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Property Rights in France - Water

5. Use of Towpaths in France

In the case of public waterways, there are rights of way that govern the use of the towpath (halage) for public use.

The law states that a minimum towpath width of 7,80 metres must be maintained on one side of the river, and for an additional 1.95 metres neighbouring owners are only entitled to undertake light planting.

On the other side of the river, the minimum width must be 3.25 metres.

The maintenance of these towpath areas is the responsibility of the statutory authorities.

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