you must report any damage inside the accommodation to your insurer and also notify your landlord so that they can file their own claim. 

In the case of a co-propriete, you must declare damage inside the accommodation to your insurer, while the trustee sends his own declaration to the collective insurance (which sometimes covers the private areas) .

How long does it take for claims to be settled?

Payment of the compensation provided for by the “storm guarantee” depends your home insurance contract. After the insurer has estimated the amount of damage, compensation is generally paid between 10 and 30 days following receipt of the insured’s agreement.

What if we got flooded?

In the case of flooding, you may have to wait for a natural disaster order to be issued. 

Catastrophe naturelle

The ‘state of natural disaster’ is a special procedure that was set up in 1982 so victims of exceptional natural events, such as storms, heavy rain, mudslides and flooding, as well as drought, can be adequately compensated for damage to property.

The government evaluates each area and deems whether it qualifies for the status of catastrophe naturelle (natural disaster). 

Essentially once a zone is declared a natural disaster, victims can claim from a pot of funds created by all insurers. If the zone is not declared a disaster, insurance companies are under no obligation to pay out. 

Under a “state of natural disaster” residents are covered for all those goods and property that are directly damaged by the phenomenon, in this case storms.

It applies to residential or commercial buildings, furniture, vehicles and work equipment that are already covered by insurance policies.

Homes must be already covered by a multi-risk insurance policy for the status of natural disaster to count.

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