Hi Val
The "law" that bans burning garden waste comes under the category of anti-polution rules, not safety hazards, so there are no dates except for a few exemptions. Considered to be a major source of fine partical polution when burnt in the open air, green waste was assimilated into the category of household refuse, and quite heavy fines can be applied for burning it. If you ask your mairie, you may get a clear and accurate answer for bonfire night, but since this is in no way a French tradition you may need to do a lot of explaining. You might need to compare it to "les feux du St Jean" to make your point. Dont mention Jeanne d'Arc, no connection, and still a very sensitive subject here in France, and to avoid confusion do be clear that you will not be burning any traitors since a traiteur, in France, is an honourable profession in the catering trade, and with an English accent.... You may of course get curious and varied replies (ask three Frechmen and you should get at least four opinions). There are also some rules about fireworks, but on private land and with domestic fireworks this should not be a problem.
The "law" was introduced by "circulaire ministeriel " a document sent by central governement to the regional "Prefects". The prefects were then to introduce "arretés" that would make rules by département, but the intention was to establish the same rules across France. There are, as always, exceptions, but none that "saut aux yeux" to cover your guy fawkes case.
The best was to test this form of law is in court, but this needs someone to be caught, charged, and probably fined, so that the case can be judged on appeal. Any takers? Perhaps your farming freind, who sees this as yet another god given right to polute. He is I fear, mistaken.
Many brits will tell you that they came to France to enjoy our relaxed way of life. Time to understand that it is relaxed because while layer after layer of highly resticted laws are being added from the top,these same laws are being blissfully ignored from the bottom. Some laws are good, some are a pain. This one has caused me some distress since I had to find a way to dispose of contaminated plant waste and invasive weeds. I found a solution to my problem by studying the ministerial text. Your solution may be in the use of the term "déchets verts". Perhaps you could burn very dry materiel such as palets? This is not a legal opinion, nor an encouragement to break the law.
pompously
Christopher
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