My question is: has anybody attempted to go to France and been successful on the basis of having a sufficiently compelling reason? What was reason and what evidence did you have of it? Has anybody tried to cross the border with what they thought was a compelling reason but been turned away?
Background: I am half French, but have a British passport and have always lived in the UK. My French grandmother became very ill during the pandemic (cancer and dementia). My mother went over to help her and as a result didn't see my now 2 year old for almost a year while she was in France.
I had planned to visit my grandmother and mother with my DH, DD 2 and DS 4 months at the beginning of December. Unfortunately we fell ill and weren't able to go. DH job means he is away often and it's very difficult to arrange time off so this was a real blow. We planned visit beginning of January instead, giving my grandmother the chance to meet her great grandchild. Now the new restrictions have come in to effect.
I'm not sure what "compelling reasons" might include, but I wanted to know what other peoples experiences are of trying to get into France at the moment. I have proof of being the daughter of a French national (who is currently in France) and a letter from my grandmother's doctor stating that it would be beneficial for her to receive a visit from us. My worry is that will likely end up paying for a ferry crossing, driving 3.5 hours with two young children to the border, only to be turned away.
I am so scared that I will not be able to see my grandmother again, or that by the time we see her, her mental state will have deteriorated further. I feel I have to try.