After eight weeks (55 days)  the French lockdown came to an end today. There may be some areas that are more severely affected and have different rules, but here in Rhône-Alpes we are allowed to move freely within 100 kilometers from home or within our department (Isère) — even beyond 100 kilometers — without a certificate. We are also allowed to go hiking on the mountains and  ride our bikes recreationally. Some small businesses, like hairdressers, are allowed to reopen. Also libraries and small museums can open their doors to public, whereas bars, restaurants, and movie theaters stay closed.

We went to a longer run this morning, along the river farther away from home. While there were not more runners out despite the beautiful and clear morning — more rain and thunderstorms are expected later today — it was obvious that there was much more traffic on the roads than there has been in the past weeks. That would be detrimental to our air quality that has improved tremendously during the lockdown. Soon we will be back in the pollution haze that usually covers the whole valley.

UPDATE: it is also obvious that now around noon there are much more people walking around in groups than there has been for a long time.