TRAVELLING to the Dordogne this summer is sure to feel a little different to other times as we are all being tasked with reducing the infection potential of Covid-19.
The lifting of the 14-day quarantine restrictions on the 10 July from travellers from France arriving in England will make it easier for people to travel between the two countries.
But with both countries requiring people to wear a face mask when using public transport, the ferry companies and airlines have put in place strict requirements for passengers.
Here is a look over the steps being taken by travel companies that you may use when travelling to the Dordogne by car or plane.
Eurotunnel
Shuttles are being operated by Eurotunnel with two departures an hour and as you are required to stay in your vehicle during the crossing you can safely keep your social distance.
Eurotunnel has stressed that it is important that you check in between 45min and 2hrs before your allocated shuttle time - not earlier.
If you are more than two hours early you will be obliged to pay a supplement of up to £120 and take an earlier shuttle if there are spaces available.
The company says its sites are not large enough to allow people to wait for a significant amount of time given the new Covid-19 measures in place.
Booking online is proving difficult due to the number of website visitors.
P&O Ferries
A service between Dover and Calais is being operated by P&O with boarding commencing 30 minutes before departure.
You will have to wear a face mask and be aware of social distancing rules onboard, and notices will be present reminding you to regularly wash your hands.
Brittany Ferries
A key change made by the ferry firm is that boarding and disembarkation is now staggered to avoid queues on stairs and on car decks.
When travelling a cabin or reserved seat is compulsory on all sailings and in an attempt to minimise contact with others you are asked to remain in this personal space as much as possible.
Again masks must be worn at all times when in public areas of the ports and ships, something that ferry staff will be doing as well.
DFDS
All passengers have to have face masks prior to arriving at check-in, with some onboard shops open but with social distancing measures in place.
Ryanair
Flight from the UK to Bergerac Airport have re-started with links to London Stansted, Liverpool, Bristol and East Midlands available this summer.
It is mandatory to wear a face mask/covering at all times in the airport and on board your flight.
Jet2.com
With flights between Bergerac and Leeds - Bradford, Manchester and Birmingham, Jet2.com will be serving the Dordogne with heightened measures against Covid-19.
Be prepared to put your face mask on before you enter the airport and keep it on while you’re there, onboard the plane and at your destination airport.
British Airways
A service is being offered by BA this summer between Bergerac Airport and London City and like all travel providers you are required to wear a face mask.
All travel firms are saying that if you feel unwell and show Covid-19 symptoms before travelling then you should seek medical advice and not travel.
Face masks are a key tool in the fight against the virus so you will be required to wear one and also remember to regularly clean your hands and keep your distance to others.
Most companies are asking you to check-in via their mobile phone app or online to reduce interactions at departure points.
It is important to keep up-to-date with the different rules and measures being introduced by ferry firms and airlines so make sure you read all the ticket details and regularly check their websites for the latest information.
This summer season is likely to be different to past ones in the Dordogne, but hopefully everyone can enjoy their time in France and relax a little after the recent stressful times.
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