Sales on the public highway

Sale of lily of the valley on 1st May: a framed tolerance

Publié le 24 avril 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The 1er may is approaching and, as every year on this date, the lily of the valley will bloom again in the streets of towns and villages. But do you really know the rules that apply to the sale of thrush that day? Service-Public.fr reminds you of the main rules to know about this practice of selling on the street, which is generally governed by a municipal order.

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Image 1Crédits: digifox - stock.adobe.com

While any street sale is in principle subject to authorization, the sale of lily of the valley on the 1ster mai is an exception. An individual or an association player can sell lily of the valley following a few rules. Before you settle, check the policy with your town hall.

The sale of lily of the valley on the 1er may is, in general, governed by municipal decrees specifying:

  • sell only wild lily of the valley picked in the woods (its collection is nevertheless regulated, the forest products belonging to their owners);
  • sell in small quantities;
  • sell in strands without adding other flowers to the bouquet and without packaging;
  • do not set up shop near a florist (consult the municipal bylaws of your town hall for the distance to be respected);
  • do not use tables, trestles or chairs which may be used as the point of sale;
  • do not constitute a danger or discomfort to pedestrians or vehicles.

If you do not comply with the regulations in force, you are liable to a fine of 300 €, flat-rate amount which may be reduced to €250 and increased to €600. If you do not pay within 45 days of the date of sending the notice of infringement or the finding of this infringement, you are liable to a fine of €3,750 and 6 months imprisonment.

In addition, Article 446-3 of the Penal Code The law enforcement agencies can also destroy or confiscate the strands of thrush.

FYI  

Whether the sale of thrush is generally allowed on the 1er but it remains banned every other day of the year!

Please note

Sales on public roads are strictly regulated; so-called "unpacking sales", which for example allow individuals to sell goods at garage sales, second-hand shops or sellout shops, are also regulated.

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