Do you need a permit to film or photograph in France?

Film commissions

Film France CNC

The French film commission, part of the CNC: the one-stop shop for foreign productions, working with a network of more than 32 regional film commissions.

Sources: Film France CNC: who we are · CNC: filming in France

Rules

Most public locations, including streets, squares, parks and sidewalks, require a filming permit from the local municipality or prefecture.

Sources: And So Production: filming permits in France

More for France: Getting paid · Drone rules · Image rights & consent · Sponsored post rules · AI labeling rules

Filming & photo permits in other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Germany · United Arab Emirates · Saudi Arabia · Nigeria · Ghana · Kenya · South Africa · Jamaica · Japan · South Korea · India · China · Thailand · Malaysia · Portugal · Estonia · Canada · Australia

Last verified October 6, 2026 by Terrell Groggins. Rules change: check the official source before you shoot or post. This is not legal advice.