A Cap Ferret beach facing the Dune du Pilat. – Ludovic Marin / AFP
- Since the last weekend, many city dwellers have decided to join their second home or rent an apartment or house to make the most of the period of confinement.
- In Cap-Ferret, the mayor had to reorganize public space in the face of this unusual situation at this time of the year.
- The elected official recalls that the rule is the same for everyone: Stay at home!
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There are never so many lights on in the houses of the Cap-Ferret at this time of year. The peninsula shines as in the height of summer in March. Containment obliges, they are of
many city dwellers to have joined their second home or simply rented accommodation to escape the city. Reportedly, this was particularly felt last weekend just before the announcements by the President of the Republic.
An unusual phenomenon at this time and obviously complicated to manage these last days. Even if the watchword is to stay at home, some tend to be on the move especially with the return of the sun. Elected last Sunday,Philippe De Gonneville finds himself immediately immersed in the deep end. The mayor of Lège-Cap Ferret returns for 20 minutes to the very special situation of his commune.
Do you confirm this arrival of city dwellers in your home?
Yes I confirm that there has been a massive arrival of city dwellers in recent days. Parisians, Bordeaux residents … They are welcome. There is no problem but like everyone else, they should stay at home! It’s the same rule for everyone, no matter where you are! We don’t confine ourselves to the beach. Some confuse confinement with vacations.
Coronavirus: Fear, selfishness or precaution … What is the meaning of the exodus of Parisians? https://t.co/5aieI9JZc9 via @ 20minutesParis pic.twitter.com/QvPdNPaYSp
– 20minutes Paris / IDF (@ 20minutesparis) March 17, 2020
Normally it’s calm at this time of the year …
It’s usually very calm. We are right after the holidays and everyone has gone home. There are a lot of people there but I want to say that it remains calm.
Has there been an increase in rentals?
I heard that. I think yes, there must be more than usual at this time of year. Me what I mostly observe are second homes and like that, I would say that there are 25% more second homes open than normal in the middle of March.
Cap Ferret and Atlantic facade: do not hesitate to use the traditional sweater on your shoulders as a mask during your outing in a pedal boat.
– Stéphane Kohler (@Kohlerderien) March 19, 2020
Are you able to accommodate all these people?
It’s true that we’re not organized like in high season. We especially had a crush last weekend in grocery stores. It was a bit tense! Now it’s better with containment. I also made a few decisions: 20 people at the same time in the market halls, one person per family allowed. There is also a decree which prohibits any pleasure boating except for professionals. We don’t come here to go fishing or boating!
Have you asked for state aid?
Yes, I am in contact with the sub-prefect. Reinforcements from the gendarmerie arrived on Wednesday to more easily ensure security. The gendarmes patrol with the municipal police. There will be more checks but there is no reason why it should go wrong.
Gendarmerie and helicopter on the deserted beaches near Cap Ferret.
Control of a group of surfers.# COVID2019france #confinement # COVID19 pic.twitter.com/1gGcKGr9Nj– Valrieu (@valrieu) March 19, 2020
Aren’t you afraid of possible tensions with the local population (there was a tag “Parigo home virus” on Tuesday)?
I already strongly condemn this act. It’s scandalous ! I asked that this tag be erased immediately by the town hall services. We are very happy to welcome people. After the rule is simple, I repeat, they stay at home!
