In France, fireworks are called feux d'artifices, though you might also hear people use the term pétard, which is more akin to 'firecracker'.
As the calendar flips over from 2025 to 2026, many French towns and cities will put on fireworks displays, including Paris where a huge display traditionally takes place near the Eiffel Tower.
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There are often fireworks displays for France's national day on July 14th, and some municipalities might set off fireworks for other occasions too.
However, local authorities do have the power to restrict the purchase and use of fireworks.
Ahead of Halloween 2024, local authorities in six French départements prohibited the purchase of pyrotechnic devices, which includes fireworks and firecrackers, in the days leading up to the festival, in hopes of maintaining 'public order' on the night of mischief. In 2023, on Halloween night, there were 55 arrests and 72 cars burned, according to BFMTV.
Can I set them off from my private property?
Technically, French law does not prohibit adults from setting off fireworks in their own garden, but rules can vary by municipality, and factors such as the weather and how crowded the environment is can restrict the setting off of fireworks.
Thus, it is best to operate with caution.
Before planning a fireworks display in your garden, it would be advised to call your local Mairie or check the website of your préfecuture or département to see if there are any local rules that might apply.
When can local authorities restrict fireworks?
A municipal regulation might prohibit or limit the use of fireworks if they are seen to present a danger for the environment (according to the Environment Code) or if they pose a safety risk - you might not be able to set off fireworks during a drought or if there are strong winds, for instance.
For example, in 2023 the préfecture for the Isère département banned fireworks displays from June to September due to drought out of concern for wildfires.
It is also possible that local authorities will ban the purchase or use of fireworks during large public holidays simply out of safety concerns.
The city of Nice also did so ahead of France's national day in 2024, with officials sending out a press release that banned the purchase, sale, transport, and use of fireworks from Friday-Sunday, "in order to prevent any disruption to public safety and tranquillity."
Local authorities can also establish their own rules regarding the transportation of flammable objects, such as fireworks.
Who can normally buy fireworks?
The regulations depend.
Fireworks are classified as pyrotechnic articles that contain explosive substances and separated into four categories based on risk-level, with the first category (F1) being the lowest level of risk to the fourth category (F4) which includes highly dangerous fireworks only to be operated by qualified professionals.
All fireworks on the market since 2010 should be marked with the label 'CE', for proof that they conform to quality standards.
The first - F1 - has an age minimum for purchase and use of 12 years old. These are very low risk and can even be used indoors - think of the small sparklers that might be put on top of a birthday cake.
F2 and F3 fireworks have an age minimum of 18 years old. F2 fireworks should only be used outdoors.
The F3 category represents the most dangerous fireworks that can be set off by amateurs, and they can only be fired in open air and only in large open spaces.
The F4 has the same age minimum (18) as well, but the purchaser must also hold a special training certificate or government authorisation. Typically, you would need permission from local authorities to plan a fireworks display using those in the category F4.
If you attend a fireworks display, it would likely fall into the F4 category.
What about fireworks in public areas?
Generally, you are not allowed to set off fireworks in a crowded or urban area or in a confined space.
Failure to comply with this regulation can result in a hefty fine of between €1,500 to €150,000 as well as 10 years in prison if damage is caused by the fireworks. The information label of the fireworks should give a minimum distance for how far away from other people and buildings you should be prior to setting it off.
Public spaces, such as parks or forests, typically prohibit setting off fireworks, largely out of concern for safety and forest fires. For example, the département of Indre-et-Loire in central France banned setting off fireworks in any 'wooded areas'. They included a map of the 'no-zone' areas via the préfecture website.
Additionally, using or possessing a firework that does not have the CE conformity mark can also lead to fines of up to €1,500.
France's consumer protection organisation, DGCCRF, recommends that you do not buy fireworks with instructions in any language besides French. They advise reading the label very carefully and complying with all instructions, as well as taking the weather conditions, such as high winds, into account.
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