Rules for garden barbecues in France

Temperatures of up to 36C are forecast for the end of this week in south-west France, as the entire country basks in above-average temperatures.

For many, it will herald the arrival of summer activities, bringing with it a temptation to bust out the barbecue.

Before lighting up however, take a moment to understand the relevant rules and advice. 

Note that there are no nationwide laws on barbecue usage, aside from following safety rules to reduce the risk of forest fires. 

However, rules can differ based on your location (department, commune, etc) or even building.

Certain barbecue usage can also lead to conflict with neighbours, which is best to avoid.

Below, we cover the main rules.

If you live in a flat

If you reside in an apartment or shared building, the use of barbecues will be determined by the copropriété rules, and you will need to check these before setting anything up.

Some rules will say barbecues are forbidden on balconies, or that, if they are allowed, they must use electricity or gas.

The regulations also often ban barbecues in shared areas such as gardens or courtyards, because of the fire risk and the smell of the smoke.

Some rules state barbecues can only be used on certain days of the week (weekends for example) or at certain hours, and even limit how often residents can use their barbecues (once per week for example).

If you live in a house

You are not subject to such rules if you live in a property you own (renters may face restrictions from landlords about barbecue usage in their contract). 

However, your ability to use a barbecue can still be controlled by local communal or departmental regulations.

These laws can state an outright ban on barbecues of any kind - usually the case for certain communes next to wooded areas - or just ban them at certain times of the year, such as when temperatures are high or there are significant risks of wildfires.

Check with your local mairie to see if any restrictions are in place in your area.

Even if no regulations limit your use of barbecues, you might need permission to install a fixed barbecue depending on its size.

If your fixed barbecue takes up less than 5 m² and does not exceed a height of 12m, no permission is needed. 

However, if it is between 5 and 20 m², you will need prior approval before setting it up, as well as potentially pay the 'garden shed' tax (taxe d’aménagement). 

Do also be aware that if the barbecue is installed against a separating wall with your neighbour, their permission is needed if it is a party (shared) wall.

These latter rules to not apply for barbecues that can be put away when not in use.

Public barbecues

If you want to have a barbecue in a public area, again check what the local authorities say and get permission from your mairie.

There are restrictions in some areas, again usually dependent on the risk of fires breaking out. If you do not respect the restrictions, you could be fined for 'wild barbecuing'.

In Paris, for example, where public barbecues are forbidden in all public spaces, you could be fined €135. The same goes for the nearby towns of  Vincennes and Boulogne, and fines nationwide generally fall between €90 - €127. 

Public barbecues are also completely banned within 200 metres of a wooded area, as is any other type of fire.

Some communes however will encourage barbecues at set locations by providing free-to-use ones in certain areas. Do not forget to take your own grill and coal.

Problems with the neighbours

Issues may also present themselves when it comes to your neighbours.

While complaints are unlikely over the occasional barbecue, excessive use can be motive for a neighbour nuisance (trouble du voisinage) complaint, which can potentially lead to prosecution and fines.

To be classified as a nuisance the local authorities will take several factors into account:

• The frequency and duration of the barbecue

• The intensity of the activity, particularly if it leads to lots of smoke or strong smells

• When it takes place (day or night)

• Where it is taking place (urban or rural areas)

• Local regulations in place

To avoid any issues, the French magazine Maison & Travaux recommends you:

• Keep your barbecue far from the walls (to avoid damaging them)

• Do not place your barbecue under your neighbours’ windows

• Do not have too many barbecues to avoid annoying your neighbours

• Give your neighbours prior warning if you are inviting a lot of people

• Respect some basic safety rules: keep your barbecue away from vegetation, do not leave it unattended while lit and ensure it is well-maintained.

Neighbour disturbance complaints follow a strict process, beginning with efforts at an amicable solution (friendly discussion, etc) before a formal letters is sent over the issue. The next step of escalation includes collecting evidence of any disturbance (and potentially contacting the police to prove the issue).

Parties must attempt to revolse the issue amicably via a local conciliateur de justice before issues can be taken to court. 

More information on how to make a complaint - or how to deal with one levied against you - can be found in our article here.