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Fishing Holidays in France

This excerpt is about fishing holidays in France and covers all areas of importance offering good advice and information. We could name this feature ‘Enjoy your trip’ and we are sure that most will, as it can be a very interesting, exciting and an enjoyable holiday. However for some, the prospect of lots of driving can be daunting. Compared to the UK and many other European counties, driving in France can be somewhat peaceful. The road infrastructure is in good condition, and motorways pass through the well-admired countryside.

Of course, in the main cities, roads can become more congested: including Boulevard Périphérique in Paris which is a controlled-access dual carriageway ring road and is one of the most congested roads in Europe and so these should be avoided if possible.
For the majority of people who travel to their carp fishing holidays in France, they will be driving on almost deserted toll roads with very little traffic. With good signage and satellite navigation, it can be a very enjoyable part of the trip. However, just like any foreign country, there are rules and regulations that should be followed, as they can be very different to your home country.
Here we have outlined the most important and noteworthy, which really need to be taken into consideration. We have also noted some tips and suggestions for your next fishing holidays in France, which can help to make your trip as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

Your Vehicle

1: Breathalyser Kits: - As of March 1st 2012, it is obligatory to carry a Norme Française (NF) approved self-test breathalyser in your vehicle at all times. As of now, there is not a fine for not carrying one (although at one point there was a proposal for this) and so theoretically you are still required to carry one. The police in France have the authority to carry out random breath tests and if the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05% or more, severe penalties including fines, imprisonment and/or confiscation of your driving license and/or vehicle may apply.
2: Spare Bulbs and Fuses: Although rare for drivers to be asked to present these, it is very important for drivers to have them. They can also be very useful for you to have nonetheless!
3: Red Hazard Warning Triangle: - Similar to many other countries, this is compulsory to have in the car and should be placed behind the stationary car at a substantial distance, if parked on the side of the roadway.
4: Highly Visibility Clothing - A fluorescent orange or yellow raincoat should be kept in the car (not your luggage) at all times while driving. This is so the driver can put it on immediately as they exit the car onto a road. It is also advisable to have one for each passenger.
5: Deflectors for Headlights: Particularly for UK cars whose headlights reflect in the other direction, it is compulsory for drivers to attach deflector patches, which adjust the beam or for drivers to manually change them. Headlights must be turned on when there is poor visibility during the day.
6: Speed Camera/ Radar Detectors - In France, it is absolutely prohibited to carry, transport or use radar detectors and failure to comply with this law can result in a fine of up to €1,500 and your vehicle and/or device may be confiscated. Across French roads, there are many unmarked speed camera patrols for safety.

Documentation

1: Driving License: Just like most countries, it is compulsory to carry your driving license with you. The minimum driving age in France is 18 so any driver from a country with a lower age limit cannot drive even if they have a license from their own country.
2: Vehicle Registration Documentation: To prove ownership of your car, you may be asked to show your ‘Carte Grise’ (or grey card) if stopped.
3: Identification: You should have a valid ID card with you, such as your passport.
4: Insurance: You should check with your insurance company to make sure you are covered in France and carry your documents with you at all times.

Fishing Licences

When fishing on a public water (lake or river) you need a fishing licence (in French: Carte de Pêche). The AAPPMA, the French Fishing Associations offer are all kind of permits: for kids, adults, retirees, day tickes, holiday licence etc. You can purchase them at www.CartedePeche.fr

Important: You don't need any fishing licence when you fish a commercial lake or fishery. These waters are private property and the fishing isn't regulated by the French Fishing Associations. If you book one of our lakes, you don't need any licence!

On the Road

For most people, the majority of driving will be done on the motorways or main A-roads when enjoying their fishing holidays in France, which are all usually well maintained and fairly quiet (meaning it's possible to get around fast). However, they can be quite expensive but are worth it due to the previous reasons. Regarding a rough estimate of the cost; Calais to Bordeaux will cost around 70€, Calais to Nice around 100€ and Calais to Paris, 20€.

Every 25km or so, you may spot an “Aire”, which is a parking and rest area with facilities such as toilets and restaurants. These can be good for overnight stops or picnics as well.
In case your vehicle breaks down, you can use the roadside telephones where you will be put through to the National Recovery Service, where you will receive assistance for a fixed fee of €119. For more information, visit www.autoroutes.fr
These are the main rules and regulations, which you need to consider when travelling. Overall, driving in France is very easy, so enjoy your well-planned trip - it’s part of the fishing holidays in France adventure!