For those who don't know, the A French fishing licence is compulsory if you wish to fish in the rivers and streams of France.. To help you make the most of your favourite pastime, here's what you need to do to fish legally in France. Here is a complete guide to obtaining a fishing licence in France, its different types and the associated fees.
Our article in brief:
A fishing licence is compulsory in France if you want to fish in the country's waterways. There are several types, depending on your profile. Here are the key points to remember:
- Variety of Fishing licence: From the daily licence at €17 to the inter-federal licence at €110, there's an option for everyone.
- A simple approach : French fishing licences can be obtained online or from an approved dealer. It is therefore accessible to all.
- Strict regulations Opening and closing dates, as well as catch sizes, have also been introduced.
- Reciprocity : The inter-federal fishing licence allows you to fish in 91 French départements.
The different types of fishing licence in France and their fees
In France, fishing permits are issued in the form of a card. There are several types of fishing licence in France. Each can be adapted to suit different angler profiles. Here is an overview of the main options:
- Adult licence: €85
- Interfederal licence: €110
- Women's discovery licence: €40
- Minor's licence: €24
- Discovery permit -12 years: €7
- Weekly licence: €35
- Daily permit: €17
Interfederal fishing permit is particularly useful for anglers wishing to fish in different départements. It allows you to fish in 91 French départements. So it offers great flexibility. It's a choice we often recommend to our passionate readers who like to vary their fishing locations throughout the year.
For beginners or occasional anglers, a discovery fishing permit or a daily fishing permit to introduce you to fishing without investing too much. We had the opportunity to try out these packages during our family outings on the shores of Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget.
| Type of fishing licence in France | Rate | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| adult licence | 85€ | Year-round access to 1st and 2nd category waters |
| inter-federal licence | 110€ | Fishing in 91 départements |
| women's discovery licence | 40€ | Reduced rate to promote fishing among women |
How to obtain a fishing licence in France
Obtaining a fishing licence in France is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose the type of licence or card to suit your needs
- Visit the official website cartedepeche.fr or from an authorised dealer
- Enter the requested information
- Make your payment
- Receive your fishing licence
When you buy your licence, you automatically become a member of a Approved Association for Fishing and Protection of the Aquatic Environment (AAPPMA). This membership contributes to the preservation of aquatic environments and the restocking of rivers.
It is essential to note that the fishing pass includes the Fishing and Aquatic Environments Levy (CPMA) as well as statutory contributions. These contributions are used to fund various initiatives to protect the environment and improve fishing conditions.
Opening and closing times for fishing
Fishing in France is subject to strict regulations. The aim is to preserve aquatic ecosystems. To achieve this, fishing opening and closing times have been set. Opening times vary according to the classification of the water:
- 1st category Open from the 2nd Saturday in March to the 3rd Sunday in September
- 2nd category fishing authorised all year round, with exceptions for certain species
Please note that fishing is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. This rule applies in most cases. However, it is always advisable to check specific local regulations.
Certain fishing techniques and locations are also prohibited, depending on the river, department or region. We therefore advise you to find out about these restrictions before fishing. Penalties for failing to comply with the regulations can be severe. They range from a simple fine to more severe penalties.
Reciprocity and fishing zones
One of the major advantages of the fishing licence system in France is that it allows you to reciprocity. This principle allows anglers to fish in territories other than that of their home association. This is particularly interesting for holders of the inter-federal card. The latter allows you to explore numerous public fishing spots throughout the country.
It is essential to note that certain areas may require additional authorisations or be subject to specific rules. This is particularly the case for fishing on private land or in certain nature reserves. We recommend that you always check local conditions before embarking on a new fishing session.
