Is a fishing licence mandatory?
Yes. In France, anyone wishing to fish with a rod in freshwater (rivers, streams, lakes, canals) must hold a valid fishing permit. This requirement is set out in the French Environmental Code (article L.436-1). This document is not simply a licence: it is membership of an Association Agréée pour la Pêche et la Protection du Milieu Aquatique (AAPPMA). By purchasing one, you directly support the management of aquatic environments, fish stocking and the monitoring of fishing practices. The only exception: private enclosed waters (closed ponds) do not require an authorization. If you fish on a closed private estate, you do not need a permit. However, as soon as the water is connected to the hydrographic network, a licence is mandatory. If you are checked without a valid document, you risk a fine of up to €450. Fisheries officers and agents of the Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB) carry out regular checks, especially during the season.
Fishing without a valid permit can result in a €450 fine. Checks are frequent, especially during the season.
Types of fishing licences in 2026
The Fédération Nationale de la Pêche en France (FNPF) offers several types of licences to suit every angler profile. Your choice depends on how often you fish, your age and how many rods you wish to use.
- 1Interfédérale (€114): The top choice for regular anglers. Valid from 1 January to 31 December in all 91 reciprocal départements, with up to 4 rods. Best value for freedom if you travel to fish.
- 2Personne Majeure (€87): Valid all year but limited to the département where purchased (unless you add a reciprocity vignette). Up to 4 rods. Ideal if you mainly fish in your home département.
- 3Découverte Femme (€42): For women aged 18 and over. 1 rod, all year, with club reciprocity included in all 91 départements. An initiative to encourage women in angling.
- 4Personne Mineure (€27): For young anglers aged 12 to 17. Valid all year in all 91 départements, with 1 rod maximum. Reciprocity is included.
- 5Découverte -12 ans (€8): To introduce the youngest to fishing. 1 rod, all year, 91 départements. The symbolic price makes fishing accessible from an early age.
- 6Weekly licence (€36.50): Perfect for holidaymakers. 7 consecutive days, 4 rods, reciprocity included in all 91 départements. The ideal permit for a fishing holiday.
- 7Daily licence (€18): To try fishing for a day. 4 rods, valid for one day only in the département where purchased. No reciprocity.
2026 rates comparison table
Here is the complete summary of fishing licence rates in France for the 2026 season. Prices include AAPPMA membership, federation membership and the fee for the protection of aquatic environments (CPMA).
| Licence type | 2026 price | Validity | Rods | 91 dép. reciprocity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interfédérale | 114 € | 1 year | 4 | Yes |
| Personne Majeure | 87 € | 1 year | 4 | Département only |
| Découverte Femme | 42 € | 1 year | 1 | Yes (club) |
| Personne Mineure | 27 € | 1 year | 1 | Yes |
| Découverte -12 ans | 8 € | 1 year | 1 | Yes |
| Weekly | 36,50 € | 7 days | 4 | Yes |
| Daily | 18 € | 1 day | 4 | No |
For a week’s fishing holiday at Gîte du Martin Pêcheur, the weekly permit at €36.50 is the best choice. It offers reciprocity in 91 départements and allows you to use 4 rods.
Understanding reciprocity (EHGO, CHI, URNE)
Reciprocity is a system that allows you to fish beyond the département where you bought your permit. In France, 91 départements are grouped into three major reciprocal networks. The Entente Halieutique du Grand Ouest (EHGO) covers départements in the west and centre of France. The Club Halieutique Interdépartemental (CHI) covers mainly the south-east and part of the centre. The Union Réciprocitaire du Nord-Est (URNE) covers départements in the north and east. With the interfédérale permit (€114), you automatically have access to all three networks, i.e. 91 départements. With the Personne Majeure licence (€87), you are limited to your département, but you can add an EHGO vignette (around €40) to unlock full reciprocity. The maths is simple: €87 + €40 = €127, i.e. €13 more than the interfédérale at €114. So the interfédérale is the most economical choice if you fish outside your département. Lot-et-Garonne (47) is part of the EHGO network. If you hold an authorization with EHGO, CHI or URNE reciprocity, or an interfédérale document, you can fish on all waters managed by the département’s AAPPMAs.
How to buy your licence online
Online purchase is the simplest and fastest method. The official cartedepeche.fr website, run by the FNPF, allows you to buy your permit 24/7. Your document is valid immediately after payment. Here is the step-by-step process:
- 1Go to cartedepeche.fr and create an account (or log in if you already have one).
- 2Select your fishing département and your chosen AAPPMA.
- 3Choose the permit type that suits your profile.
- 4Pay by card. Payment is secure.
- 5Download your authorization immediately as a PDF. It is valid from the moment of payment.
- 6Keep this document (printed or on your smartphone) when you go fishing.
If you are coming to fish at Gîte du Martin Pêcheur in Aiguillon, select département 47 (Lot-et-Garonne) and the local AAPPMA when purchasing.
Fishing in France as a foreign angler
Good news for our international visitors: French fishing permits are available to everyone, regardless of nationality. You do not need an authorization from your country of origin. The purchase process is the same for residents and non-residents. For tourists, we recommend the weekly permit (€36.50), which offers the best value for a week’s stay. If you are only coming for a day, the daily document (€18) is sufficient. The cartedepeche.fr website is only available in French, but the purchase process is intuitive. If you have any difficulties, Hamid, your host at Gîte du Martin Pêcheur, can help you complete the purchase. We regularly assist British, Dutch, Belgian, German and Spanish anglers with this. Remember to bring ID when you go fishing. Fisheries officers may ask to see it in addition to your permit.
Practical case: fishing in Lot-et-Garonne
Lot-et-Garonne is an excellent département for freshwater fishing. The Lot and the Garonne, two major rivers, meet at Aiguillon, creating an exceptional confluence for fishing. Here is what you need to know to fish legally in the département. The Lot-et-Garonne Fishing Federation (47) is part of the EHGO network. If you hold an interfédérale permit, you can fish on all waters in the département with no further steps. Night fishing is allowed on certain stretches, notably on the Lot at Aiguillon. Check with the local AAPPMA for authorised sectors. Your Lot-et-Garonne authorization gives you access to over 3,000 km of rivers and 1,500 hectares of still waters. The département’s flagship species include carp (common and mirror carp over 20 kg), catfish (specimens over 2 metres at the confluence), pike, zander, largemouth bass and perch. At Gîte du Martin Pêcheur, you have direct access to the Lot from the private pontoon. No need for a car to reach your fishing spot.
Our tips for choosing the right licence
Your choice of permit depends on three factors: how often you fish, where you travel and your budget.
- 1You fish regularly and travel: get the interfédérale (€114). It is the most cost-effective as soon as you fish outside your département.
- 2You only fish in your département: the Personne Majeure document (€87) is enough. You save €27.
- 3You are on holiday for a week: the weekly permit (€36.50) is the obvious choice. Reciprocity included, 4 rods allowed.
- 4You want to try fishing for a day: the daily authorization (€18) is perfect for a first experience.
- 5You are coming with family: combine the permits suited to each member. €8 for under-12s, €27 for 12–17 year-olds, €42 for women with the Découverte licence.
- 6You are coming from abroad: the weekly document is your best option. Buy online at cartedepeche.fr, valid immediately.