Something a little different this week as we have had no anglers on either lake. Nigel’s son, Paul, has been here for a relaxing week off of work. Renowned in the family for loving animals more than people he decided to write a little piece for us…
Situated in the peaceful hamlet of Pouméroux, Carp France is known for its fantastic fishing, beautiful lakes and relaxed atmosphere. However, as I was reminded during my latest visit, there’s a lot more to Carp France than simply catching carp. Since Dad (Nigel) and stepmum Jo took over the fishery in 2023, this was my fifth visit – and it’s definitely starting to feel like my second home (sorry Jo!).
On Saturday, I arrived on an early morning flight and before heading back to the lakes, we spent a few hours exploring Bergerac, wandering through the bustling market, admiring the old town and stocking up on the obligatory saucisson. We also enjoyed a relaxing trip along the Dordogne river aboard a traditional gabarre (barge), spotting Black Kites overhead and learning a little of the area’s local history.
Back at Carp France, the work soon began. With no anglers on the lakes that week, Dad seized the rare opportunity to carry out some maintenance projects that just so happened to require my help. There goes my relaxing holiday!
Dad and Jo were quick to share the list of jobs planned, and we soon got to work cutting grass, clearing lake margins, checking crayfish traps, making boilies for upcoming guests and making the inevitable trips to the local tip (déchèterie) and brico for supplies. One of the bigger projects was constructing a new fish-release platform on Lac Lucie, designed to sit lower to the water and make returning carp both easier for anglers and safer for the fish. All of which was, of course, rewarded with a pint (or two) of Stella Artois in the sunshine.
Despite spending a week at a carp fishery, I somehow managed not to fish at all. Whether that was bad luck or excellent planning on Dad’s part remains open to debate!
Thankfully, there’s far more to Carp France than fishing.
One of the highlights of the week was exploring the wildlife trail behind Kingfisher Lake. The surrounding oak and chestnut woodland is alive with wildlife, and regular walks revealed signs of foxes, badgers and stone martens. The trail camera was equally productive, capturing foxes, roe deer, badgers, hedgehogs and the elusive “Lesser Spotted Maisie” (Dad’s dog), who seems determined to feature in every trail camera image ever taken.
The birdlife was equally impressive. Armed with the Merlin Bird ID app, I spent several mornings seeing how many species I could identify around the lakes and woodland. Early mornings were particularly memorable, with Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Golden Orioles and Blackbirds all in full song as the lakes came to life.
Away from the lakes, we also enjoyed a BBQ with local friends, pizza and sunset beers at Le 16 Beach on the nearby Haute Charente Lakes, and a visit to the traditional Wednesday morning market at Piégut. As always, the market offered a wonderfully eclectic mix of local produce and French life, where you can buy almost anything – from fresh cheese and flowers to live chickens and mattresses.
The week was a great reminder that Carp France offers much more than just excellent fishing. The fishing may be the main attraction, but the wildlife, historic towns, local attractions, great food and peaceful surroundings are all part of what makes a stay here so memorable. Whether it’s exploring the woodland trails, enjoying the local markets and restaurants, or simply relaxing by the chalet pool, there’s plenty to enjoy even when the rods aren’t out. With the jobs now ticked off the list, perhaps next time I’ll finally find time to put the rods out.
Thank you, Paul, for a lovely, relaxing blog. You have summed up our lives quite nicely here and we will see you again in a few weeks time. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..