We’re squeezing this one in last minute, similar to the last-minute closure of the French borders at the end of January.

We were hoping not to have to run this article, but alas, here we are, and the French borders, including those of the territories, are still closed. Yes, we were missing France like crazy and had come to terms with the fact that our afternoons at Hotel Costes would have to wait just a little longer.

But territories, like St. Barths and French Polynesia, are on the list, although if you’re in St. Barths currently, life is as idyllic as it can be during a pandemic. St. Barths is currently trying to get an exemption from the mothership, so that tourists can return to the isle.

However, on French Polynesia, given its remote location, most hotels, like the Brando, have closed until April, when everyone is optimistic that France will reopen borders to non-EU travelers again. We’re not missing out on much though, as cities like Paris have a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, with limited exceptions like briefly walking your dog. Hang in there everyone – we’ll all be back to springtime in Paris before we know it.