Property Rights in France - Water

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1. Dispersal of Rainwater

2. Spring Water

3. Drainage Servitudes

4. Rivers and Streams

5. Towpath Usage

6. Fishing Rights

7. Shoreline Properties

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6. Fishing Rights in France

You are entitled to fish along the bank of a public river provided you obtain a fishing permit, which you can purchase from a local fishing club or tabac.

Unless otherwise specified by agreement, no third party has the right to fish on a private stretch of water that runs through privately owned property.

However, where the river or stream is publicly owned then owners are required to permit fishing, to those with a fishing licence, and to leave a space of 3.5 metres wide along the river bank for right of passage and fishing stations. This space can be reduced to 1.5 metres by the local préfecture.

However, in order to gain access to the river it may be necessary to go across private property for which the consent of the owner must be obtained and can be refused!

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Next: Shoreline Properties

Back: Use of Towpaths