PART ONE: PREPARATION – WHERE DO I GO? HOW DO I GET THERE? Whilst I’m far from being an expert on the subject, I have been carp fishing in France several times before, and on one occasion into Belgium. I do therefore have a modicum of experience and it is my aim to provide a step-by-step guide for those thinking of fishing in France for the first time, and to provide a reminder to the more ‘seasoned’ travellers – for we are all capable of forgetting things occasionally!
There are a number of options open to you. In recent years many agents have come onto the scene who can provide you with the following: Organised Trips These are ideal for those with limited time on their hands to do the organising themselves. These usually fall into two separate categories: Guided Trips and All-inclusive deals. The former offers you the benefits of having your own experienced guide who will help you attempt a water you may be wary of tackling on your own, and at the same time you could improve your angling skills. A Guide will do as much or as little as you want them to, but will be on hand to help if need be, and can even help you choose a swim. The latter usually means you will be picked up in the UK at previously agreed pick-up points, or maybe at the chosen ferry port, such as Dover or perhaps Portsmouth, and then transported to the Lake. Tackle is usually supplied as is bait and food for the time you are there. Another option with regards the all-inclusive deals is to fly there and be picked up at the airport. These are the easiest options open to you, but because others are doing the donkey-work for you, it will also cost you a lot more! Drive and Survive By far the best option – for me at least. With this option you will choose the venue you want to fish and book it – either directly with the lake owner or through a UK based booking agent; book your own ferry crossing; drive yourself there; and feed yourself whilst you are there. This can all be very exciting and adds so much more to the whole adventure. The same can be done if there are a group of you and plan to use a mini-bus and trailer, but realise from the start – the more people involved, the more of a logistical nightmare it can become – be warned, I’ve been there! But a fantastic time can be had by all – especially if you are able to book the whole lake to yourselves. In fact, the very first time I embarked on a French carp fishing trip it was with 11 friends. One chap was left with the onerous task of arranging it all and it must be said, an excellent job he did too. The exception to this being we had a chauffeur driven mini-bus and trailer – but this company had not taken carpers to France before and had no idea of the amount of tackle that would be going with us! Beautiful mini-bus: 17-seater, loads of room – or would have been if we hadn’t had to put half the gear in there with us! The trailer was far from adequate, and the company had to send a second vehicle in the end to accommodate us and the tackle! The first pick up was in North Yorkshire at 2pm Friday. We arrived at the lake at 12 midday Saturday! A lesson learned! But I digress, let’s get back on track. Choice of Venue: Where the heck do you begin? Well, rather than simply list lots of suitable French venues, why not look at what some of the Booking Agents have to offer? There are a number of companies that advertise on Fishingmagic that you could consider. Most have excellent websites of their own and have detailed descriptions of their lakes, including size, swims available, on-site facilities, distance to shops, size and head of fish, lake depths, you name it and the information is there – if it isn’t, email or ring them and ask, they want your business so will always be accommodating! Consider what type of venue you want to fish?
Do you have a bit of the old pioneering spirit? If so, get yourself a Map of France and choose from the wonderful rivers, such as the Rhone, Seine or Saone. Or choose from one of the public waters, these are not so heavily fished but contain some real monsters, as do the rivers. If you do choose this option, remember you will need a permit. National and Regional permits are available locally – often from Caf  When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community.
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