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This 35-hectare alpine reservoir in Provence delivers excellent carp fishing in a stunning mountain setting, with night fishing permitted for dedicated anglers targeting quality fish. The scenic location, combined with healthy populations of carp, pike, zander and bream, makes it a rewarding destination for UK carp anglers seeking something different from the northern French circuit—though be prepared for the 541-mile journey from Calais and Alpine weather conditions. You'll need to contact AAPPMA des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to confirm night fishing permissions and obtain your mandatory French fishing licence before arrival.
Night fishing at Lac de Chaudanne is not permitted. Night carp not confirmed — Chaudanne is a barrage EDF managed by special arrêté (n°95-2639). No night carp authorisation found. Source: peche04.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac de Chaudanne under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence card (CHI).
Managed by AAPPMA des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac de Chaudanne holds carp, pike, perch, zander, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac de Chaudanne — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Licences are available online before your trip.
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France is the closest mainland European fishing destination for UK anglers. The Channel Tunnel (Folkestone–Calais, ~35 min) is the fastest crossing, while P&O Ferries (Dover–Calais, ~90 min) offer good value for heavy kit. Most northern French venues are within 2–4 hours of Calais; southern venues require a full day of driving.
A Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence) is required for all freshwater fishing. Buy online at cartedepeche.fr before you travel. Annual, weekly and daily options are available and include your AAPPMA affiliation for the selected department.
To fish Lac de Chaudanne, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence or explore all of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
France offers outstanding fishing year-round. The main coarse close season applies to some rivers (typically January–March for certain species), but still-water carp fishing on private and AAPPMA-managed lakes is available throughout the year. Spring (March–June) is the classic French carp season, with fish actively feeding and moving into shallow margins. Summer nights (June–August) are ideal for big-fish sessions on the large public reservoirs and rivers. Autumn (September–November) is particularly productive on the Auvergne and Languedoc lakes as temperatures drop. The Loire and Saône river systems produce excellent catfish sport from June through September, while the Dordogne and its tributaries fish well for chub, barbel and trout from spring through autumn.
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