Is there any gardening work I cannot do in France on a bank holiday?
There are rules on times when certain outside work is permitted
There are strict parameters for gardening work in France, especially on public holidays
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With two bank holidays (jours fériés) in France in May, you may be tempted to tidy up your garden or finish DIY projects as summer approaches - but beware, there are rules on what you can and cannot do.
The main rules apply to making noise on jours fériés and Sundays which may result from the type of work you want to do in your garden.
This month there are jours fériés on May 8, and May 29.
What are the rules on noise?
Noise from electrical equipment must not ‘by its duration, repetition or intensity, disturb the peace of the neighbourhood or human health in a public or private place,’ states a decree from 2006 in Article R1336-5 of the Code de la santé publique (public health code).
This applies to mowing your lawn, for example, or using a hedge trimmer. It also applies to DIY tools.
The decree lays out time slots during which people are permitted to make this kind of noise, and residents must respect them or risk falling foul of the rules.
On weekdays: 08.30 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 19:30.
On Saturdays: 09:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00.
On Sundays: 10:00 to 12:00.
Public holidays (jours fériés): 10:00 to 12:00.
Note that your local council and department may have extra, or different rules so it is advisable to check with your local mairie.
For example, many local authorities ban mowing noise and similar completely on Sundays.
There are also rules for noise levels even during the permitted hours.
A decree of May 22, 2006 on “noise emissions in the environment from equipment intended for use outdoors” sets out permitted sound power levels by dB - in a table published in the Journal Officiel - for lawnmowers, grass trimmers and similar tools.
Read also: Why this widely-used gardening tool can land you a large fine in France
What happens if I break the rules?
Breaking these rules can lead to a fine of €38-68 for first-time offences, which can rise to €180 if not paid within 45 days. Repeat offenders may face higher fines (up to €450 or more) and more severe punishments.
Before issuing fines, the local mayor is likely to try mediation first.
The prefecture establishes the regulations, but the mayor is responsible for preventing neighbourhood noise. Mediation should be preferred, but when this is not possible, a fine is imposed.
What if a neighbour is breaking the rules?
If you notice a neighbour is breaking the rules, there are some steps you can follow (states the government website service-public.fr).
Go and see the person causing the nuisance and calmly ask them to respect the rules
Send a letter to them reminding them
Send a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt (lettre recommandée avec acusé de réception)
In the case of a shared property, notify the property manager
Notify the mayor
If the nuisance continues, it is recommended that you:
It is also possible to take legal action if you have exhausted all other options. The court of law has jurisdiction in such matters, but you must be represented by a solicitor.
What are the rules on green disposal?
Generally, residents in France will have a local green waste disposal centre nearby that can take your green clippings, including cut grass. You are advised to check the rules with your local mairie however, to be sure that you are permitted to take the cuttings, and when.
Read more: What items can I take to local tip in France? Are any banned?
Read also: How should garden waste be disposed of in France if bonfires are not allowed?
However an increasing number of cities (for example, Rennes) are banning the practice of using local disposal centres in a bid to promote at-home composting. Gardeners can keep the cuttings, dry them, and eventually use them as mulch or compost.
