France will begin to shake off its coronavirus blues Sunday with cinemas opening on the stroke of midnight and thousands of people taking to the streets for its midsummer music festival.

The annual Festival of Music usually brings millions of people out in towns and cities across the country with a mix of large-scale events and impromptu concerts in cafes and on street corners that go on long into the night.

Social distancing means that the Accor Arena in Paris will only be able to welcome 2,000 fans – a tenth of its normal capacity – for a show featuring a stellar line-up of francophone talent.

While gatherings of more than 10 people are still banned in France, the culture ministry said police would be tolerant with outdoor jamming sessions on the night if people keep their distance.

Having rushed back to the terraces of their cafes and restaurants earlier this month, millions of French people are also waiting with bated breath for cinemas to reopen Monday.

Casinos will also welcome gamblers from June 22 while stadiums and racetracks will reopen on July 11, subject to a limit of 5,000 people, the government announced late Friday.

The Eiffel Tower will reopen on June 25. Sanitary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of tourists. Visitors will have to take the stairs because the lifts will be off-use due to concerns about infection. There will also be a one-way tour route in force on the staircases, and all visitors over the age of 11 will be required to wear a face mask.

The Paris landmark has been closed for over three months due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

(With input from AFP)