Performing artistic activities in public spaces

Anyone who wishes to perform an artistic activity in a public space must obtain a permit to do so.

Permits are issued by the Service Espace public, fêtes et marchés (Department of Public Spaces, Festivals and Markets) – "Petit Passage" building, 5th floor, Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00 – on a first-come, first-served basis according to touring schedules and site/venue availability. All applicants must show their identity card.

The term "artistic activity" encompasses both artistic performances (music, dance, pantomime, living sculptures, drawing, acrobatics, etc.), and the sale of craft products ("homemade" products or products prepared "on site") by an individual or group.

The size of the group and the equipment used (especially musical instruments) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the activity does not cause too much of a public nuisance (e.g. bagpipes, alphorns).

Any individual/group may apply for up to 20 days a year, but for no more than 10 consecutive days at a time. Any part of a day used by the applicant will be counted as a full day, even if they have not actually used the whole day.

Artistic performers may not occupy any one site/venue beyond the 1-hour time slot that they have been assigned for that site/venue. When the one-hour time slot has expired, the individual/group shall move on to the next site/venue specified in the route maps (see below) given to them by the Service Espace public, fêtes et marchés. Time slots begin on the hour and end 60 minutes later, even if the performance does not last the full 60 minutes. The next site/venue may only be occupied from the beginning of the next hour, and the order of the sites/venues must be observed.

Permits generally cover the period from 10:00 to 19:00 for artistic performances, and from 10:00 to 21:00 for the sale of craft products.

Permits are issued free of charge.

The following are forbidden:

• soliciting or accosting members of the public to collect money,
• the sale of storage media (CDs, DVDs, etc.),
• sound amplifying devices (electric or otherwise),
• overly loud percussion and bass,
• overly high-pitched singing,
• the sale of industrially manufactured products,
• the sale of drinks, food and flowers.

Shop fronts must not be obstructed and passers-by must not be prevented from entering stores. Performers are asked to keep as far as reasonably possible from restaurant and bar terraces, so as not to cause a nuisance (especially noise nuisance) to customers.