🇫🇷 Drone rules in France
Register as an operator on the DGAC's AlphaTango portal if your drone is over 250 g or has a camera, pass the free EASA A1/A3 online exam, stay below 120 m and off the no-fly zones shown on the Géoportail map — and drones of 800 g or more must also be registered as aircraft and broadcast a French electronic-identification signal.
Before you fly: drone rules change and vary by location. This page is a general summary, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules with the Direction générale de l'aviation civile (DGAC) (official site). You are responsible for flying legally and safely.
Do I need to register my drone?
Register as an operator on AlphaTango if your drone is 250 g or more, or carries a camera/sensor and isn't a toy; the operator number must be displayed on the drone. France adds a national rule: drones 800 g and over must also be registered as aircraft (number shown on the airframe), renewable up to 5 years.
Do I need a licence or test?
Yes — pass the free EASA A1/A3 online exam (40 questions, 75% to pass) via AlphaTango; the certificate is valid 5 years. Flying closer to people (A2) needs an additional exam. Minimum age is 14 (younger only under supervision).
Is Remote ID required?
France requires drones 800 g and over to broadcast an electronic identification signal (signalement électronique) in flight — a national rule alongside EASA direct Remote ID on class-marked drones. Drones under 800 g are exempt from the broadcast requirement.
What is the maximum altitude?
120 m (about 400 ft) above the ground. Many French zones impose lower ceilings — sometimes under 50 m near aerodromes or military areas — so check the limit for your exact spot.
Where can't I fly?
Check the official Géoportail drone map before every flight. No flying in public spaces within urban areas under the Open category, which effectively bans hobby flight over Paris and most city centres; keep clear of airports, military and sensitive sites, nuclear plants, prisons, monuments and nature reserves; never over people or crowds; keep the drone in sight; and night flight is prohibited.
Authority: Direction générale de l'aviation civile (DGAC)