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Lac des Varennes is a 47-hectare reservoir in Indre-et-Loire offering solid mixed coarse fishing with healthy carp and catfish stocks, accessible entirely from the bank around 232 miles south of Calais. Night fishing is permitted in designated zones, making it ideal for dedicated session anglers, though the modest size means ground-holding and swim choice are key to success. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and membership with AAPPMA La Gaule Tourangelle (Tours) to fish here.
At 232 miles from Calais, Lac des Varennes is a popular destination for anglers exploring Centre-Val de Loire, a central region with excellent pike, perch and carp fishing across its river systems and lakes.
Night fishing at Lac des Varennes is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Indre-et-Loire is authorised on specific designated parcours per annual arrêté. Loire valley gravel pits and river sections are the main venues. Check peche37.fr for the current arrêté and list before fishing at night. Source: peche37.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac des Varennes under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Indre-et-Loire card (CHI/EHGO/URNE).
Managed by AAPPMA La Gaule Tourangelle (Tours). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac des Varennes holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, 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 des Varennes — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA La Gaule Tourangelle (Tours). 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 (AAPPMA La Gaule Tourangelle (Tours)) 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 Varennes, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA La Gaule Tourangelle (Tours) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac des Varennes is 232 miles from Calais, around 4 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Indre-et-Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Indre-et-Loire or explore all of Centre-Val de Loire.
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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