If you have decided to indulge in some carp fishing in some of the most exotic lakes in France then we have got the right list for you. Not only have we listed the ideal lakes that you can hit in France we have also done thorough research regarding all the vital information you might need ahead of time. So let’s get started!
Estate Lake
Location
Estate lake is located 1.5 hours from Paris and only one hour away from Le Mans and Versailles.You can opt for Paris Orly Airport or Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport if you are looking for airports that are nearest to the location.
Surroundings
You would be pleased to know that the national park La Perche is located just 10 minutes away from the lake. So, you can make your trip more exciting by paying a visit to the park and taking in all the sceneries present there.
Estate lake isn’t short of scenic views itself; the angler is encircled with royal gardens, huge castles and a fabulous long lake which is present in the valley.
Structure
As illustrated in the diagram above there are 6 swims all situated on the lakes north side. On the opposite side, your eyes will be greeted by breathtaking Lily pads and a widespread forest.
The water in the lake comes from a nearby stream. The water runs into the said lake at swim 6 while it leaves at swim 1. The presence of a stream has quite beneficial effects on the carps. All through the summer, the stream is able to provide fresh water which has greater levels of oxygen so the fishes are able to stay vibrant during hot days.
At the bottom, the structure is light muddy. So, you might notice the depth difference in places where the river used to flow through the Estate lake.
| Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Carp: 67 lb | 20 acres | Randonnai | 6 | 7 | 1 swim with accommodation, Dogs allowed, Car parking | 60£/person |
Perks and Accommodation
All the necessary facilities are located right by the lakeside. The accommodations include showers, sinks, toilets and a kitchen. As the kitchen includes a freezer, fridge and power outlets so any angler will be good to go. Plus, located at the lake’s edge are three amazing cottages that you can stay in.
You can also check the three-part series by Simon Dew where he visits the lake and takes part in a competition or you can just click here to read more about it.
Lac de Vienay
Location
The estate of Lac de Vienay covers over 55 acres and has a total of four lakes. Out of these 4, you can do carp fishing in 2 lakes, these lakes are named Busters Lake and Alberts Lake.
These lakes are located 3 miles from Parthenay and are only 300 yards away from each other. Plus they are situated just outside a small village named Vienay which can make your carp fishing in France experience truly remarkable. For ease, you can opt to land at Poitiers – Biard Airport as it is quite near to the estate.
Surroundings
All the swims in this estate are located ideally so you get the perfect view while fishing in these carp lakes of France. Plus, the swims are constructed from wood and gravel which translates into that you will have ample space to place your equipment.
The estate offers amazing comfort with its spacious swims and modern lodges that are equipped with all the necessary amenities.
Structure
Bottom structure of these lakes varies from gravel to clay and sand. The depths of the lakes also vary from as low as 3 feet to as deep as 15 feet. These variations contribute to making this spot one of the best fishing lakes in France.
Even when the weather is extremely hot or cold you would still be able to catch some carp fish. Out of the two lakes, you require reservations for carp fishing in Busters Lake but we assure that this extra measure will totally pay off with the overall experience.
In the table below we have highlighted the vital information regarding both the fishing spots that you might find useful.
| Lake | Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Alberts | 62 lb | 5.4 acres | Châtillon-sur-Thouet | 9 | 4 | Excellent facilities, Dogs allowed, Car parking | 50 £/ person |
| Busters | 57 lb | 7 acres | Châtillon-sur-Thouet | 7 | 4 | Excellent facilities, Dogs allowed, Car parking | 50 £/ person |
Perks and Accommodation
The image above is proof that there are ample facilities available for anglers and non-anglers while they visit. There are showers, toilets, an oven, gas cooker, fridge, freezer, power outlets and a cabin to stay over. Plus, the property includes a lodge that you can stay in.
Make sure to have a look at the video below to get further insight on why we consider these as the best carp lakes in all of France. Or you can just click here to read more.
Windmill Lakes
Location
The Windmill Lakes are situated near the famous French theme park named LE Pal and offers quite the ideal spot for carp fishing in France during the holidays.
Two major airports near this particular lake are: Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport and Saint-Étienne – Bouthéon Airport. These airports are 119 and 175 km away from Moulin respectively.
Surroundings
This pleasant retreat excels in beauty, carp stock and service. The size of this lake is about 8 acres and it has 5 islands. Not only does this pleasant lake excel in carp stock but also has remarkable service and beauty.
Structure
This lake has 3 swims where a maximum of 4 anglers can fish. Plus, the two lakes have fine specimens of Mirrors, Commons and Grass Carp so you will be able to fish various carps.
Large pikes have also been stocked on the lake. Right next to the lake there is a small-scale stalking lake which is ideal for fishing small carps.
| Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Carp: 53 lb | 8 acres | Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre | 3 | 4 | Food and swimming available; Dogs allowed; | 1200 £/Lake |
Perks and Accommodations
With each swim, you will be getting a Wi-Fi connection and electricity. Plus, there are three available accommodations at the lakeside that you can make the most of.
The owners of the property cater excellent meals which you can get delivered at your swim or where ever else you like. Plus, a cabin is situated 15 metres away from the lake and can accommodate upto 3 people.
You can watch the video below to get a tour of the place beforehand or you can just click here to read more.
Domain des Iles
Location
Only 1.5 hours from Calais you will find this ideal venue for carp fishing in France. This particular lake is connected via various channels and has been named after the many islands present in it. Over time, the channels among the Main and Back Lake closed off and two lakes formulated which you now fish in.
Two major airports near this particular lake are: Ostend-Bruges International Airport and Lille Airport. These airports are 93 and 98 km away from Calais respectively.
Surroundings
The lake isn’t closed off as there are bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants and much more present nearby. In case you want to plan a fishing trip during the workdays then that is also possible so dates shouldn’t be an issue with this particular lake.
Structure
In the case of the main lake, there is ample space for a total 12 anglers and it has a huge stock of catfish. In the case of both lakes, the usage of bait boat is allowed so you don’t have to worry about that.
| Lake | Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Main | 60 lb | 20 acres | Calais | 3 | 16 | Baitboat is allowed; Power supply at swim; Car parking | 30 £ /person |
| Back | 55 lb | 7 acres | Calais | 3 | 4 | Baitboat is allowed; Power supply at swim; Car parking | 30 £ /person |
Perks and Accommodations
Majority of the swims throughout the lake feature picnic tables with power outlets of 220-volt, freezer and a fridge.
Plus, if you are looking for more comfort and might be accompanied by non-anglers then you can rent out the lodge and have a dedicated place to stay. The lodge offers a place for comfort and rest along with all essential utensils like: microwave, toilet, T.V and etc.
Make sure to click here to read more about the lake.
Old Pollard Lake
Location
Lake Domain des Iles, the Old Pollard lake is also situated near Calais but it is 4 hours away. We highly recommend you plan a road trip with all your folks and pay a visit to this lake. Not only will you get to experience an amazing road trip but the destination will also be breathtaking.
Two major airports near this particular lake are Ostend-Bruges International Airport and Lille Airport. These airports are 93 and 98 km away from Calais respectively.
Surroundings
Referring to the experience Mark had in the peaceful atmosphere of Old Pollard lake he said:
“Old Pollard Lake is a very idyllic lake in the North of France, at a short driving distance from Calais. If you fancy good accommodation, a nice chance for action and great hospitality of the owner: come to Old Pollard Lake!”
Structure
The lake’s bottom is chiefly gravel and its depths varies from as low as 4 ft to as high as 10 ft. The lake’s north-western side is shallow while the south-eastern part is deep.
| Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Carp: 53 lb | 8 acres | Calais | 3 | 4 | Bait boat is allowed; Dogs allowed; Car parking | 300 £/4 person caravan |
Perks and Accommodations
All the facilities around the Lake are fully equipped . Each swim comes with its own accommodation, it has all the general facilities plus a washing machine.
Below we have a video that you check out to get an overview of the lake or you can just click here to read more about the lake.
Fully’s Lake
Location
Fully’s lake is situated 4.5 hours away from the most famous Lac de Foret d’Oriënt. In the northern French department of Aube, it is present within the comfortable traveling distance from both the Netherlands and Belgium. This lake took its name from the scaled mirror carp with which its water is enriched with.
The closest airport to this lake is Châlons Vatry Airport which is about 63km from Troyes.
Surroundings
This beautiful lake is located on the edge of the forest, and is sealed tightly. Therefore, you can sit there quietly and peacefully. Also, there is a military training base area near this lake, from where you will experience training sounds in the background.
Structure
For the purpose of the irrigation of nearby farmlands and hunting, the water of this lake was dug decades ago. Fully’s lake contains a maximum of 6 spots that can accommodate 8 fishermen. Not only this, it has various variety of soil structures, like graved, mud, sand and some weed fields also.
Here, the natural bait of the carp is mainly mussels and snail whereas on the muddy pieces the natural bait is blood worm.
| Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Carp: 55 lb | 10.5 acres | Brienne-la-Vieille | Double bivvy – 2 Single bivvy – 4 | 10 | Dogs allowed; Car parking; Bait Boat allowed; English management | 50 £/person |
Perks and Accommodations
This beautiful remote area had a neat sanitary and shower unit recently installed in it. Plus, it also provides the facility to charge your electronic equipment.
The lake doesn’t have any stay houses. But you stay in beautiful guest houses near this lake like Auberge De La Plaine and Domaine le Colombier.
Make sure to check the video below or click here for further insight.
Etang des Gaulois
Location
Etang des Gaulois covers 70 acres of area and is situated in the Morvan French National Park. The land of this lake contains 150 private acres with a view of Mont de Beuvray.
The closest airport from this lake is Dijon Air Base, which is 98 km from Autu’s center.
Surroundings
This lake is present in the charming landscape of the French Morvan, which is famous for its beautiful hills, greenery, vast lakes and mountains. This land was transformed into a carp fishery in 2011.
Structure
The lake resembles a dove in flight, as it features three large arms, and each arm is reaching towards the center. Apart from 1, 2 and 3 person swims, the lake also contains 5-person gites. In short, all these swims are enough to hold a maximum of 20 anglers. 90 acres provide enough space and privacy for all the anglers.
Approximately, the lake contains around 1000 carps in total. Among these carps, 400 of them are oldies, while the remaining 600 are newly stocked. You will also find carps of different weights in this water plus you can ask the owners regarding the types of carp present there.
| Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Carp: 77 lb | 70 acres | Autun | 13 | 21 | Food package; Dogs allowed; Bait boats permitted | 100 £/person |
Perks and Accommodations
The most luxurious facility Etang des Gaulois provides is its 5-person rural holiday rental. It contains a spacious living room with a kitchen, a toilet and a shower and two master bedrooms.
For bivvy-fishers, the lake also provides neat sanitary spaces with separate ladies and gents shower cabinets. The facility of electricity is also present, you can charge your necessary electronic equipment.
Make sure to check the video below or click here for further insight.
Grands Press
Location
In the northwest of France, Grands Prés is located in the region of Champagne Ardenne. This lake covers the 35-acres of area and lies within the comfortable travel distance from Reims.
The closest airport from this lake is Châlons Vatry Airport, which is 69 km from Reims center.
Surroundings
La Carrière des Grands Prés is a charming lake that contains clear blue water. The lake features different landscapes, islands, bays and several peninsulas. It is a beautiful and varied lake with lovely blue water. To provide excellent carp fishing experience the lake provides several services as well.
Structure
The lakebed contains a variety of soil structures, like gravel, sand and light mud. The water depth isn’t constant and it lies in between 3 and 11ft. Therefore, at the area of deeper depths rowing boats will prove beneficial.
Approximately, the fish population in this lake is around 500 carps, that weigh around 45 to 55 lbs.
| Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Carp: 66 lb | 35 acres | Champagne Ardenne | 7 | 12 | Dogs allowed; Car parking; Bait boat allowed | 50 £/person |
Perks and Accommodations
Lodge houses are present near the water for the accommodations of the guests. The house consists of a shower, toilet and kitchen. Also, supermarkets and petrol stations are present near this lake, from where you can get all the basic supplies easily.
All these luxury have been added so that you have the best trip while indulging in carp fishing holidays in France
Make sure to check the video below or click here for further insight.
Bel Eaux – Belsaules
Location
In the woods of Northern France, you will find the complex of 20 lakes. It’s only a 3.5-hour drive away from Calais. The name “Bel Eaux – Belsaules” means “the domain of beautiful waters”.
Plus, The closest airport from this lake is Châlons Vatry Airport, which is 69 km from Reims center.
Surroundings
This area surrounding this lake has earned great reputation worldwide because of its beautiful landscapes. These lakes are present in a beautiful forest that is over 370 acres. Thus, providing this lake a vibrant and peaceful environment.
Structure
This lake is considered as the most challenging lake and is designed specially for carp anglers. The lakes originally have a depth of 3 meters and the lakebed is mainly composed of light mud, clay and small amounts of sand and gravel.
The lake provides enough space for three anglers at a time. It contains almost 170 carps that has the average weight of 28lbs
| Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Carp: 49 lb | 8 acres | Sainte-Menéhould | – | 3 | Bait boats allowed; Dogs allowed; Car parking | 370 £/person |
Perks and Accommodations
The facilities of this lake for carp fishing in France are incredible and will meet your every need. It contains a toilet, shower, fridge and several charging points with one charging point present in your swim. There are also two charming lodges where 4 to 6 people can easily stay. All in all you will be all set if you opt for this lake.
Make sure to check the video below or click here for further insight.
Laclecurie Lakes
Location
The lake is located in Pays De La Lire. This beautiful countryside is only 4 hours away from Calais and from Caen and St Malo it has a travel distance of over an hour.
For this particular lake the nearest airport which is “Rennes – Saint-Jacques” Airport is situated 106 km from the city Mayenne’s Center.
Surroundings
The lake offers a peaceful and quiet environment with beautiful surroundings. The area consists of 3 lakes. Namely, Oaks, Tall Tress and The Orchard. On one side of the lake they are surrounded by tall Canadian pines while on the other side of lake small orchards are present.
Structure
The depth of the lakes ranges from 3 to 11ft. and the lake beds contain gravel and stones. The lake contains 6 large swims that contain fishes of different weights. The fishes weigh from 30 to 40 lbs. With the biggest catch so far was 50 lbs. 50 lbs weight put this lake in mind when looking for carp fishing in France.
| Lake | Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Oaks | Carp: 50 lb | 2 acres | Charchigné | 6 | 2 | Bait Boats allowed; Dogs allowed; Lunch | 450 £/lake |
| The Orchard | Carp: 50 lb | 2 acres | Charchigné | 6 | 2 | Bait Boats allowed; Dogs allowed; Lunch | 450 £/lake |
| Tall Trees | Carp: 50 lb | 3 acres | Charchigné | 6 | 3 | Bait Boats allowed; Dogs allowed; Lunch | 450 £/lake |
Perks and Accommodations
For the guests there are several facilities available, like, shower, and toilets. Also, there is a fisherman’s cabin that contains a microwave, kettle, fridge and several charging points. Lunch, fresh water and a mobile home is also available here for the guests.
Small guest lodges are also available for the families.
Make sure to check the video below or click here for further insight.
Cherpont Lake
Location
This lake is situated in the hills of Limousin Region in Central Massif. It is a 39-acre lake that was created in the early 19th century.
For this particular lake the nearest airport which is; Rennes – Limoges – Bellegarde Airport is situated 103 km from the city Gueret’s Center.
Surroundings
This lake is present in a beautiful remote area and is lined with trees that provides a peaceful and quiet environment. The lake offers the charming view of both hills and countryside. So if you are fond of carp fishing in France then do pay a vist to this place.
Structure
With 21 swims present in this lake, it offers a spacious area for the anglers. Here the average weight of the fishes is 34 lbs, and among them 20 fishes have the weight more than 50 lbs. A path is also present to provide easy access to all the swims.
| Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per day |
| Carp: 50 lb | 39 acres | Central Massif | 21 | 15 | Lunch; Free WiFi; Outside kitchen area | 15 £/person |
Perks and Accommodations
A number of facilities are present here for the anglers. An on-site catering and outside kitchen are present to deal with all the food requirements. For additional comfort, toilets, neat sanitary conditions and shower facilities are also available.
Apart from these basic necessities, free wi-fi and satellite TV are also present for entertainment purposes. Plus, you can use the lodge to stay in.
Make sure to check the video below or click here for further insight.
Bill’s Lakes
Location
We are ending the list of the best carp fishing lakes in France with Bill’s lakes which are located 200 miles from Dunkirk or Calais. It contains a total of 5 lakes, and each one is different from others in its features.
Plus, The closest airport from this lake is Châlons Vatry Airport, which is 69 km from Reims center.
Surroundings
This lake is present in between the woods and has a beautiful scenic view that will lift your spirits during carp fishing. These lakes offer the anglers to fish in the mighty river Marne. This river helped in producing some high weight fishes.
Structure
Each lake offers different features. therefore, providing the anglers the chance to choose what’s best for them. The swims are present on one side of the bank while the other side of the bank is out of bounds, this feature provides multiple catches.
The lakes offer mirror carp, common carp and grassies of different sizes.
| Lake | Biggest catches: | Size of lake: | Nearest large city: | Swims | Max anglers | Services | Price per week |
| Lake 1 | Carp: 72 lb | 14 acres | Matougues | 8 | 10 | Lunch; Dogs allowed; Equipment hire; Ferry travel | 150 £/person |
| Lake 2 | Carp: 53 lb | 3 ½ acres | Matougues | 5 | 4 | Lunch; Dogs allowed; Equipment hire; Ferry travel | 150 £/person |
| Lake 3 | Carp: 70 lb | 8 acres | Matougues | 6 | 6 | Lunch; Dogs allowed; Equipment hire; Ferry travel | 150 £/person |
| Lake 4 | Carp: 55 lb | 4 acres | Matougues | 2 | 4 | Lunch; Dogs allowed; Equipment hire; Ferry travel | 150 £/person |
| Lake 5 | Carp: 53 lb | 8 acres | Matougues | 4 | 6 | Lunch; Dogs allowed; Equipment hire; Ferry travel | 150 £/person |
Perks and Accommodations
All these lakes provide ample amounts of services. Kitchen lodges, toilets, showers, all forms of basic necessities are present to facilitate the visitors. Apart from this, you can also hire equipment and boats on the spot.
You can also opt to stay in the Styles Châlons-en-Champagne Centre hotel which is in the local town near the lake. Make sure to check the video below or click here for further insight.
Enjoy Life With Carp Fishing in France!
We hope that you will be able to plan an ideal carp fishing trip in France with your mates and family, using all the essential information we were able to gather for you. So, we are going to finish off by wishing you guys happy fishing. If you are not ready to go that far yet, please visit our list of the best fishing lakes in the UK. Or maybe you a getting tired of huge preparation? Try out trout fishing!