Location: Situated in the heart of the Brittany countryside only an hour and a half drive from the port of St.Malo, three hours from Caen and three and a half hours from Cherbourg.

Website: http://www.la-cohue-fisheries.co.uk

Description:Open April to October inclusive. A five acre stream fed Lake with depths near the source of three feet and at the dam end over twelve feet. The Lake is situated on private agricultural land so no permit is required and night fishing is legal. At the shallow end the lake bed has a sandy bottom with large sandbanks along the far, tree-lined margin and deeper pockets towards the near-side bank. The Lake then runs through a large lily bed in front of the cabin and as the lake deepens towards the dam end the lake bed becomes silty.

Stock:Stocked in 2002 with over 100 fast growing Italian strain Carp a few of which are now topping the 35 lb mark whilst the majority remain in the low to mid teens and a few in the mid twenty bracket. All are hard fighting fish and a pleasure to catch. The lake also contains fifty Catfish varying in size from mid teens to around 50 lbs . There is also a large head of Pike running to 20 lbs or more. These now compliment the existing stock of Carp some of which in 2002 weighed in the low teens. The lake also contains plenty of good sized Perch and Roach. NO poisson chat.

Facilities:The chalet contains a few basic comforts in the form of cooking and washing facilities, a small fridge, food storage cupboards, table, chairs and a set of bunk beds (bedding not supplied). There is an adequate collection of pots, pans, crockery and cutlery. In a separate outhouse there is a fully flushing English style toilet and shower.

Booking information:Booking Informaiton{rokcomments}

Location: 75 acre estate in the north of Limousin near the historic chateaux town of Boussac

Website: http://www.creusecarp.com

Description:15 acres of lakes set in 75 acres of Creuse countryside offers options from 'Drive & Survive' to 'Fish with the family' at our luxurious Gite de Peche. Our stocks of Royale, Common and Amur run to 45 lbs and Catfish to 70 lbs. All our lakes are stream fed and can be seen on google satellite maps.

Our Gite is a spacious restored stone farm cottage circa 18th C. complete with oak beams, restored fireplace and bread oven. Upstairs are 2 double bedrooms with en-suite wc and two twin bedrooms.

The gite is only a cast away from two of the lakes and a short walk from the main 10 acre lake, all within a completely private estate.

Non angling guests have been charmed by our animals including llamas and alpacas.

Stock:Royale Carp to 45lbs when stocked in 2006

Facilities:At the main lake there is a toilet cabin and a separate fishing lodge with chairs and cooking facilities. Bait and equipment can be supplied.

Booking information:Booking information{rokcomments}

Location: A stunning 7.5 acre spring fed lake set in woodland in the beautiful Limousin countryside. Oaklands lake is located in the commune of La Meyze near to the Dordogne border in South West France.

Website: http://www.carp-fishing-in-france.eu

Description:Seven and a half acres in size with a mainly clean bottom, Oaklands lake offers nine comfortable swims with a maximum of six people fishing, so if you want to move swims it isnt a problem.

Stock:Stock levels are impressive with:

Roach, Rudd and Tench are also present

Facilities:

We offer excellant facilities for the angler or non angler including many home comforts:

Booking information:For more information and booking go to http://www.carp-fishing-in-france.eu{rokcomments}

Location: Normandy

Website: http://www.carp-fishing-in-france.com

Description:6 acre venue offerring great carp fishing. Fish from any of the 6 permanent pegs or anywhere you wish on the 3 available sides. Carp caught from all over the lake.

Stock:Large Carp stock to 42lbs, Catfish to 75lb, Sturgeon to 15lb and Grass Carp to 25lbs.

Facilities:Cottage for upto 7 available next to the lake plus full full English Breakfasts plus Full English Meals available. Bait available on site.

Booking information:http://www.carp-fishing-in-france.com/12.html{rokcomments}

Location: Charente Region of South West France

Website: http://www.lescroix.co.uk/

Description:Les Croix is an English owned big carp water with luxury lakeside accomodation, in the Charente Region of South West France.

This gorgeous lake of 3.6 acres is situated in a tranquil and scenic location in the Charente Department, close to the border of the neighbouring department of Haute-Vienne. Known locally as the land of trees and water, you will appreciate why when you arrive in this stunning and beautiful location.

Les Croix is owned and run by a UK qualified and experienced fisheries manager, so you can expect a top class lake !

Les Croix is suitable for all carp anglers, young or old, novice or experienced, on site tuition and help is available if required from an English carp angler with 20+ years experience.

Stock:We have a high density stock of carefully selected fast growing carp, mirrors, leathers, and commons, there are no poisson chat or any other nuisance fish - it is a true carp water for carp anglers, the fish were stocked at weights from 15lb to 30lb+ and currently run to 40lb+. There are plenty of 30's, and 80% of the carp are in excess of 20lbs. There are a few high doubles and no singles.

Facilities:At Les Croix we have provided the following facilities and options, to ensure that your stay here will be as enoyable as possible.

Booking information:Booking Information{rokcomments}

Location: The Haute-Vienne area of the Limousin

Website: http://www.lodgelakes.com

Description:Situated in the beautiful Haute-Vienne area of the Limousin, you will find our carp fishing lake. Lodge Lakes is a stunning tree lined, totally secluded and private 4 acre exclusive hire lake, with a lakeside lodge that comfortably sleeps six people.

Lodge lakes is the perfect venue for your angling holiday, whether you are a group of friends wanting to fish day and night on the bankside or a family or couple looking for that secure, idyllic retreat.

For you to have the maximum time out on the lake or just to give you a truly restful holiday in France, we can cook your meals for you throughout your stay.

Stock:Carp weighing up to 45lb,Sturgeon 44lb,Cats 60lb

Facilities:

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Location: Dordogne: We are located approximately 45 minutes, by car from Limoges and 1 hour 15 minutes from Bergerac

Website: http://www.carpandcats.com

Description:

The lake at Carp and Cats is a well established haven for fish. Formerly owned by a French family who used it as their holiday home. It seems though that no fishing ever took place. Rumour has it that the French only fish to eat and not for pleasure so they missed out on the joys of sitting on these sleepy banks with a rod in hand.

The lake is three acres in size, set in ten acres of beautiful tranquil and secluded woodland, all of which is securely fenced but with easy vehicle access. It is fed by several natural springs with varying depths to cater for all types of angling. Ideally suited to four anglers with a maximum of six permitted. There is a small island adorned by one of many beautiful overhanging silver birch trees making an ideal spot to fish to. You may prefer to stalk in the margins or fish our open water. All of this is possible here. The hard bottom of the lake combined with gravel bars allows perfect bait presentation. For the less mobile angler, the flat banks are ideal for easy access. With depths ranging from 18 inches to 14 feet with no snags the lake is perfect for any type of fishing. All of these features will add to the fun of fishing at the Carp and Cats location.

Stock:The lake is stocked with the highest quality carp – sourced from the most reputable fish farmer in France. There is a mixture of commons and mirrors, including plenty of hard fighting virgin carp up to 40lbs+. There is also a large head of catfish up to 61lbs+, with none less than late doubles. We have a large stock pond and two basins that enable us to keep the fish population at an optimum level for all of our anglers. This will ensure you don’t go short of a decent run or two.

Facilities:Luxury Chalet

Nestling on the bank of the lake our luxury IRM chalet provides excellent accommodation for up to six people. It offers two double bedrooms (one with a double bed, the other with twin beds) and a double pull out sofa in the lounge area. It also has a bathroom and separate toilet and a well equipped kitchen. It is furnished to a high standard with almost every modern comfort you could wish for. In addition it benefits from an outside terrace with table and chairs where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views over the lake.

Tepee with Fire Pit

Why not try camping with a twist and spend one of your nights in a traditional Indian Tepee. Sleeping underneath the stars and cooking on our completely open fire pit will be an unforgettable magical experience never to be forgotten.

Facilities

If you enjoy table tennis or badminton, then we have the equipment for you to use. Or for the younger ones, the Adventure Playground is available as well. We have something for everyone - whether you want to work off the great food that's available in the Dordogne or just entertain the children, we've got it all here at Carp and Cats.

Booking information:Click here for booking information{rokcomments}

Location: Situated in the heart of the Limousin countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this 5 acre lake is still within easy reach of the A20 and Limoges airport.

Website: http://www.lechene-vert.co.uk

Description:If you are looking for a carp fishing venue with something to offer everyone then why not stay at Le Chene Vert. Our 5 acre carp lake is set in 5 acres of private parkland and woods. The lake is stocked with mirror carp and common carp to 45lbs and is ideal for both experienced and novice anglers, while our facilities make it an excellent choice for families, and mixed groups.

Stock:The lake is fed by 3 springs which ensures a constant level and excellent water quality all year round. The bottom is made up of sand and clay and has a layer of leaf mulch, grass carp ensure we have no weeds to cause snags.

The average depth is 2m, though this shallows out to 1m around some of the margins providing a shelf where the carp like to cruise, and deepens to 3 1/2m in 2 large holes towards the centre. Several old oak trees on the banks provide cover without impeding the fishing while natural contours in the bank provide ideal features to fish to.

This winter we are working on digging in a new swim at the top end of the lake which will open up a previously inaccessible area of the lake giving our anglers a greater choice. The lake is limited to 6 anglers with a choice of 8 swims 2 of which are doubles.

The lake was stocked in 2006 with carp to 40lb, and from what we have seen of these over the last year they certainly seem to be piling on the pounds.

We have a high percentage of mirrors and commons in the mid to high 20’s, with a good stock of 30lb +. All of our guests have commented on the colours and quality of the carp they have caught not to mention their good fighting ability!

We also have roach, chub, perch, grass carp and tench and most importantly no poisson chats!

Facilities:Le Chene Vert is a drive and survive venue and welcomes both anglers and non-angling guests. Children under 12 are also welcome on exclusive lake hire.

Our facilities include a 6 berth bunk chalet (16m sq) for those not wishing to bivvy up, English toilet and shower, large covered “Abri” for cooking, washing up and dining, (with power point and drinking water). You will also find a fridge and freezer for bait and grocery storage. Around the grounds you will also find barbeque facilities with picnic benches, large floodlit multi use sports pitch for 5 a side, badminton and volley ball. You are also welcome to use our 8m swimming pool (subject to season).

The Abri and toilet/shower facilities are approx 2 minutes walk from the furthest swim.

There is a secure hard standing car parking for 6 vehicles and vehicle lake side access for 4 of the swims.

The surrounding area has much to offer in the way of attractions and shopping facilities. The nearest bar and restaurant are less than 10 minutes walk from the gates. The restaurant comes highly recommended and can also offer bed and breakfast accommodation.

Bread and groceries can be bought in one of the nerby villages (approx 5 km ), and there is a pizza takeaway aprrox 5 minutes drive.

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Location: Martin’s Lakes are set in the Forêt de la Double area of the Dordogne. The Dordogne is a beautiful region of forests and rolling hills with some of the best vineyards in the world creating some of the finest wines.

Website: http://www.martinslakes.com/

Description: We have three lakes on site – the specimen lake, the course fishing lake and a third lake, which is not yet available for fishing as the dam is currently undergoing repair.

The lakes lie in tranquil and private woodland surroundings, set in 80 acres of rolling French countryside. The specimen lake is surrounded by mature trees providing peaceful seclusion for a very relaxing holiday.

4 anglers – 6 swims. If you book the whole lake exclusively for you, the number of angers may be increased to 6.

Stock:Carp to 46lbs

Facilities:Accommodation is bivvy with a shared chalet which is equipped with basic cooking facilities, kettle. Separate loo. Further facilities (English toilet, shower etc.) are available on site.

Booking information:http://www.martinslakes.com/contact.html{rokcomments}

Location: Etang de Brigueuil is a 25 acre lake on the borders of the Charente and the Limousin.

Website: http://www.etangdebrigueuil.com

Description: 25 acre lake on the borders of the Charente and the Limousin with Mirrors and Leathers to late 40’s, Commons to late 30’s, Grass Carp to late 40’s, Pike to mid 30’s, Zander to mid 20’s, 1 Catfish (silure) to mid 40’s, Roach, Perch.

Stock:

Facilities:For those of you who select the drive and survive option, a brand new shower block has been installed in a large building opposite the lake, with English toilets.This building also houses a large freezer for all your baits.

It is possible to order food cooked fresh and brought to you in your bivvy. A simple menu offers breakfast, lunch and evening meal at reasonable prices e.g. home made lasagne and salad for 7 euro.

For those anglers wishing to bring the family there is a superb, fully furnished, 2 bedroom bungalow less than 10 metres from the banks of the lake, and fishing is easily accessible within the private grounds. It boasts a fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, satellite TV, so you won’t have to miss those important games in the World Cup, shower room, and terrace with spectacular views across the lake.

In case you run out of or break something, there is a fishing shop on site, selling top of the range equipment e.g. Fox, Nash, JRC; All your bait requirements e.g. boilies from Nash, Mainline, Fun Fishing, Mistral, and pellets all at very competitive prices; We work in conjunction with a large tackle shop so if we do not have it in stock it can be brought in for you usually for the next day (subject to availability). Second hand equipment is also on sale. A social evening will be held on a Wednesday evening in the form of a lakeside BBQ, a chance to bring your rods in for a few hours and enjoy an evening of good food, fine wines and beers, and of course good company.

Booking information : http://www.fishermanholidays.com/en/lake/detail.phtml?id=2{rokcomments}

Location: We are positioned midway between the large towns of Limoges, Perigueux and Angouleme, approximately a 50 minute drive from each. We are just over the Limousin border in the Dordogne region.

Website: http://www.sweetchestnutlake.co.uk

Description:A beautiful stream and spring fed mature lake of just under 4 acres, 200 metres long and 70 metres wide. Depths vary from 1 metre, where the stream enters, to up to 5 metres at the dam end.

Levels are always maintained in the lake by the incoming streams and also by springs that can be seen bubbling from the lake bed. In the severe drought in France, in summer 2006, when many lakes actually dried up, sweet chestnut lake retained it’s full height

The lake bed has a combination of hard areas and silt, and there is no significant weed or snags.

Half of the lake has lovely flat grassed banks, level with the waters edge. The remaining half is left undisturbed as a wild life haven.

The lake is surrounded by native woodland . The predominant tree species being Sweet Chestnut and Oak with Birch, Alder, Poplar and Willow also in abundance. Beneath the tree canopy is a profusion of other native vegetation, including Gorse and Broom. Orchids have been seen growing in the shade of the trees.

Stock:In November 2006 and early January 2007 the lake was stocked with half a ton of 'Royale' strain Carp, from 20lbs to over 40lb's, supplied by premier french fish dealer Simon Horton. These immaculate fish have not seen a hook and have never been fished for, they are gorgeous specimens, mostly mirrors, and are just waiting to be caught.

Sweet Chestnut Lake has not been emptied for over 20 years and currently supports a healthy range of fish species. These include original Carp, Tench, Pike, Zander, Chub, Perch, Roach, Pumpkinseed and wild Trout. The lake is free of Poisson Chat and problem Crayfish.

We know from the previous owner that the lake contains 50 original carp and a further 50 have been introduced by him over the last 6 years. These are predominately commons and the original fish may be over 35 years old. The biggest carp recorded from the original stock is a 30lb 13 oz mirror. Last summer we spotted a group of over 80 of these carp basking on the surface, these included some 20 lb plus fish.

We are very much a ‘Runs Water’with plenty of carp of all sizes.

Facilities:The apartment itself is contained within the main house and has recently been refurbished and decorated to a high standard. It is a small self-contained, first floor open-plan apartment with a a small well equipped kitchen, separate bedroom and en-suite bathroom with English toilet and shower.

The accommodation is situated on the lake side, less that 10 metres from the water’s edge. Access is by way of an external stairway with a small viewing balcony and french doors to the living/dining area.

Outside the apartment exclusive to our guests, there is a lovely area with a table, chairs and parasol, ideal for sitting out and relaxing. Below this, accessed by natural steps, on the lake’s edge, is a hardstanding which can also be used and you can even fish from here if you like.

Booking information:Booking Info - http://www.sweetchestnutlake.co.uk/calendar.htm{rokcomments}

Location: Hidden away in the Orne region, bordering Mayenne, Lac Serenity is a fully tree lined 7.2 acre lake, more reminiscent of an old English estate lake.

Website: http://www.lacserenity.com

Description:The lake is surrounded by an abundance of trees from, Oaks to willows and popular to name just a few, the wild flowers and bushes blend in well with the ambience of Lac Serenity, hence the name Serenity was chosen for the lake name.

All the swims on Lac Serenity offer the angler plenty of visible features and water to fish to, lily pads and over hanging bushes in the margins offer the fish plenty of cover during the warmer months and are ideal hotspots for laying your traps. Under the surface the lakebed has patches of silt and is relatively snag free, the rest of the lakebed is made up of bars, troughs and holes again all ideal hotspots and target areas for searching out your quarry.

Much thought has gone into the swims to give each angler a host of features and also so you don’t encroach onto neighbouring swims, there are 9 swims in total on the lake but we don’t wish the lake to be over crowded and prefer to keep it to a maximum of 7 anglers at anyone time, so there is plenty of room for you all to move around. The swims have all been designed and arranged to offer you plenty of space and comfort, most of the swims will allow you to pitch even the biggest of bivvies, swim 4 has been made into a double swim should you wish to have a social fishing trip.

Stock:Lac Serenity is home to good head of hard fighting top quality specimen Mirrors with starburst scale patterns and Commons that shine like bars of gold up to a weight of 48.09lb and by the time you arrive, if the fish continue to put on weight as they are doing at the moment, there is a possibility there could be fish to 50+ in the lake.

To further compliment the fishing and to offer something different, we also have a few Catfish to vary your fishing techniques.

The Lac Serenity fish have seen very little angling pressure and as such have gained weight since their original stocking and have spawned several times so during the winter period, the lake has been drained down and the smaller fish have been removed and the hand picked selected ones have been added into our stock pond and grown on for future stockings, We have also added a further 120 carp ranging in weight from 20lb up to 44lb+. You can be assured that the fish at Lac Serenity are of a very high quality, and will fight hard and long all the way to the net.

The fish in our lake are all in immaculate condition due to a high nutritional pellet, which has been fed to them since they were first stocked, the feeding program will continue throughout the year, we do this to ensure that our stock are able to gain growth and to retain condition & stamina.

Facilities:Adjacent to the lake is the Fisherman’s lodge, which is available to all of our guests 24 hrs a day. Inside you will find shower and toilet facilities and sinks with plenty of hot running water whenever you require it.

Also for your use is a 4 ring gas hob and microwave and fridge/freezer for storing all your supplies, the kitchen is well supplied with pots & pans and crockery should you prefer to cook your own meals and not take advantage of our freshly produced home cooked food. For those taking advantage of our food package, meals will be served looking out over the lake or inside the lodge should the weather be against us.

Whilst taking a break from the fishing, the lodge is also equipped with English TV so catching up with events back home is easy or if you fancy a game a pool we have a full size table for your use. The lodge also has plenty of sockets for charging your bait boats, phones or camera batteries.

We are also able to offer our guests a meal package; all the food is freshly prepared and will satisfy the biggest of appetites.

Booking information:http://www.lacserenity.com/price.html{rokcomments}

Location: Lac du Charlou is located in the Champagne region of France. A 3 1/2 hour drive from Calais on the autoroute.

Website: http://www.charloucarping.co.uk

Description:Lac du Charlou is a beautiful fully fringed gravel pit of over 16 acres and has depths up to 25 feet.

Stock:The lake holds just under 400 carp up to 60lb plus. Many of the fish are 45lb plus, with the majority being 35lb plus.

Facilities:We have an English toilet, shower, and a fully equiped kitchin lodge with charging points. We have a full range of bait for sale as well as food, drink, ciggies, and small end tackle. Also baitboat hire.

Booking information: http://www.charloucarping.co.uk/booking.htm{rokcomments}

Location: Two stunning spring fed lakes set in the beautiful Limousin countryside. Lac de Miarlet is located just outside Merinchal, close to Claremont Ferrand and Aubusson.

Website: http://www.eurocarpgroup.com/NLmiarlet.php (only Dutch and French site available)

Description:Situated in the warm climate of the Limousin in the rural region of the Creuse. The property is set in eleven acres of secluded landscaped grounds. Set well away from any main road (although easy to find with the directions supplied). The only neighbours you are likely to see are cows grazing in the nearby fields, making this an ideal setting for a quiet week of fishing away from it all. A maximum of five anglers on each of the two lakes. This is what Carp fishing in France is all about.

Stock:Mirror, Silver, Common & Leather Carp. Up to 60lbs +. Small Catfish.

Facilities:

Booking information:http://www.eurocarpgroup.com/NLmiarlet.php{rokcomments}

Location: North of Limoges, France

Website: http://www.carp-lakes.co.uk/#/chapel-lake/4529222644

Description:Carp Fishing France @ Chapel Lake. Come and Enjoy an outstanding example of Carp Fishing Holiday destinations in the Heart of France. Book Chapel Now. An 18 acre venue producing some truly outstanding fishing. Individuals, Groups and Exclusive Use are available.

Stock:18 acres, 10 Anglers, 14 swims. Loads of late 20’s & 30’s, a good head of 40’s, a great selection of low to high 50’s and at least 4 - 60’s that we know of. Some HUGE Catfish to 84lb 8oz.

Facilities:Chapel Lake: Maximum 10 Fishermen on 14 swims. Exclusive use of the lake is available. Chapel accommodation with Excellent Shower. English Flushing Toilet and Basic other amenities. Stunning 18 Acre Lake in Beautiful, Peaceful Setting. Drive and Survive Venue. Bait Packs available. Bait Boats available to Hire.

Booking information:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.{rokcomments}

Location: North of Limoges, France

Website: http://www.want2fish.com/

Description:Carp Fishing France @ Justices Lake. One of the most outstanding Exclusive Use Carp Fishing Holiday destinations you will find in France. Book it Now. A 3 acre, Exclusive Use Venue for up to 4 Anglers in beautiful, tranquil surroundings. Justices Lake always seems to produce amazing catches and a Fantastic Fishing experience.

Stock:Carp to 55lb 4oz. Catfish to 85lb.

Facilities:Justices Lake: Exclusive use of the lake. 2 Bedroom Mobile Home basic accommodation. English Flushing Toilet and Basic other amenities. Stunning 3 Acre Lake in Beautiful, Peaceful Setting. Drive and Survive Venue. Bait Packs available. Bait Boat Hire available.

Booking information:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.{rokcomments}

Location: Our beautiful lake is situated in one of the most stunning settings in the Limousin area, on the border with the Dordogne.

Website: http://www.carpanglersparadise.com

Description:

Lac les Pins is set amongst Pine Trees in a most stunning and idyllic location, where you will be able to enjoy the tranquility and relaxation it offers. We acquired the lake from the French owner at the end of 2003. He had used the lake and surrounding area over the years for the hunting of wild boar. The lake is in a very secluded location, but you may spot a deer at sunrise and sunset, visiting and drinking from the lake. We have yet to see a wild boar, they are possibly hiding in the surrounding enclosed mature woodland, but there is plenty of other wildlife around to give that added feel of getting back to nature.

As the lake is stream fed, there is no need to worry about losing depths. The water quality is superb, with plenty of natural food resources, although we have been supplementing our fish with other nutrients in order to increase their growth prior to opening.

Our stunning specimens of Carp, a mixture of mirrors and commons, range from 20lbs to 50lbs, most were in excess of 30lbs to 38lbs in 2004 when newly stocked. They have now grown considerably, and our best recorded catch was in June 2005, weighing in at 48.5lb. In 2006, we will be continuing our stocking programme by introducing in excess of 150 Carp (Mirrors and Commons) into the lake and stock pond.

During 2005, we invited 24 angling friends to test out the lake for us. Overall, they caught 197 Carp, which is an average of 8.2 per person. There were 114 30's, with 36 over 35lbs, and 8 over 40lbs. There are 9 swims on the lake, accessible from all sides. We have decided not to permit more than 6 anglers on the lake at any one time. We believe in allowing each angler a larger area to themselves in which to fish, therefore enhancing the quality of your fishing holiday.

2005 was a year of much hard work and preparation to get our business on track for opening in 2006. We have recently had our 1 1/4 acre stock pond excavated to a depth of 5-8' in order for us to produce our own stock fish in the future.

Stock:CArp ranging from 20 to 50lbs

Facilities:

If you are flying, see Links for Ryanair and Flybe, both of whom have regular flights to Limoges. Please book as early as possible to ensure the cheapest flights, and to make sure that your booked dates are available.

Booking information:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.{rokcomments}

Location: The Domaine de la Vallée is set in the lush countryside in the Aisne department of northern France, about 2 hours drive from the ferry port of Calais.

Website: http://www.fishermanholidays.com/en/lake/detail.phtml?id=10

Overview

In the Oise Valley, Northern France, lies Domaine de la Vallée, a marvelous lake that has become a fantastic Carp Fishing Venue. It’s a large, varied venue with lots of islands, bays, lily pads and overhanging trees that provide plenty of challenges. The swims can be booked for weekends, weeks or midweeks.

The Lake

Domaine de la Vallée has a total surface of 50 hectares (123 acres). Old trees and extensive fields surround the lake. Main features are islands, bays, overhanging trees and lily pads that provide plenty of challenges. In the northern part of the lake, a stream flows into the lake and provides plenty of oxygen, and natural food. This explains also why this part of the lake is colder and has clearer water. The fish, however, prefer the southern part with warmer water and more plankton.The bottom is irregular and has a soft layer of silk. Apart from the lilies, there are no obstacles. The depth varies between 0,50 m and 4 m.

The Swims

The swims 1 to 12 lie in the southern part of the lake. Swims 7 to 11 are closed by the end of August due to the duck hunt that is organized there. This is not dangerous, but can be annoying. Swim 3 is located on a small island and provides interesting fishing possibilities. Swims 4 and 5 are very popular and a good choice for groups of 3 or 4 anglers. Swims 1 and 2 are spacious and deeper water; the car can be parked close to these swims. Swims 7+9 are interesting for a group of 3 anglers, whereas peg 8 is a good double swim. The swims on the island only have access by boat. You can bring your own boat or rent a boat on the site (8 euros per day). Bait boats are also allowed and so is placing off hook links and ground feeding with a boat.

The Stocking

Domaine de la Vallée has an unknown, old stock of carp up to 50 pounds. The owners restocked the lake several times with younger animals. There’s plenty of natural food (crayfish, mussels, etc) and the carp are growing steadily. The bigger carp are not so easy to catch, but every good angler will catch some stunning carp.

Facilities and services

The venue has a decent sanitary block with showers, washbasins and toilets. There are also 2 fridges, a freezer and a microwave oven for the anglers

Booking through : http://www.fishermanholidays.com/en/lake/detail.phtml?id=10{rokcomments}

Location: Viré en Champagne, Sarthe in North West France

Website: http://www.rusheslake.com

Description:

A 10 acre lake set in 17 acres of land. Bordered by a wood on one side the lake varies in depth from 3 ft - 10ft at the dam end. The lake is over 400 years old and benefits from natural swims... of which there are seven with large grassy banks ideal for 'bivvying'. The lake is mainly silt with a small number of gravel areas. The lake is virtually 'weed-free', and is a carpers paradise.

Iain & Kim, the English owners, live in the house on the dam wall and are 'on hand' 24/7 with advice, if you should so need. Kim provides a legendary food package, homecooked & in enormous portions which is served on the patio on the dam wall watching the sunset over the lake.... A truly awesome sight.

Stock:202 carp ranging from 18lbs - 46lbs were introduced in 2003, Royales, Dinks & the famous 'Margot' commons. Early 2005 a number of wels catfish were added & go in excess of 40lbs

Facilities:Newly furbished wet room/shower with english toilet.Large anglers relaxation room with English TV, sofa, wet weather dining facilities, fridge, bait freezer & English recharging points.Accomodation in a newly furbished twin bedded room with ensuite facilities (this is available for a small surcharge)

Booking information:For the current list of prices go to http://www.rusheslake.com/{rokcomments}

Location: South of France near Limoges

Website:  Being Build

Description:A large water of some 10 hectares with swims on both sides. All the pegs are wide and spacious - some can comfortably accommodate 3 or 4 anglers. This former gravel pit has depths varying from 6 metres to 1.5 metres. If the ground conditions are good you can drive to most of the pegs and then return your car to the car park. If the ground conditions are wet you can drive to the lake edge & then wheel barrows are available to help transport your tackle to your chosen swim. Eric, the on-site bailiff will meet you in the reception area & walk you round the lake so you can choose your swim - his English is not great so be patient!.

Stock:The lake contains carp to over 50lbs - there has been extensive stocking of large carp in 2002. There are also around 20 cat fish present between 22 & 99lbs.

Facilities:

There are 6 studio-apartments which sleep up to 4 people and one which sleeps up to 6 people, just 150 metres from the lake. They include double beds, en-suite shower room, kitchen dining area and couch/settee. All have satellite TV (English speaking channels are BBC World, CNN & Euronews) and private patio with table, chairs and BBQ. This would ideally suit a family.

In the same block there are also 7 self-contained bedrooms with en-suite shower and satellite TV. Four rooms sleep 2 people with twin beds, the other 3 rooms are for 2-3 people with a double and one single bed. All these rooms have use of a large communal kitchen and dining area to prepare your own meals or snacks. You can also use the large shared patio which has BBQ's, tables etc.

Along with the accommodation you also get exclusive use of a heated swimming pool and sauna - carp fishing has never been more luxurious! There are deer and donkeys on site too. All in all a rare combination - an excellent fishing venue for the angler with luxury accommodation available on-site to keep the non-anglers happy too.

Booking information:

As of 28th April, Ribiere Carp Fishing Ltd are now responsible for all the UK bookings for Ribiere and can be contacted via Facebook at 'Domaine de la Ribiere' or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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