My experience getting a COVID-19 test in France
I traveled to France at the beginning of June when the country reopened to American tourists. I spent a few days in Paris before taking the train down to Nice for a week at the beach and had an excellent time in both cities.
But every good trip must come to an end, and anyone traveling to the U.S. from abroad is still required to carry a negative COVID-19 test. This can be a PCR or antigen rapid test so long as it was taken within 72 hours of departure.
One of the most common questions I've gotten since writing about my trip to France is how to get a COVID-19 test before returning. So in this article, I'll show you where you can get a COVID test in France and show you my experience getting tested.
Where you can get a COVID-19 test in France
COVID-19 tests are easy to find in France.
You can get an antigen test at most major airports around the country, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris-Orly (ORY) and Nice (NCE). You can get an antigen test the same day of your flight or a PCR with a two- to three-day turnaround.
Make sure to check the airport's website for testing hours and other need-to-knows. Show up early if you're getting an antigen rapid test the same day of your flight. You should have results within 30 minutes, but budget an hour to be safe.
You'll also find COVID-19 testing booths around French cities. I saw these near central Metro stations in Paris and outside of the main train station in Nice. Hours can be sporadic, though, so I don't recommend relying on a pop-up.
Walking into a French pharmacy is the most common way to get a test. Many pharmacies offer antigen tests free of charge to foreigners and residents and promise results in 30 minutes. This is how I was tested in Nice and had a seamless experience.
Check Google Maps for local testing centers. Then, call or check their website for details on availability and testing hours. You can also walk in at a local pharmacy if you're already out-and-about.
Related: Traveling soon? Here's where you can quickly get a COVID-19 PCR test for travel
My experience getting a COVID-19 test in France
I searched for an antigen rapid test the day before I left for the U.S. I had planned to get tested at a pharmacy throughout the trip and had a good feeling about it — most pharmacies in Paris and Nice had testing signs in the window, so it was easy to know where to look.
I walked around Nice's city center and stopped by two pharmacies. One didn't offer tests, and the other was "too busy" to guarantee a test for me. Thankfully, I stopped by a third location down the street and was greeted with a COVID-19 testing sign right outside the pharmacy.
Once inside, there was a sign to register. I was greeted by a friendly employee who asked for my passport and phone number. She filled out a registration form and told me that a nurse would administer an antigen rapid test in 15 minutes.
I waited inside the store and — like clockwork — was approached by a nurse in 15 minutes when it was my turn.
The test was administered in a closed-off portion of the pharmacy. The whole process was quick — I was swabbed in one nostril almost immediately after sitting down. While uncomfortable, it wasn't nearly as annoying as tests PCR tests I've had in other countries. I was told I'd have results in another 15 minutes.
I waited outside of the pharmacy and was greeted by a different employee --15 minutes later. I was handed a piece of paper with my negative test results and was on my way quickly. I was never asked for payment.
The result page had a QR code that can be scanned into France's TousAntiCOVID app. You can use this to enter large events that require proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 test.
I brought the paper certificate to me when boarding my flight back to New York-JFK. The gate agent looked over the test and let me on board without issue. The test wasn't checked at the U.S. border.
Related: What happens if you test positive for COVID-19 and can't fly back to the US?
Bottom line
COVID-19 testing in France is straightforward if you know where to look. I recommend looking for a test at least 48 hours before your flight boards to ensure you find a testing center in time for your flight back to the U.S.
Feature photo by Andrew Kunesh / The Points Guy
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.