City in northern France latest to ban open fireplaces: what can homeowners do?

Bans on open fireplaces are becoming more common in France, with 95 communes in northern France the latest to see restrictions.

From November 1, a ban on using open-hearth fireplaces is in place across all communes within the Lille metropole (Métropole européenne de Lille), following a prefectural order.

It brings the total number of communes banning open fireplaces to well over 600 across France. 

The ban has come into force based on pollution data from the Hauts-de-France region (where Lille is based) on fine particle matter.

Nearly 70% of the smaller particles in the atmosphere – PM2.5, small enough to be inhaled and cause damage to lungs – in the Lille metropole originate from wood-burning fireplaces, according to a 2022 study by Atmo Hauts-de-France, the regional air quality monitoring body. Much of this comes from open-hearth variants.

Local authorities attribute much of this to older fireplaces, those that have not been properly maintained, or those used incorrectly.

While open fireplaces are being banned in an increasing number of areas, current restrictions apply mostly to urban areas including Lille, Saint-Etienne, the Île-de-France region, Lyon, and Strasbourg.

However, some communes in rural areas around the Alps, notably in Isère and Haute-Savoie, have seen bans introduced in recent years.

There is no single official map showing communes where open hearth fireplaces are banned, but an unofficial list is available here. If you are concerned, check with your local mairie what the rules are, either on the local website or by contacting it directly.

What fireplaces are banned?

In communes where open fireplaces are banned, this does not require owners to demolish the fireplace entirely, but simply means they cannot use them to heat the home. 

If they wish to continue using the fireplace, it must be upgraded into a closed-hearth alternative.

An open-hearth fireplace is one where the flames are open directly to the room and there is no mechanism to enclose the combustion, preventing particles entering the living spaces (and otherwise helping retain heat for longer, making them more effective).

All closed-combustion fireplaces remain legal and can be used, including closed-hearth fireplaces, fireplace inserts, log-burning stoves, and pellet stoves. 

One type of fireplace is not specifically mentioned by Lille authorities – open-hearth fireplaces that have a glass door or panel in front of them, but do not fully enclose the wood being burned. 

If this applies to your property you can contact local authorities to check the exact rules. 

Owners using their fireplace to heat their home still need to ensure they keep up with correct chimney maintenance. 

What are fines for using a fireplace after a ban?

As with several other regulations across France, penalties are not standardised and can vary between communes. 

In Lille, for example, those who use their open fireplace from November face a maximum fine of €1,500 for breaking environmental regulations, or €3,000 for repeat offences.

However, there is no explanation in the prefecture’s statement on the order on how fireplace use will be monitored or fines enforced, similar to locations where open-hearth fireplaces are already banned.

Is there funding available to change my fireplace? 

Yes, funding is available at a national level for modernising fireplaces, with some local grants also available. 

Property owners can update their fireplaces as part of renovations in the MaPrimeRénov’ programme. This can include inserting a closed-hearth system, or updating the fireplace to use logs or pellets.

Note that since September 1, 2026, updating a fireplace is no longer eligible for funding as a monogeste or Parcours par geste (single upgrade) project. 

Instead, the upgrade must come as part of a multi-project improvement (for example, also including insulation, replacing the water system, etc) and must improve a property’s energy classification by at least two bands. 

Otherwise, households have access to Energy-Saving Certificates (certificats d'économies d'énergie, CEE) for upgrading fireplaces. 

Authorised tradespeople and companies can apply for the certificates on your behalf before work begins.

Funding through a CEE for replacing an open-hearth fireplace can reach between €150 to €1,150, with amounts varying by suppliers.

Finally, homeowners can apply for a zero-interest eco loan to cover the costs.

Local authorities may have their own schemes to help fund renovations. In Lille, households can obtain between €1,000 and €3,420 through the ‘Prime Air’ to replace their fireplaces.

This funding is available for main homes, with both owners and landlords eligible. 

Work must be carried out by a reconnu garant de l'environnement (RGE) approved trader, with new units being ‘Flamme Verte’ certified. 

Funding depends on household income levels. 

If open fireplaces are banned in your area, you should again check with the mairie to see what help is available. 

Schemes can be combined, further helping to reduce the cost of replacing a fireplace.