TF1 news presenter Isabelle Ithurburu and journalist Ani Basar detailed French wild camping laws following a question from hiker Adeline in Seine-et-Marne. Adeline, a resident of Pontault-Combault, submitted a video query to the Le 13H à vos côtés segment on the TF1 afternoon news broadcast to learn how to avoid fines while preparing for a mountain hike.
Basar explained that campers cannot pitch a tent anywhere they choose. Under the French urban planning code, wild camping is forbidden along the seaside, on or near public roads, and near nature reserves or historic monuments. These restrictions aim to protect the environment and maintain peace for local residents.
Public forest rules and bivouac limits
Private property covers 75 percent of forests in France, where camping is completely prohibited without prior consent from the landowner. In the remaining 25 percent of public forests, regulations draw a distinction between multi-day camping and bivouacking, which refers to spending a single night in the same location.
Bivouacking is widely tolerated starting from 7 p.m., although exact permitted hours vary depending on the area. Multi-day wild camping remains banned in the majority of France's 10 national parks, including popular tourist destinations such as the Pyrenees and the Mercantour.
Hikers planning their route in advance can consult town hall websites to check local municipal decrees. For travelers who prefer to improvise, digital platforms list authorized and restricted spots for bivouacking and wild camping in real time.
Fines and private property stays
Violating restrictions carries significant financial penalties. Illegal bivouacking or camping in a national park or nature reserve incurs a 68 euro fine, while pitching a tent on private land without permission results in a 135 euro fine.
Forests affected by wildfires, including areas in Gironde and Var, are currently closed to the public. Lighting a fire within 200 meters of a wood or forest carries a fine of up to 1,500 euros, and causing an active wildfire carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.
Travelers seeking to camp on private property can use interactive platforms such as lecampingsauvage.fr to connect with willing landowners. Hosts may offer spots for free or for a fee, but regulations limit each private property to a maximum of 20 campers to prevent unfair competition with official campsites.
Viewers with daily questions can submit video messages through the TF1 segment's dedicated webpage or by emailing [email protected].
