Can neighbour force us to put fence up in French garden?
Rules on undergrowth clearance and habitat protection come into play
There is no law that you need to deter wild boar
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Reader Question: Our neighbour has complained we are harbouring wild boar, snakes and deer in the garden of our holiday home in the Pyrénées. She says I must put up a fence to keep animals out and remove vegetation which harbours snakes and is a fire hazard. Is she right?
France is a free country and property owners are, within certain limits, able to do what they like with their houses and land. Neighbours do not have the power to impose their wishes.
Having said that, local rules should be respected and in the list given by your neighbour, there is only one, the obligation to clear land of brush likely to catch fire, which is likely to be in force depending on where you live.
A map showing where there are legal obligations to clear undergrowth (obligations légales de débroussaillement) is available. Your mairie will also know.
Read more: French property owners and tenants: what are rules for obligatory undergrowth clearance?
Enforcement seldom extends beyond a strong suggestion that it should be done. However, communes can issue fines of €100 per day, up to a maximum €5,000. In the case of a fire spreading due to uncleared undergrowth, property owners can face a €15,000 fine and one year in prison.
Read more: Another French city takes measures to stop wild boar entering
Clearing undergrowth in France
Where there is a legal obligation, an area 50m from your buildings must be cleared – if this means going on to a neighbour’s land, you have a right to do so, as long as you have informed them beforehand.
If your land is larger than the 50m where débroussaillage is recommended, there is no reason why you should not allow deer and boar to roam, if you wish to.
As for snakes, they are now protected in France. You will be breaking the law if you knowingly destroy their habitat or deliberately kill or injure a snake. I am sure your neighbours will be delighted when you, very politely, give them the news.
Obviously the recommendations for débroussaillage take priority over the need to keep snake habitats in the 50m zone.
There is no legal obligation to fence and gate your land in most parts of France – unless you have a dog which is not attached to a chain.
Read more: What are the rules on building a fence at French property?
