Getting a Covid test in France is, fortunately, a pretty straightforward procedure, even for visitors.

READ ALSO: How can tourists and visitors in France get a Covid test?

However, you might not be able to find a pharmacy or testing centre where the staff speak English, especially if you are in a rural part of France.

First, some quick testing vocab:

Dépister – to test

Dépistage – testing

Un test Covid – a Covid test

Un test PCR (pronounced pay-say-air) – a PCR test

Un test antigénique – an antigen test, referred to as a lateral flow test in some countries

Un autotest – a self-test

Test salivaire – saliva test

Test sérologique – antibody test (some testing centres offer these finger-prick tests in addition to the nasal swabs, to determine if you have previously had Covid)

S’isoler – self-isolate

Une ordonnance – a prescription (you won’t need this to get tested for Covid in France)

Sans rendez-vous – no appointment, ie a walk-in centre

When making an appointment to get a Covid test:

Bonjour, je voudrais prendre un rendez-vous pour faire un test Covid, s’il vous plaît – Hello, I’d like to get an appointment for a Covid test, please.

J’aimerais bien faire un test PCR / antigénique / sérologique – I’d like to do a PCR / antigen / antibody test.

Combien coûte le test ? – How much does the test cost?

Oui, j’ai une carte vitale / Non je n’ai pas de carte vitale. – Yes, I have a French health security card / No, I don’t have a French health security card. [if you don’ have the card you can still get a test, but you will likely have to pay for it. Costs vary but are capped at €22 for an antigen test, €54 for a PCR test]

Non, je n’ai jamais eu la Covid. – No, I’ve never had Covid.

Oui, j’ai déjà eu la Covid, il y a quelques mois. – Yes, I’ve already had Covid, a few months back.

If you’re trying to get tested without an appointment:

Est-il possible de faire un test Covid sans rendez-vous ? – Is it possible to get a Covid test without an appointment?

Before getting the test, the health staff might ask you:

Presentez-vous des symptômes à la Covid-19 ? – Do you present Covid-19 symptoms? 

Some symptoms you might want to describe are;

• Une toux – a cough
• Un mal de tête – a headache
• Une fièvre – a fever
• Des difficultés à respirer – difficulty breathing
• La fatigue – tiredness

Êtes-vous cas contact ? – Are you a contact case?

Voulez-vous un test antigénique ou PCR ? – Do you want an antigen test or a PCR test?

When getting tested, you might want to say:

Dans combien de temps arrivent les résultats ? – How long does it take for the results to arrive?

Comment allez-vous me contacter? – How are you going to get in touch with me?

Par SMS – by SMS or text message

Par mel/par courriel – by email

Est-ce que ça fait mal ? – Does it hurt?

Aïe, ça fait mal ! – Ouch, that hurt! (hopefully won’t need this one).