eFoil regulations & spots in France

France treats electric hydrofoils as motorised water craft. The Ministère de la Mer's Division 240 framework and FFM/industry guidance classify eFoils as Planches Nautiques à Moteur (PNM) — a sub-family of 'engins nautiques à moteur' alongside jet-skis, jetboards and electric surfboards. They are legal to use, but only under the same restrictive regime that governs other motorised craft: kill-switch leash mandatory, buoyancy aid (EIF level 50/100/150 ISO) compulsory, and use confined to motor-authorised zones.

The single most decisive rule is the 'bande littorale des 300 mètres'. Inside that strip, every motorised craft — eFoil included — is capped at 5 knots (about 9 km/h), which is below take-off speed for foiling. Practical eFoiling therefore happens beyond 300 m from shore, where speed is in principle unrestricted for PNM up to 2 NM from a shelter. Bathing zones (ZIEM) are off-limits, as are most marina approach channels. Breaching the 5-knot limit can carry up to 6 months' imprisonment and a 3,750 EUR fine.

A permis plaisance (option côtière) is required when propulsion exceeds 4.5 kW / 6 CV, which covers virtually every commercial eFoil (Lift, Fliteboard, Audi e-tron foil, Takuma all sit in the 7–12 kW range). Minimum age to pilot a motorised craft unaccompanied is 16. Sub-4.5 kW models escape both the licence and registration; higher-powered eFoils must be registered (immatriculation/francisation) with the Direction des affaires maritimes (DAM).

Enforcement is carried out by the Gendarmerie maritime, Douanes and affaires maritimes patrols, and is real on the busy Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Local prefectoral arrêtés add layers: the Préfecture maritime de la Méditerranée publishes an active register of zone restrictions, and Parcs naturels marins (Iroise, Calanques, Golfe du Lion, Cap Corse) commonly cap speed or ban motorised foiling outright. Inland lakes (Annecy, Bourget, Léman-FR side) require explicit authorisation from the local commune or DDTM and frequently prohibit motorised boards.