{"id":18996,"date":"2026-02-20T14:39:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T13:39:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/?p=18996"},"modified":"2026-02-20T17:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T16:00:12","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-carp-fishing-in-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-carp-fishing-in-france\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Carp Fishing in France"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every year, hundreds of British anglers head across the Channel in search of those iconic French monster carp, with carp fishing in France <\/strong>becoming a bucket list trip for many UK anglers. With so many lakes to choose from, it\u2019s no surprise that more and more UK anglers are making the trip, hoping to beat their PB’s on France\u2019s renowned waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A week-long session is the norm for most visiting anglers, but for many it\u2019s a much longer stint than they\u2019re used to back home. If you\u2019re planning your first French carp adventure, the tips below should help you feel a little more prepared before you set off.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Make a list<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first thing you should do is make a list. It might feel a bit over the top, but honestly, make that list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be the difference between an amazing week and a truly awful one. I know anglers who\u2019ve turned up to their chosen lake only to realise they\u2019d forgotten reels, pods, food, even alarms. Starting your trip in a bad mood because half your kit is still sitting in the garage is not the ideal way to kick off a week\u2019s fishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A proper checklist might look long at first glance, but on a self\u2011drive trip these items are essential. Working through the list as you pack is the easiest way to make sure nothing important gets left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"what
The kit is ready!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

2. Tackle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I tend to fish smaller lakes in France, so your own tackle needs might differ slightly. As with any venue, just like back home use gear that suits the water you\u2019re fishing. Bigger lakes can demand stronger, more robust tackle, so plan accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rods<\/strong> <\/em>– Give yourself every chance of landing a big fish; that\u2019s why you\u2019re in France, after all. Most anglers opt for rods of 2.75lb test curve or stronger, and it\u2019s a sensible choice when you\u2019re targeting large carp. Ultimately, it\u2019s your call, but don\u2019t under\u2011gun yourself.

Reels <\/strong>– <\/em>If the stars align and you get into multiple big fish during the week, you\u2019ll be grateful for strong, reliable reels. You don’t want to hand-line a whacker in because your reels break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alarms <\/strong>– <\/em><\/strong>Check your alarms before you leave, and it\u2019s worth putting fresh batteries in them for peace of mind. Knowing they\u2019ll last the whole trip is one less thing to worry about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

End tackle <\/em><\/strong>–<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>Take as much end tackle as you reasonably can. You may have trouble finding a tackle shop, and if you do, they may not have the items you require. Things such as leads, PVA, hooks, mainline and hooklink materials are hard to come by. You don’t want to find that miracle method that catches stacks of fish and then run out of the main components!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bivvies <\/strong>– Back in the UK, I usually fish 24\u2011hour sessions with nothing more than a brolly and storm sides. After trying that setup for a full week in France, I quickly realised I needed more space for all the extra kit. Switching to a two\u2011man bivvy made the trip far more comfortable. Since I only use it a couple of times a year, it should last quite a long time (fingers crossed), so I should get my money’s worth out of it.

And the rest<\/strong> – Bring whatever you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. A week can feel like a long time on the bank, and the more relaxed you are, the better you\u2019ll fish. One item you\u2019ll be glad you packed is mosquito repellent. French mozzies seem to be twice the size of ours, and they bite like they mean it. There are a few companies who supply devices that repel these little monsters… you have been warned! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bait<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is the biggest change to French carp fishing in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can no longer just load the car with boilies like in the old days. Since Brexit, bait containing animal products cannot legally be taken into France, and that includes most boilies. Particles are treated differently, but only very small quantities are allowed, and anything above roughly 2kg per person risks being confiscated at the port. In simple terms, assume you cannot take your bait from the UK.
(For a full breakdown, see our detailed blog on the Brexit & bait<\/a>).

So how do anglers deal with it now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 1 – Pre\u2011Order Bait at the Lake (Most Popular)<\/strong>
Nearly all French carp lakes now supply bait, and many actually prefer anglers to use it. You simply order before travelling and it will be ready for you on arrival. In many cases the fish are fed on that exact bait throughout the season, meaning the carp are already confident on it, recognise it as food, and are used to seeing it.

Option 2 – Order Bait for Delivery in France<\/strong>
If you\u2019re loyal to a particular brand, that\u2019s still possible. Many companies now ship directly to French fisheries or to local collection points. Some specialise in supplying UK anglers and will deliver to the lake if arranged in advance. But, check that your lake can accommodate this in advance – some lakes do not have anyone living on site.

Option 3 – Buy Bait on the Way<\/strong>
Plenty of anglers now stop en route from the port to stock up before reaching the venue. This works well if you prefer to see the bait before buying or want to pick up extra particles, pellets or additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before You Travel<\/strong>
Always check the venue rules. Some lakes now require on\u2011site bait only, while others restrict certain particles to protect water quality. Look at recent feedback, find out what\u2019s been working, but also pay attention to what\u2019s most popular. Sometimes using something a little different from everyone else can be the edge you need.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Laroussi
Larrousi owner Mehdi offers bait packages on site, which cover all the bait you would need for a week<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

4. Essentials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clothing<\/strong> –\u00a0The weather in France can be just as unpredictable as back home, so pack plenty of spare clothing. Downpours can appear out of nowhere, and you never know – you might end up wading in for that all\u2011important trophy shot because the fish is simply too big to lift out of the water (we can all dream). Temperatures can swing dramatically too, so be prepared for everything from chilly mornings to scorching afternoons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washing kit<\/strong> <\/em>–\u00a0<\/em>A week is a long time without a wash, and you definitely don\u2019t want to be turned away by British customs on the way home for being a health hazard. Pack a proper wash kit and a couple of towels. You\u2019ll feel better, sleep better and fish better when you\u2019re not living in your own stink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cooking equipment<\/strong> – Take whatever you normally use in the UK, but remember you\u2019re away for a full week, so you may need extra cutlery and utensils. Check whether the venue has somewhere to wash up; if not, bring a bowl and some washing\u2011up gear. I\u2019ve had food poisoning in France before, almost certainly from poorly cleaned pots and pans, and trust me\u2026 it was neither a pretty sight nor a pleasant smell. Good hygiene on the bank is worth the effort. Equally, rodents are often where anglers are because of the bait used. Remember to wash anything you’ve left outside – Weil’s disease<\/a> sounds dramatic, but anglers are often more at risk than others.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"
Set up for the week at MDP<\/a> Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

5. Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since Brexit, there are restrictions on what food you can take into France, especially anything containing meat or dairy, so I tend to buy all my food once I\u2019m over there. To be honest, after packing all the tackle there\u2019s barely room left in the car for a bar of chocolate anyway, and French supermarkets are easy to find, well stocked, and often cheaper than the UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to what to eat, I still make sure I\u2019ve got the essentials for \u201csurvival\u201d while fishing – wine, beer, crisps and, naturally, more wine. But joking aside, a well\u2011fed angler is a happy angler, and happy anglers fish better. Don\u2019t rely on snacks alone; try to have at least one proper meal each day. A bit of decent food goes a long way when you\u2019re on the bank for a full week. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want meals cooked for you?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another option is to go for French carp lakes that offer food packages<\/strong> on site. That means you get home-cooked breakfasts and dinners each day – many anglers opt for this and never look back! It definitely puts the ‘holiday’ in your French carp fishing holiday. We have over 10 lakes we’d recommend that offer this service. Find them all here: French Carp Lakes that offer Food Packages<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"French
Eau de Vie North<\/a> and South<\/a> are two lakes that offer cracking home-cooked meals on site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

6. Travelling Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2192<\/strong> Drive on the right<\/strong>
If it\u2019s your first time driving abroad, remembering to stay on the right\u2011hand side can feel daunting at first, but you settle into it quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192<\/strong> Headlight beam deflectors (compulsory)<\/strong>
UK headlights dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the right. Stick\u2011on converters from any car accessory shop will keep you legal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192<\/strong> Warning triangle (compulsory)<\/strong>
You must carry at least one in the car for use in a breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192<\/strong> High\u2011visibility vest (compulsory)<\/strong>
Must be accessible inside the car (not in the boot). You need to be able to put it on before stepping out onto the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192<\/strong> UK identifier (compulsory)<\/strong>
The old GB sticker is no longer valid. You now need a UK sticker unless your number plate already includes the UK identifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192<\/strong> V5C logbook (compulsory)<\/strong>
You must carry your vehicle\u2019s registration document (or a copy). French police can request it during checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192<\/strong> Valid UK driving licence (compulsory)<\/strong>
A standard photocard licence is fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192<\/strong> Car insurance<\/strong>
Check your policy before travelling. Most insurers still provide European cover, but some only include third\u2011party protection unless you upgrade. You may need to pay a small fee to extend your cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 Breakdown cover<\/strong>
Strongly recommended. Without it, recovery and repairs in France can be extremely expensive. If you travel to Europe more than once a year, annual cover is usually the best value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 Travel insurance<\/strong>
Essential for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost items.
Also take your GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card), which replaces the old EHIC\/E111. It gives access to state healthcare at a reduced cost, but it\u2019s not a substitute for full travel insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 Crit\u2019Air clean\u2011air sticker <\/strong>
Some French cities have low\u2011emission zones. If your route takes you near one, you may need a Crit\u2019Air sticker. It\u2019s inexpensive but must be ordered in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, here are a couple of items you\u2019ve almost certainly thought of, but they\u2019re worth a quick reminder. First up is your camera<\/strong>. Make sure you pack it, along with spare batteries or a power bank, because there\u2019s nothing worse than landing a PB and realising you\u2019ve got no way to record the moment. I\u2019ve done it myself, and putting a PB koi and mirror back without a single photo still haunts me. Some of the smaller French villages only have tiny general stores with limited battery options, so take what you need before you travel.

A small first aid kit<\/strong> is also essential. It doesn\u2019t need to be as well stocked as a doctor\u2019s bag, but it should include plasters, bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers and, in my case, a reliable hangover cure. A few basics can make a big difference over the course of a week, especially when you\u2019re miles from the nearest pharmacy.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Carp
Carp fishing in France at Boux<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

8. Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I hope this guide has helped, even if only a little. A trip to France might feel like it takes a lot of planning, but trust me, it\u2019s worth every minute. When everything runs smoothly and you find yourself slipping the net under a carp the size of a small dog, you\u2019ll understand why so many anglers go back year after year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the time to organise things properly, enjoy the build\u2011up, and you\u2019ll give yourself the best possible chance of making memories you\u2019ll want to repeat again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to find your next lake? Search for your perfect\u00a0carp fishing trip here\u00a0\u2192\u00a050+ Tried & Tested Carp Fishing in France Lakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tight lines!
Chris Porter<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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