Combining travel and fishing is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore France. From mountain lakes to vast reservoirs, wild rivers to unspoilt coastlines, each region reveals unique landscapes and fishing techniques adapted to its environment. In this article, we propose a road trip itinerary designed for sport fishing and nature enthusiasts, where the discovery of new horizons blends with the art of stalking predators, salmonids or sea fish.
Our article in brief
A road trip in France dedicated to fishing is the promise of a trip rich in discoveries, both in terms of the beauty of the landscapes and the diversity of fishing techniques. Here's what you need to remember.
- From the Alps to the Atlantic coast, via the Auvergne and Burgundy, France has a wealth of magical spots where you can combine sightseeing and fishing.
- Adapt your fishing techniques for every spot: carnivorous fish in lakes and reservoirs, salmonids in rivers, inshore fishing in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
- Our suggestions to enhance your trip: local visits, traditions, gastronomy and heritage.
- Our fishing road trip itineraries across France
- The Alps and Haute-Savoie: between mountain lakes and rivers
- Burgundy and its great rivers
- Auvergne and its volcanoes: crater lakes and dams
- The South-West and the Dordogne: a paradise for carp and spearfishermen
- The great lakes of southern France
- The Atlantic coast: sea bass, mullet and sea bream road trip
- The Mediterranean: tunas and pelamids
- Practical advice for a fishing road trip in France
Our fishing road trip itineraries across France
The Alps and Haute-Savoie: between mountain lakes and rivers
Start your adventure in the heart of the Alps, in a region where nature dominates and water is omnipresent. Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget offer idyllic settings for predator fishing, with pike, perch and char thriving.
In mountain streams and rivers such as the Fier and Chéran, fly-fishing is a great way to catch salmonids. In between sessions, you can enjoy hiking, lakeside walks and local specialities such as Savoyard fondue.
Burgundy and its great rivers
Continuing south-westwards, head for Burgundy and its emblematic rivers, such as the Yonne and Saône. Here, spearfishing and feeder fishing are still firmly rooted traditions, with abundant populations of roach, bream and carp.
The Saône, renowned for its giant catfish, also attracts fans of predator fishing. The bucolic setting of the wine-growing villages and the gourmet breaks in the region's cellars will make this an unforgettable trip.
Auvergne and its volcanoes: crater lakes and dams
The Auvergne is a wilderness that lends itself perfectly to a road trip. Its crater lakes, such as Lake Pavin and Lake Chambon, offer unique landscapes and a remarkable diversity of fish species.
Lovers of carnivorous fish will be delighted by the reservoirs at Bort-les-Orgues and Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, where pike and pike-perch live alongside large populations of perch. At the same time, the geological and cultural wealth of the region, with its volcanoes and authentic villages, completes the experience.
The South-West and the Dordogne: a paradise for carp and spearfishermen
On your way down to the south-west, stop off in the Dordogne. A real paradise for coarse fishing, this river is also renowned for its massive carp. Fans of night fishing will find a wide range of facilities and a friendly atmosphere.
As well as fishing, the Dordogne has a lot to offer in the way of rolling countryside, medieval castles and generous gastronomy: foie gras, Bergerac wines and black truffles.
The great lakes of southern France
Before reaching the Mediterranean, it's impossible to miss the great lakes of the south, such as the Salagou or Montbel. These vast reservoirs offer sporting carnivore fishing, with large pike and zander as well as trophy carp.
Lake Salagouwith its glowing landscapes, is a must for a change of scenery and unforgettable fishing sessions.
The Atlantic coast: sea bass, mullet and sea bream road trip
Your itinerary can then branch off towards the Atlantic coast. From Brittany to the Vendée, you can go surfcasting from the beaches, or target sea bass, pollack or bream from a boat.
Estuaries such as the Loire and Gironde also offer mullet and meagre fishing. Between sessions, the coastline reveals its picturesque harbours, lighthouses and salt marshes.
The Mediterranean: tunas and pelamids
To round off this road trip, the Mediterranean is a spectacular playground. From Sète to Marseille, offshore fishing allows you to target tuna, bonito and pelamid.
From the coast, lure fishing for bass (Mediterranean sea bass) or gilthead bream will appeal to lovers of lightness and finesse. The mild climate, rich culture and southern ambience will mark the end of your trip.
Practical advice for a fishing road trip in France
- Prepare your itinerary depending on the season: predators are most active in spring and autumn, while sea fishing is ideal in summer.
- Comply with local regulations fishing licences, minimum sizes, quotas and protected areas.
- Vary your techniques Take along appropriate equipment (fly, lures, feeder rod, surfcasting gear).
- Enjoy the trip Fishing is a great way to discover the local heritage, gastronomy and traditions.
From the Alps to Burgundy, the Auvergne, the South West, the great lakes of the South and the coastline, there's something for everyone. Get your rods ready, choose your stop-off points, and let the water and the roads of France be your guide. To help you prepare your trip, take a look at the lebonroadtrip travel guide as well as Travel itineraries in France.
