What are the rules for wood-burning stoves in France?
Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats answers a reader query
Know the rules before inserting a wood-burning stove
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Reader Question: Are fireplace inserts the same as freestanding wood-burning stoves for regulatory purposes?
Yes, both an insert and a poêle à bois are covered by the same regulations – the main one being that the chimneys must be swept according to local regulations.
In most areas these stipulate that they must be swept by an accredited professional at least once a year, and the professional has to provide a certificate confirming this has been done.
Read more: Do I need to sweep and insure an unused chimney in my French home?
If you live in flats or a co-propriété, there might be rules against both, and in Paris and the surrounding area both inserts and poêles aux bois have to be modern and meet certain efficiency standards.
The other main rules concern installation, and are particularly concerned with the chimney to avoid deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires.
Updated regulation NF DTU 24.1
There was a major update to these rules in 2020 across Europe, and in France they are found in the regulation NF DTU 24.1 which sets out the diameters for flue pipes and the minimum distances from other parts of the house that might catch fire because of the heat.
Read more: Chimney sweep not at fault for later fire in French home
Here there is a distinction between an insert and a poêle à bois, using an existing chimney or those using a new chimney.
The new rule is that a metal tube has to be used in an old chimney if a new appliance is installed (see regulation NF DTU 24.2 for details).
Another part of the regulations concern the installation of pipes bringing fresh air to the appliances.
It is worth noting that a qualified professional can interpret the rules according to local circumstances. If, for example, you want to put an insert into an old fireplace where the chimney does not meet the space requirements, they can put up fire-proof barriers.
Professionals must fix a plaque to the installation confirming it meets requirements.
An informative, illustrated brochure of the new rules can be found on the website of Cheminées Poujoulat, a French maker of inserts and poêles, at poujoulat.fr.
