What are the rules regarding having a barbecue in France?

Summer has officially arrived in France and, for many, that means a barbecue with family and friends.

But, before lighting up, take a moment to know the rules.

First things first: there are no country-wide laws on using them. Everything depends on where you live and the rules in place in that particular department, commune or even building.

If you live in a flat

If you reside in an apartment, the use of barbecues will be determined by the rules of the copropriété, a model of co-ownership that manages the block and in particular its communal areas.

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

Read more: Copropriétés: Co-ownership in France explained

If you live in a house

Obviously, if you live in a house, you are not subject to a copropriété. However, your ability to use a barbecue can still be controlled by local communal or departmental laws.

These laws can state an outright ban on barbecues - 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.

Contact your local mairie to find out the rules that are in place.

If no regulations limit your use of barbecues, take note that you might need permission to install a fixed barbecue depending on its size.

If your fixed barbecue takes up less than 5 m², no permission is needed. However, if it is between 5 and 20 m², you will need prior approval before setting it up.

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.

Public barbecues

If you fancy having 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, notably 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, you could be fined €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 public space barbecues by providing free-to-use ones in certain areas. Do not forget to take your own grill and coal.

Read also: 12 things you can do at your mairie in France apart from get married

Problems with the neighbours

US President Harry S Truman once said, “All will concede that in order to have good neighbours, we must also be good neighbours.”

Read also: Noisy neighbours: France’s most outlandish and notorious disputes

This definitely applies when using a barbecue, the use of which can easily turn a friendly relationship sour.

Excessive barbecue use can be used as a “nuisance” 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 activity at stake

• The intensity of the activity

• 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.

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