Location: Centre, CherWebsite Address: www.thesanctuaryfishery.co.uk

Description: The Sanctuary Fishery is situated in the heart of France, in the Cher region 30 minutes from the town of Bourges, nestled in a lush valley overlooked by a large natural forest. The land is comprised of 45 acres with two lakes of 7 & 15 acres. Previously a nature reserve for 15 years, the Sanctuary Fishery has never been fished before. 

The Sanctuary Fishery will appeal to individuals who are enthusiastic & dedicated about their fishing, enjoy their surroundings & appreciate the calm & tranquility of the countryside. We strive to maintain the ambience of the fishery to benefit both the angler and wildlife. The abundance of native wildlife has to be seen to be believed, from deer visiting the waters edge to barn owls hunting in the evening light, the fishery truly lives up to its name. 

The largest lake is at the present being used for “growing on” over 400 stunning carp, which in the rich waters are gaining weight at a phenomenal rate, we are working on this lake at the moment and we will keep you posted on the opening date.

Lake: The lakes are situated on a limestone, clay ridge thus creating an abundantly rich environment for both fish and aquatic life. The lakes are teaming with dragon fly nymphs, damsel fly, shrimps, snails, swan mussels, daphnia and blood worm.

We have been recording weight gains of some fish in excess of 11lbs in 10 months, which is based on a natural food only diet.

There is also a huge array of plants, wildflowers and trees around the lakes and with only 5 pegs on the 7 acre lake, we believe this is some of the best fishing and surroundings to be found in France.Fish Stocked: Carp{rokcomments}

Location: Centre, CherWebsite Address: www.anglinglines.com/docs/ourvenues/lakes/vincons

Description: Vinçons is a truly beautiful 12 acre spring fed lake situated on a working farm. The setting really is idyllic, quiet and rural, in one of the loveliest regions of central France. The lake is quite literally stuffed full with carp & most guests catch more fish than they ever thought possible. Add this to a choice of two types of accommodation and the use of a swimming pool and you can see why Vinçons has been one of our most popular destinations since 2001.

Vincons lies in the very picturesque region of the Cher, near the town of Bourges and takes around 5 hours to reach from Calais. The lake is sited within the grounds of a working farm which is owned by the Bouchot family who grow cereal and breed wild boar. This venue was "discovered" by us and had never been available for fishing before.

Lake: The first serious fishing session in July 2001 saw three anglers catch 186 carp in just one week! This consisted of 29 fish of 20lbs+, 150 doubles and 6 singles. The largest fish was 28lbs - fabulous fishing ........ and believe us it hasn't slowed down since!  Catches of  30 carp in one day is not uncommon.

The lake is available for exclusive bookings and includes the on-site accommodation.  This venue would ideally suit the discerning family angler looking for true peace and quiet.  The fishing action is fast and furious and the virgin carp relatively easy to tempt. We suggest a maximum of 4 to 6  anglers, since although it is 12 acres in size it is so "natural" that there are very few fishable swims.

Stock: Stocked equally with common and mirror carp, the fish have thrived in this very rich environment and successful spawning has lead to a very impressive head of fish indeed. This really is an action packed water with takes coming all the time - thirty fish in one day is not uncommon!  The carp are still relatively "naive" so there's no need for sophisticated tactics - simple hair-rigged boilies are quite sufficient.

The average carp is in the 18 - 24lb bracket but there are lots of fish in the high 20’s too... the largest fish to date has been 32lb. They must rate amongst the hardest fighting fish we have ever caught – they just don’t know when to give up!

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Location: Located in the hamlet of La Cour, part of the village of Vesdun in the Cher and can be accessed just off the D943 3km from the centre of Culan.

Website: www.lacourcarpfishing.com

Description: La Cour is only  20 minutes from the A71 which is the main arterial route from Paris to Clermont Ferrand and as such has excellent accessibility from ports and airports throughout France. When travelling from the North, exit the A71 at Saint Amand Montrond and travel to Culan on the D997. Driving times from the ports are approximately 5 hours and Airport travel from as little as 1 hour.

Lake: La Cour is a 15 Acre Lake surrounded by 22 Acres of pasture and woodland, in which 17 swims have been created around the periphery of the main lake which will accomodate up to 12 anglers at any one time to ensure you have plenty of room to manouvre and the opportunity to move around should you wish to. A smaller stock lake is adjacent to the main lake which Alan uses for stock rearing before introducing the fish to the main lake in a controlled manner. The farthest point of the Lake is wooded and this natural vegetation has been left to provide an area for the fish to spawn. The lake is spring and stream fed and undulates to 4.5 metres at its deepest point. 

Stock: We are unsure of the total stock as we have never drained the lake to maintain the balance of the eco system. Prior to stocking we have caught several 30 and 40lb Carp so these could well be over the 50lb level by now! We have also stocked 2.5tonnes of carp (common and mirror) in total to 40lbs across the last 2 years to supplement the existing stock and have some lovely specimens now. The lake also contains perch, roach, zander and pike with fresh water mussels too highligting the quality of the water!Facilities: La Cour is now delighted to offer shower facilities. Meals and refreshments on request available at the Estate Lodge or down at your bivvy!

Booking Information: La Cour is open from early April to late October. We can of course accommodate you out with the main season so, please don't hesitate to contact us should you wish to visit at any other time - we won't be too far away! Weekly prices for 'Drive & Survive' fishing holidays are posted on the website and dependent on date a 25% deposit is required with your booking. Check their website for any specials, group offers and meal availability.

Our 'Fly'n'Fish' package is proving very popular providing all facilities for your stay and transfers to and from Limoges airport. Bookings for season 2010 being taken.{rokcomments}