Europe
France
EASA (EU) Regulation — implemented by DGAC
As in the rest of the EU, the EASA Open category applies. Registration on AlphaTango and the online certificate are mandatory; central Paris and many historic sites (Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles) are permanently off-limits to recreational flight.
Mandatory on AlphaTango for drones ≥250 g.
Online A1/A3 certificate mandatory; A2 to fly closer to people.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Central Paris ('intra-muros') is a permanent red zone; always check Géoportail for local restrictions before flying.
Verify officially before flying
Source: DGAC — Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (French Civil Aviation Authority)
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For France, the official reference remains DGAC — Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (French Civil Aviation Authority), also via Géoportail — drone restrictions. Mandatory on AlphaTango for drones ≥250 g.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by DGAC — Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (French Civil Aviation Authority), also via Géoportail — drone restrictions. Online A1/A3 certificate mandatory; A2 to fly closer to people.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.