France Drone Guide (2026): Registration, Rules, and Permits
While France is a hub for aerospace technology, it enforces some of the strictest drone safety regulations in Europe. As of 2026, flight procedures are fully digitized and integrated with EASA standards. Before dreaming of an aerial shot of the Eiffel Tower, you must know that every square inch of Paris is a permanent No-Fly Zone. Unauthorized flights in Paris can result in immediate drone seizure and criminal charges. Always check the DGAC (Directorate General for Civil Aviation) portal for the latest official announcements.
Airport and Customs Procedures in France
Your journey begins at customs. Especially at major hubs like Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly, customs officers may inspect professional equipment. Having a digital copy of your purchase invoice can help prove the device is for personal use.
- Lithium Batteries: By airline law, batteries must never be in checked luggage. They must be carried in cabin baggage, ideally in LiPo-safe bags with terminals insulated.
- Operator ID (e-ID): If you plan to fly, you must have a valid EU Operator ID. Registrations from other EASA countries (e.g., Germany) are valid in France.
- Customs Limits: For tourists from outside the EU, one drone for personal use is typically exempt from customs duties.
Drone Registration and the "AlphaTango" Process
In France, all drones equipped with a camera must be registered. If you don't have an EU registration yet, follow these steps:
- AlphaTango Portal: Create a free "UAS Operator" account on France's official drone portal.
- Operator Number: Once registered, attach your e-ID number to the drone's body in a readable manner.
- Training Requirements: If your drone weighs more than 800g, completing the free online "Fox AlphaTango" training is a legal requirement.
- Compulsory Insurance: Operating a drone without third-party liability insurance can lead to severe penalties during inspections.
For more detailed information on permits and regulations, visit the Official French Public Service Portal.
Regional Restrictions and Local Flight Maps
The answer to "Where can I fly?" lies in official maps and local authority rules:
- Paris and Metropolises: The entire city of Paris and its suburbs are strictly prohibited. Flying in parks, streets, or squares is illegal.
- Châteaux and Estates: Many historic sites, like those in the Loire Valley, require written permission from the property management even if the airspace is open.
- Geoportail Map: Access the most reliable and official flight map via Geoportail. Red zones indicate total prohibition, while orange zones indicate altitude limits.
Standard European Flight Rules
When flying in France, you must adhere to these core parameters:
- Maximum altitude: 120 meters (approx. 400ft).
- Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): The drone must always be visible to the pilot.
- Privacy: Never fly over people or private properties without consent.
- Night Flying: Prohibited without specific lighting and prior authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The entire city of Paris is a permanent No-Fly Zone. Unauthorized flights will result in equipment confiscation and very high criminal fines.
For recreational flights in "open (white)" areas on the Geoportail map, no prior permit is required. For restricted areas, military zones, or urban flights, you must obtain a special permit from the local Prefecture months in advance.
Yes. According to French law, any drone with a camera (regardless of weight) and any drone over 250g without a camera must be registered on the AlphaTango portal to obtain an Operator ID (e-ID).
Drones weighing 250g or more require an EASA A1/A3 certificate. Furthermore, in France, drones over 800g require the completion of the "Fox AlphaTango" online training course.
Yes. French law requires third-party liability insurance for all drone flights, regardless of weight, as a mandatory safety procedure.
No. Since non-EASA registrations (e.g., from the US or Turkey) are not recognized, you must register on the AlphaTango portal to fly legally in France.
The official resource is the Geoportail map provided by the DGAC. You should check this map for real-time restrictions and "Loisir" (recreational) flight zones.