Generally speaking the bulk of tackle used for UK carp angling is perfectly adequate for the continent, but it is worth bearing in mind that many of the French waters are much larger than the UK and more importantly, you will be faced with bigger fish for the most part. Here then I propose a list here of my recommendations, drawn on the experience of over 15 years Carping in France.
Rods:
The tendency has been for more and more powerful rods. A few years ago a 3lb test was a very powerful rods. But as carbon fibre compounds from the top rods manufacturers have improved so has the responsiveness of these blanks. A 3lb rods is no longer a stiff broom handle. 
While 2.5lb or 2.75lb rods are fine for many waters I personally prefer the 3lb to 3.5lb category for their versatility. I’ve used these rods, in my case Bruce Ashby Mirage’s in every type of situation, from the mighty Orient to small two acre pools. I find a rod of this test curve excellent for PVA bags and Method Feeders as well as fishing at ‘mega’ long range. The extra clout certainly helps when you have a bigger kipper on…
