When a French real estate listing says:

“Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the Géorisques website.”

it means that, under French law, the seller or landlord is informing you that a full risk assessment (covering natural, mining, technological and coastal risks) for that property can be viewed online via the official government portal Géorisques ([www.georisques.gouv.fr).4]

Why this phrase is there

This is a legal requirement , not a warning that the property is definitely dangerous.
Since the Climate and Resilience law (August 2021), any sale or rental advertisement published in France must include this exact mention, regardless of whether the property is in a high-risk zone or not.

Its purpose is:

  • To ensure buyers and tenants are informed early about possible risks in the area.
  • To make risk information transparent and accessible before you even visit the property.
  • To standardize how risk information is communicated across all listings.

What “risks” does it cover?

The Géorisques site can show exposure to a range of hazards, including:

  • Natural risks
    • Flooding (river, coastal, storm-related)
    • Landslides and ground movement
    • Earthquakes (seismic zones)
    • Wildfires
    • Storms, avalanches, coastal erosion
    • Radon gas
  • Mining and subsurface risks
    • Old mines, underground cavities
  • Technological risks
    • Industrial accidents
    • Nuclear sites
    • Pipelines carrying hazardous materials.

Even if your property shows “no major risk” on Géorisques, the seller must still provide you with a formal document called the IAL / ERP (état des risques et pollutions) as part of the mandatory diagnostics when you buy or rent.

How to use Géorisques

You can:

  1. Go to www.georisques.gouv.fr.
  1. Enter the property’s address, commune, or GPS coordinates.
  2. Click on “DESCRIPTIF DES RISQUES” or “Connaître les risques près de chez moi” to see:
    • Which risks are officially recorded for that location.
    • Zoning maps (e.g. flood zones, seismic zones).
    • More detailed explanations and prevention advice.

This is especially useful if you’re wondering:

  • Is the property in a flood zone?
  • Is it in an area with known ground movement or forest fire risk?
  • Are there industrial or nuclear sites nearby?.

What this means for you as a buyer/tenant

  • The phrase does not automatically mean the property is at high risk.
  • It simply means: “You must check the official risk map for this location; here is where to find it.”
  • You should:
    • Check the property on Géorisques.
    • Ask the seller/agent for the most recent IAL/ERP document.
    • Consider how any identified risks might affect:
      • Insurance availability and cost.
      • Renovation or building restrictions.
      • Long-term safety and resale value.

In short: this is a standard transparency notice required by French law, pointing you to the official source (Géorisques) where you can see exactly which natural, mining, technological, or coastal risks apply to that property and its surroundings. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.