Understanding Mains Services in Rural France

⚡ Electricity – Connection, Safety, and Supply

Almost all properties are connected to the national grid, managed by Enedis (part of EDF). However, the age and condition of internal wiring varies widely between modern houses and older stone homes.

🔸 What to Check

• Supply type: Most houses use single-phase (230 V), while larger or renovated farmhouses may have three-phase (400 V).

• Consumer unit (tableau électrique): Should include circuit breakers (disjoncteurs) and 30 mA differential protection.

• Meter and disjoncteur: You’ll usually see a modern Linky smart meter beside a main switch — this device isolates your home from the grid and belongs to EDF/Enedis (only authorised technicians may adjust it).

🔸 Ask for:

• The diagnostic électricité report (mandatory if the system is over 15 years old).

• The amp rating of the supply (6 kVA–12 kVA is typical). If you plan electric heating or EV charging, you may need an upgrade.

🔸 Common Upgrades:

• Replacing old fuse boards with modern breaker panels

• Ensuring proper earthing (mise à la terre)

• Adding separate circuits for outbuildings or electric heating

💧 Water Supply – Mains or Private Source

In most towns and villages, homes are connected to a communal mains network (eau de ville), managed by a local syndicat d’eau potable.

🔸 Mains Water

• Check for a modern water meter and stop valve, usually near the road or boundary.

• Ask whether the pipes are PVC or copper (old lead or galvanised lines should be replaced).

• Confirm pressure and flow — older houses sometimes have low water pressure or shared supply lines.

🔸 Private Wells or Springs

• Many rural homes still have private wells (puits) for garden watering or, occasionally, domestic use.

• Water from wells must be tested if used for drinking, and may require filtration or UV treatment.

• It’s often practical to maintain both mains and well water — one for domestic use, one for the garden.

💡 Tip: Water accounts are local; if the home’s been unoccupied, you’ll need to reopen the account at the mairie or water office before moving in.

🔥 Gas – Bottled, Bulk, or Mains

Gas systems in the Mayenne vary by location and age of property.

🔸 Mains Gas (Gaz de Ville)

Found mainly in larger towns such as Laval, Mayenne, and Ernée. If connected, it’s an efficient and clean heating option.

• Ask to see the latest gas safety inspection (diagnostic gaz).

• Confirm the pressure regulator and shutoff valve are accessible and in good condition.

🔸 Bottled or Bulk LPG (Gaz en Citerne)

Most rural properties outside towns rely on propane gas stored either in portable bottles or a large outdoor tank.

• Tanks are usually owned and maintained by suppliers such as Antargaz, Butagaz, or Primagaz.

• Ensure there’s a current maintenance certificate and that the tank is sited safely (away from openings and boundaries).

• If switching supplier, you may need to buy out or replace the existing tank.

💡 Tip: LPG provides consistent heat and hot water, but costs can fluctuate — consider combining it with a wood stove or heat pump for efficiency.

🚽 Sewage and Drainage – Mains or Septic

In towns, homes connect to the public sewer system (tout-à-l’égout). In rural areas, most rely on individual wastewater systems (assainissement non collectif).

🔸 Mains Drainage

• Check connection to the public network near the property boundary.

• Ask the mairie to confirm connection status and local wastewater taxes (taxe d’assainissement).

🔸 Septic Tanks (Fosse Septique / Fosse Toutes Eaux)

• Must comply with SPANC regulations (Service Public d’Assainissement Non Collectif).

• Sellers must provide a SPANC inspection report less than 3 years old.

• If listed as non-compliant, the new owner must upgrade within 12 months of purchase.

For full details, see our guide:
👉 Understanding Septic Tanks and Drainage in Rural France

💡 Tip: Even if “connected to mains drains” is mentioned in the listing, it’s worth visually confirming — sometimes it refers to a shared or partial system.

📡 Internet and Telephone – Fibre, ADSL, or 4G

Reliable internet is increasingly available even in rural Mayenne, but coverage varies by village.

🔸 Fibre Broadband (Fibre Optique)

The Mayenne department is actively rolling out fibre to the home (FTTH), with most towns and many villages now covered.

• Check availability at https://www.ariase.com or https://www.lafibre.info.

• If available, connection is simple and inexpensive — usually €39–€59 installation and €30–€40/month subscription.

🔸 ADSL or 4G/5G Internet

Where fibre hasn’t arrived yet, homes use ADSL via the telephone line, or increasingly 4G routers for faster speeds.

• Ask which provider (Orange, Bouygues, SFR, Free) the current owner uses and what speeds they achieve.

• Some rural communes also offer satellite internet as a fallback.

💡 Tip: Fibre is being extended village by village. Even if your chosen home doesn’t have it yet, it may soon — check with the mairie or local rollout maps.

🧾 Diagnostics and Paperwork

Before completing your purchase, the seller must provide a Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) containing:

• Electrical inspection (if system >15 years old)

• Gas safety report (if applicable)

• SPANC septic tank inspection (if not on mains drains)

• Energy performance rating (DPE)

• Asbestos and lead checks (for older buildings)

These reports give a transparent view of the property’s condition — invaluable for planning upgrades or negotiating price 

✅ Buyer’s Quick Checklist

• 🔌 Is the electrical system modern and earthed?

• 💧 Is there mains water, and are the pipes in good condition?

• 🔥 Is the home on mains gas, bottled gas, or LPG tank — and is it certified safe?

• 🚽 Is sewage connected to mains drains or a septic tank, and is the SPANC report current?

• 📡 What type of internet connection is available (fibre, ADSL, 4G)?

• 📑 Are all diagnostic reports up to date and supplied before signing?

A few minutes’ research and the right questions can prevent expensive surprises and ensure your French home is fully connected and compliant.

✨ A home in the French countryside is at its best when it’s beautiful, practical, and well-serviced. Understanding your mains connections means comfort, safety, and peace of mind — from the moment you move in.