Temperatures are dropping in some regions of France: discover the cities where it is forbidden to make open fires

Lighting a fireplace in your home is allowed, but you must have suitable equipment, which is governed by rules in some municipalities. Here's a look.

As temperatures drop in several regions of France, the 7.5 million homes that use wood as a source of heating have probably already lit their fireplaces. But this practice is not without rules. Some municipalities allow it under certain conditions, RTL has taken stock.

“Sweeping your chimney or stove is mandatory at least once a year”, recalls the government website service-public.fr. This cleaning must be carried out by a certified professional, holding a diploma or certification recognized by the State. At the end of the intervention, a certificate will be given to you, to keep carefully.

Importance of maintenance

A well-maintained appliance consumes less wood and generates less pollution. According to Ademe, a high-performance appliance uses five times less wood than an old model and emits up to ten times fewer fine particles.

Another important factor in the authorization to use a fireplace is the type of fireplace: open or closed. Some municipalities prohibit the use of open fireplaces in order to reduce indoor pollution. In some cases, the use of open fireplaces is restricted or prohibited.

In Paris and Île-de-France

Wood heating is authorized, but subject to specific regulations according to each municipality, all located in a sensitive area for air quality. Open fireplaces are limited to pleasure fires or supplementary heating, while closed fireplaces can be used as main or supplementary heating. In all cases, annual chimney sweeping is mandatory.

Lyon and its outskirts

Since April 1, 2023, open fireplaces have been banned in the Lyon metropolitan area (Greater Lyon), which includes 58 municipalities. From October 2026, this ban will extend to 167 new municipalities in the Rhône, Ain and Isère departments.

Saint-Étienne

From April 2025, 53 municipalities in the Saint-Étienne metropolitan area and five municipalities in Loire Forez will ban open fireplaces. The details of this ban are available in the prefectural decree.

Isère

Since October 1, 2024, the use of open fireplaces has been prohibited in 49 municipalities of Grenoble Alpes Métropole, as well as in 31 municipalities of the Pays Voironnais community of municipalities and 43 municipalities of Grésivaudan. The full list of the 123 municipalities concerned can be consulted on the official website.

Haute-Savoie

Since January 1, 2022, 41 municipalities in the Arve Valley have banned the use of open fireplaces. It is advisable to check local rules with the town hall to find out what restrictions are in force.

Penalties

If your town partially prohibits chimney fires, fines may be applied in the event of an infringement, depending on local regulations. In addition, if a chimney sweep is not carried out, the person concerned may be fined up to €450, as stipulated by Article L2213-26 of the General Code of Local Authorities, and this amount may increase in the event of a repeat offence.