On this episode of the podcast Annie talks to two Americans who reside in France: Patricia Perry who lives in Paris and Michael Groves who lives in Antibes. We discuss their experience with the mandatory home confinement that started in France on March 16, 2020.

What is it like sheltering in place in France?

Patricia talks about deserted Paris where she can hear the birds because the streets are deserted. She can go for a run, but she has to stay close to home and limit her time outside. She tells us what it's like getting groceries in Paris right now.

And what about that silly form everyone in France has to fill out before going outside? Why is it required? And what got into them that they closed the banks of the Seine and all the places that were fun to go to?

Sheltering in place isn't all negative

In many ways we're very lucky to have a safe and comfortable place to stay as we shelter in place. Many people don't have it near as easy as we do, and getting stuck in a hospital bed sounds terrifying right now.

The people of Paris turn lemons into lemonade by going out on their balconies every night at 8 PM to clap and cheer for medical workers and first-line workers.

And French people have kept their priorities during this home confinement! You can still go to the boulangerie, tobacco shop and wine store! We might start another revolution otherwise 😉

The groceries problem

Nobody we know is at any risk of going hungry right now, but isn't it crazy that we're all nervous about going to the grocery store? Annie tried to sign up with Auchan Drive to purchase groceries from a pick-up service. They are so busy they won't assign a appointment for several days!

Police Checkups in Antibes

Michael tells us how the police patrols around Antibes and gave him a hard time about stopping to take a photo. Taking photos of the port is not part of approved reasons to leave the house said the police officer!

The authorities are definitely trying to force people to only go out for things that are necessary. You'd be surprised what people think is a first necessity if you give them free-reign!

And how do you keep French people who normally have small personal space from keeping their distances? Duct tape, which we all know is magic.

Overall we hope this episode won't induce any stress because we're pretty upbeat about the situation we find ourselves in. And, of course, stay at home and stay healthy!

If you'd like to hear more from Patricia, check out Visiting Kitchen Supply Stores in Paris, Episode 243. And Michael talked to me about Falling in Love with Corsica, Episode 267.

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Discussed in this Episode

• Paris
• Antibes
• Sheltering in place in France