Important rules for property owners with a garden in France

Many property owners in France, whether it is a main or second-home, take great pride in their gardens. 

As with all things in France however, you should be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding the maintenance of your garden, to avoid falling foul of the law. 

Below, we cover some main points of which to be aware. 

Gardens must be kept clean, but leave hedges in summer

Gardeners in several areas of France are required to clean up undergrowth and waste to reduce the risk of forest fires, due to rules known as obligations legales de débroussaillement. 

This should be done over the autumn and spring, but there is a June deadline in place as the latest to complete the task.

Those who fail to adequately clear up growth – usually within 50 metres of any buildings, sometimes further away – risk fines. 

You can see more information about the rules here. 

In terms of cutting hedges, this is sometimes cited as part of local undergrowth cleaning rules but not always required.

Homeowners are asked not to cut hedges between March and August to help protect wildlife, however the practice is not banned. 

Farmers who cut their hedges may face penalties, however.

Bonfires banned

Bonfires – of both garden foliage (déchets verts) and general household waste– are almost always banned in France. 

In the case of the former, you may be granted special dispensation at certain times of the year if there are no alternative ways to dispose of the waste but this is unusual. 

In most cases, you must take this waste to a local tip, or compost/mulch it. 

Avoid disturbing your neighbours 

Alongside the increased risk of forest fires and potential damage to the atmosphere caused by bonfires, another issue is that the smoke can annoy neighbours. 

Keeping the peace with those around you is the basis for several gardening-based rules. 

Noise restrictions on DIY and other loud activities such as mowing the lawn are in place as part of neighbourhood disturbance rules. 

These activities are restricted particularly on weekends and bank holidays. 

If you have a pet, ensure it is not making excess noise either throughout the day – or at all at night – as animals are subject to similar rules. 

Water rules 

Collecting rainwater can be extremely useful, however there are rules on how the water can be used. 

It can be used to water plants in your garden, as well as clean parts of your home and clothes (if it has been effectively disinfected). 

However, it cannot be used for drinking, cooking, or most sanitary purposes, with the exception of flushing toilets. 

Check local rules to see if there are any restrictions on collecting water. 

During periods of drought, restrictions may be imposed that limit watering gardens and plants with hose/tap water, as well as filling swimming pools and cleaning cars. 

Pesticide and chemical use 

There are strict rules on chemical and pesticide usage in personal gardens.

In theory, only products with an ‘EAJ’ label (emploi autorisé au jardin) should be used although certain products you can buy locally from farmer’s markets may not have this in place. 

However, natural pesticides/herbicides and traditional and pre-industrial versions are also allowed. 

Officially, making your own pesticides is illegal, but many people in rural areas continue to do it. 

Importing plants, banned species, poorly-placed trees

Importing any plants, seeds, or anything that contains soil into France from outside the EU is a time-consuming and costly procedure. 

For UK residents, the recent EU-UK deal means these restrictions are set to be removed, however for anyone else they remain in place. 

Generally, there are few restrictions on what can and cannot be planted in private gardens, although you must be careful of overhanging trees and branches, and plants that may threaten a neighbour’s property or garden. 

Read more: Man fined €6,000 for cutting down neighbour’s tree in northern France

There are limits on planting invasive species, although this is unlikely to be something you are planning to do. Check with the local gardening centre or mairie if you are unsure.

Read more: Let your lawn grow, water for birds: how to help wildlife in your French garden