Drone regulations by city
Interactive map of flight zones and authorizations needed to organize a light drone show in major French cities.
Interactive regulations map
Click on a city to see the details of applicable authorizations and restrictions.
Understanding drone regulations in France
DGAC regulations
In France, all professional drone flights are regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). Light drone shows fall under the 'Specific' category (formerly scenario S-3) which requires an operating authorization and a flight declaration with the relevant prefecture.
Flight categories
Open Category
Drones < 25kg, simple leisure/pro use, not above gatherings
Specific Category
Drone shows, prefectural authorizations, SORA risk analysis
Certified Category
Transport of people/goods, mandatory type certification
Prefectural authorizations
Each drone show requires a specific prefectural decree for the municipality where the event takes place. Processing times vary from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the prefecture. For dense urban areas (Paris, Lyon, Marseille), additional restrictions apply (P, R, D zones) and timelines may be longer.
Restriction zones
France has several types of regulated airspace that impact drone flights:
- P Zones (Prohibited): No-fly except exceptional exemption
- R Zones (Regulated): Flight subject to conditions and authorizations
- D Zones (Dangerous): Dangerous activities, mandatory notification
- CTR (Control Zones): Near airports, ATC coordination required
Regulations by city
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris
Max altitude : 120m
Lyon
Préfecture du Rhône
Max altitude : 120m
Marseille
Préfecture des Bouches-du-Rhône
Max altitude : 120m
Bordeaux
Préfecture de la Gironde
Max altitude : 120m
Toulouse
Préfecture de Haute-Garonne
Max altitude : 100m
Nice
Préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes
Max altitude : 90m
Nantes
Préfecture de Loire-Atlantique
Max altitude : 120m
Strasbourg
Préfecture du Bas-Rhin
Max altitude : 120m