Millions of Europeans were preparing for a return to partial normality, a day before officials relax some of the world's harshest coronavirus lockdown measures, AFP reports.

In France, hair salons, clothes shops, florists and bookshops will open again on Monday but bars, restaurants, theatres and cinemas remain closed.

Half of Spain's 47 million people will be able to meet family or friends in gatherings of up to 10 and bars and restaurants with outdoor space can reopen.

European officials have been emboldened by declining death rates — France's toll of 80 on Saturday was its lowest since early April and Spain's daily fatalities have dropped below 200.