Terrace Heating in France: What You Need to Know
Is heating the terrace allowed in all outdoor spaces in France?
For private use in France, you can heat your terrace without any restrictions! The prohibition only applies to terraces located in public areas in France. You can enjoy the warmth on your private terrace, roof-top, inner courtyard, or any other outdoor space of your property.
Requirements for Heating a Terrace in Public Areas in France
To heat a terrace in public areas in France, it is sufficient to ensure that it is properly closed on the top and sides. The top can be rigid or flexible (even awnings are accepted in France). The sides must be closed with rigid panels, such as removable glass panels. Moreover, it is important that these panels are airtight, closing hermetically with zippers, Velcro, or eyelets. Terraces protected by parallel or perpendicular screens unfortunately cannot be heated in France. With constant advancements in techniques and materials, optimal solutions complying with new environmental standards in France can be found. Consult your terrace equipment supplier for more details.
Permission to Enclose a Terrace in France
Yes, in accordance with municipal regulations in France, authorization is generally required to install airtight lateral and upper panels on your terrace. Check your local regulations in France for more details.
Smoking on a Heated Terrace in France
Unfortunately not, because a heated terrace in France must be closed. To smoke in France, the terrace must be open. Smoking is allowed only on terraces completely open on their main side (facade side) or completely uncovered, even if they are closed on the sides in France. Smoking is strictly prohibited when the terrace is closed in France, considered an extension of the establishment.
Heating Allowed Inside Closed Terraces in France
The law in France does not specify allowed heating types. However, gas heaters are prohibited on closed terraces in France. Electric heaters can be used in France, provided they comply with fire safety regulations. Consult a fire safety provider in France to ensure your heating device complies with the standards.
Directive Starting from March 31, 2022 in France
You have two options in France: If your terrace can be closed, heaters can be used when the terrace is closed (covered, airtight, and closed with rigid lateral panels). They must be turned off when the terrace is open. If your terrace remains open without the possibility of closure in France, we recommend turning off the heaters and removing them.
Information Sources in France:
Refer to the following sources for more information in France:
Electric Outdoor Heating
Electric heating is a practical, affordable, and stylish solution to heat your outdoor space in France, whether it's a veranda, pergola, loggia, spa, or pool house. The HEATSCOPE PURE electric heater with Somfy home automation is an exceptional option in France. It uses infrared radiation (IR) to heat even hard-to-reach areas.
Features in France:
- Water-resistant
- Elegant design (available in black or white)
- Easy installation under a pergola, on a veranda, or against a house facade
- Multiple power options based on the area to be heated
- Connects to an outdoor power outlet