Drone Laws in France
Yes, but France adds national rules. Register on AlphaTango, and note you cannot fly over public spaces in built-up areas for leisure without authorisation.
France applies the EASA framework through the DGAC AlphaTango portal, and adds strict national rules including a ban on leisure flights over built-up public spaces and a Paris no-fly zone.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Drone rules change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm the current rules with the national aviation authority (linked below) before you fly. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Aviation authority
DGAC (AlphaTango portal)The rules
- Registration
- Register the operator for any drone 800g+ or any drone with a camera (free; pilot min age 14); online training + exam for 250g-25kg drones. Operator number displayed on the drone.
- Remote ID
- National electronic ID (signalement) required for drones 800g+, plus EASA C-class Remote ID.
- Maximum altitude
- 120 m (less near aerodromes/military zones).
- Line of sight
- VLOS required; night flight prohibited without a prefectural exemption.
- No-fly and distance rules
- Flying over public spaces in built-up/urban areas is prohibited for leisure without authorisation (a key French rule). No overflight of crowds, nuclear plants, military sites, historic monuments, prisons, nature reserves or national parks. Paris and much of Île-de-France is a no-fly zone. Check the Géoportail map.
- Commercial and paid work
- No leisure/pro split in the Open category; higher-risk professional work is the "catégorie spécifique" (STS declaration or DSAC authorisation).
- Notable restrictions
- Strict privacy/image rules; extensive prohibited zones over sensitive sites.
- Penalties
- Administrative fines (e.g. €450 no training certificate, €750 unregistered drone); endangering safety can bring 1-6 months imprisonment and €15,000-€75,000; privacy breaches up to €45,000.
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This is general guidance, not legal advice. Drone rules change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm the current rules with the national aviation authority (linked below) before you fly. Last reviewed: July 2026.