DJI's GEO zone database lists 1,064 drone zones in France, 246 of them restricted, mostly around airports and military bases. Below are the zone types, the largest restricted zones, the rules at a glance and the official links to request permission when you need to fly inside a zone.
Zone types
| Zone | Count | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 🟥 Restricted | 246 | DJI drones cannot take off or fly inside. Most are airports and military bases; flying there needs an authorization and a DJI unlock. |
| 🟧 Enhanced warning | 545 | The drone asks you to confirm before flying in. Often smaller airfields and approach paths. |
| 🟨 Warning | 273 | A warning only, for example heliports and small airfields. Flight is not blocked, but local rules still apply. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Radius |
|---|---|
| Aéroport Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle | 5.9 km |
| SAINT ALBAN | 5.2 km |
| PALUEL | 5.0 km |
| SAINT LAURENT DES EAUX | 5.0 km |
| CHOOZ | 5.0 km |
| FESSENHEIM | 5.0 km |
| BELLEVILLE SUR LOIRE | 5.0 km |
| BUGEY | 5.0 km |
| CHINON AVOINE | 5.0 km |
| CIVAUX | 5.0 km |
| DAMPIERRE EN BURLY | 5.0 km |
| PENLY | 5.0 km |
| NOGENT SUR SEINE | 5.0 km |
| GRAVELINES | 5.0 km |
| GOLFECH | 5.0 km |
Radius of the circle in DJI's database. The official zone can have another shape and reach further, for example along the runway approach.
Drone rules in France at a glance
- Aviation authority: Direction générale de l'Aviation civile (DGAC)
- Maximum height: 120 m (400 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more. Lower near aerodromes, heliports and ULM strips, as shown on Géoportail.
- Registration: Operators of drones over 250 g, or of any drone with a camera or other sensor that is not a toy, must register on AlphaTango. Official page
- Official map: Géoportail – restrictions UAS
- Leisure flights over public space in built-up areas are prohibited in the open category.
- The DGAC guide notes that permission to fly in prohibited zones is almost never granted for leisure.
How to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone
Steps and links from official sources, checked in September 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official website (DGAC) before you fly.
- Check the Géoportail restriction layer for the maximum height at your spot; near aerodromes it can be 0 m (no flight) several kilometres out. Official page
- To fly above the published height near an aerodrome, get prior agreement from its air traffic control unit (or its AFIS, or failing that the aerodrome operator). There is no online portal: contact them directly. Official page
- Check the SIA website for temporary restrictions and NOTAMs, which Géoportail does not show. Official page
- Operations outside the open-category rules (for example professional work in restricted areas) need the specific category with the DGAC. Official page
- Flying a DJI drone? With the authorization in hand, request an unlock on DJI FlySafe. DJI's unlock does not replace the authority's permission.
Check zones and weather before you fly
The Drone Weather Forecast app shows these zones on a map with DJI's colours, next to the hourly wind, gusts, rain, KP index and satellites for your drone model.
Frequently asked questions
Where can't you fly a drone in France?
Around airports, military bases and other restricted areas. DJI's database lists 246 restricted zones in France; the official map is Géoportail – restrictions UAS. Temporary restrictions can appear at any time, so check before every flight.
Do I need permission to fly a drone near an airport in France?
Yes. Flying inside an airport zone or other restricted airspace needs an authorization. Responsible authority: Direction générale de l'Aviation civile. The official steps and links are on this page.
How high can you fly a drone in France?
Up to 120 m (400 ft) above the ground under the general rules, unless an authorization allows more. Near airports the limit can be lower, or zero. Lower near aerodromes, heliports and ULM strips, as shown on Géoportail.
Is the DJI no-fly zone map official?
No. DJI's GEO zones are a safety layer built into DJI drones. The binding zones and rules are the ones published by the aviation authority, Direction générale de l'Aviation civile (official map: Géoportail – restrictions UAS).
Zone counts and names: DJI FlySafe GEO database, snapshot of February 3, 2026. It is a safety guide, not the official airspace: the aviation authority publishes the binding zones and temporary restrictions.