Portable Cookers in France

[Toadflax]

Anyone know if I'd be able to use a hexy burner (Tommy cooker, or crusader cooker) while driving through France. Just want to be able to make a brew when we stop at a lay-by.


Thanks



Geoff

 

[Squidders]

I guess it would depend on where the layby is... through France there are many many picnic areas beside roads and some have BBQ facilities, others don't.

If it's just by the roadside I would err on the side of caution and just get a 12v kettle perhaps... maybe a 12v toasted santwich maker too

 

[jdlenton]

i don't know about hexi burners but I've never had a problem with my swedish army mess kits or my trangia when I've made brews before. I guess it will depend on where you are if your in the middle of a very dry pine forest you'll need to use your judgement

 

[twisted firestarter]

You might want to check out the legal status of lighting a fire over there. I know a couple of years ago I was mucking about with my brother doing some bushcraft and he mentioned it being illegal to light fires in France.

 

[jojo]

I think they are quite strict about fires, most particularly the further south you get. Some lands in the summer are prone to droughts and are absolutely tinder dry and it takes little for it to catch fire.

 

[jojo]

Had a quick search in french Yahoo

Wild camp-site has never been prohibited in France, but on the other hand it is regulated. It is prohibited to camp: -

in woods, forests and national parks, -
on the roads and public highways, -
on the shores of the sea,
in a radius of 200 m around a water point collected for consumption. -
in a classified site or registered voter in the zones of protection of the inheritance of nature and the sites, -
with less than 500 m of a classified or registered historic building, -
in certain zones determined by the municipal or prefectoral authorities.

Used google to translate...don't blame me

As to fires Don't risk it is probably the thing to do.

 

[chipstick]

I have gone on cyclo-tours of France many times, the most recent being the whole of May. I am forever stopping off at the side of a road somewhere to make a brew with my little hexy stove (especially this year because of the blasted weather). Although it is technically illegal, if you are by yourself and very polite the French police are generally very reasonable when it comes to interpretation of the law. They can see I won't go causing a forest fire, and that I will take all precautions to avoid one so they are willing to turn a blind eye.
Just because something is illegal doesn't mean that the policeman is going to care.

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

I have just got back last week, light one in the Aires if you wish. I usually do. Do not light a BBQ anywhere near woods. 'Feu de Bois Interdit' is banned fires.

Provence south of Avignon across to monaco fires are banned from april to sept.

Nick