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Lac des Dames, Var
This intimate 1.6-hectare natural lake near Saint-Raphaël offers a tranquil bank-fishing escape in Provence, though it's worth noting it holds pike and perch rather than carp—making it a scenic side-trip rather than a dedicated carp venue. Night fishing isn't permitted due to its urban setting, so plan daylight sessions only. You'll need a French fishing licence and AAPPMA membership (contact Fédération Pêche Var); the 568-mile distance from Calais makes this a southern France destination best combined with larger regional waters.
Night fishing at Lac des Dames is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Var requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Check current authorised sites at pechevar.fr before fishing at night. Source: pechevar.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac des Dames under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Var card (CHI). Mandatory online peg reservation. No-kill.
Managed by FDAAPPMA 83 / Fédération Pêche Var. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac des Dames holds pike, perch, tench. Pike fishing is a highlight of the venue — spinning, deadbaiting and lure fishing are all effective methods.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac des Dames — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 83 / Fédération Pêche Var. Licences are available online before your trip.
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2nd Category water. Carp/coarse: open all year. Pike: 25 Apr 2026–31 Jan 2027 (closed Feb–Apr). Zander/Perch/Catfish: all year. Pike season as above.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (FDAAPPMA 83 / Fédération Pêche Var) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
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 des Dames, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 83 / Fédération Pêche Var is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Var is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Var 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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