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Why collecting wood from a French forest could prove costly
Taking wood from a forest without permission is outlawed in France
Published
While it may be tempting to collect dead wood from a forest floor, be warned that this simple act could land you with a hefty fine in France.
Taking wood without permission, whether the forest is publicly or privately owned, is strictly prohibited.
This includes collecting small branches or dead wood and taking logs temporarily stacked alongside forest roads.
Under Article R163-1 of the French Forest Code, cutting or removing wood with a circumference of less than 20cm is a fifth-class offence, punishable by a fine of up to €1,500.
More serious penalties apply to cutting or removing trees with a circumference of at least 20cm.
Under Article L163-7 of the Forest Code, this is punishable under the provisions governing theft, which can carry a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of €45,000.
One important reason to leave fallen branches and dead wood where they are, is the role they play in forest ecosystems, according to the Office National des Forêts.
Dead wood provides habitats for insects and fungi, helps enrich the soil as it decomposes and protects young trees from animals feeding on them.
How can you legally collect firewood in France?
Do not be discouraged though, there is a way for residents to legally obtain wood in France: through a scheme known as affouage, a centuries-old practice dating back to the Middle Ages.
It gives communes the right to allocate wood from their municipal forests to local residents for domestic heating, usually in exchange for a fee.
The municipality decides whether to sell the wood or distribute it to residents. Those taking part may be required to cut, prepare and transport their own wood.
Although many communes have already closed registrations for the 2026-2027 season, some are still accepting applications.
One example is Dorans, Territoire de Belfort, where residents can register until November 30, although the commune has not released pricing details.
In Seloncourt, Doubs, registrations are also open until the end of November. The scheme is exclusively for local residents, who must pay €50 for a minimum of five stères (one stères is roughly one cubic metre of stacked logs), plus €10 for each additional stère.
In Arbois, Jura, applications are being accepted until November 20. The price is €96.50 per lot, and applicants must live in the commune.
In Danjoutin, Territoire de Belfort, residents can register until November 22. Each household can obtain a lot of 30 stères from communal forests at a price of €12 per stère.
These are examples of local schemes. Prices, eligibility requirements, registration periods and the amount of wood available may differ between communes.
Residents interested in obtaining firewood should contact their local mairie to find out if an affouage scheme is available in their area and whether applications are still open.
It is important to note that the affouage tradition only applies to forests on public land while most of France’s forests - about 75% - belong to private owners. In this case, you are advised to avoid collecting firewood unless you have the express permission of the landowner.
