The Fishing

A new carp fishing venue -
almost 2 acres of lake - virtually unfished for many years,
stocked with a good selection of coarse fish and some large wild carp!
No introduced tame fish here - our carp have lived all there life in the lake.
They are shy and cunning, and fight like mad to stay free!

2008 news - the lake is looking superb this year -
very clean with good weed growth and large shoals of cruising carp!
The lake has fished very well with good catches in the 15-20lb range.

As well as being a great fishing venue, the lake is very secluded and quiet providing a most peaceful & tranquil environment.

One visitor in 2003 fished for a couple of days and caught several carp,
38lbs was his best.  In 2004 the first carp fisherman
caught 6 fish over 25lbs  - many caught larger fish in the Autumn, the best being 32lbs.

We only allow our visitors to fish - no outsiders - so you will have
the lake to yourselves. We limit it to a maximum of 4 carp fishermen at any time -
2 per gite (more if the other gite is booked with no fishermen) - and if you fancy a
change from lake fishing then you can drive 3km to the banks of the stunning River Vienne.

- the river is absolutely stuffed with skimmer bream and
30lb catches are not unusual. There is also a very good head of chub
which run to about 3lb, although there are rumours of chub running
into double figures to be found farther upstream. Carp are certainly
present and if you visit the town of L'Isle-Jourdain there is a
large weirpool where carp to 52lb have been caught (there are
several photos in the tackle shop in the centre of the town).
Like many of the French rivers, the potential of the Vienne has yet to be tapped.

The accommodation for you and your family

The Gatehouse stands close to the lake abounding with fish and wildlife, with a boat moored at the waters edge to take you on a gentle row to the folly. Upsatairs it has three double bedrooms (two en suite), a twin bedroom and a large luxury bathroom. Downstairs is a fully fitted kitchen (with microwave, washing machine, dishwasher and fridge freezer) and a salon with open fire and glazed doors leading out to the lawn. Satellite UK TV, DVD, video and a CD stereo system are provided.  A six metre diameter solar heated octagonal swimming pool is alongside the terrace and BBQ for your private enjoyment.
La Petite Maison looks out over the eight metre diameter swimming pool set in a lawn with trees that are centuries old, to the hills and beyond. It has three large double bedrooms and a large twin bedroom, each with antique wash basin and bidet, and two bathrooms, one with a large bath. The fully fitted kitchen with microwave, washing machine, dishwasher and fridge freezer adjoins a separate dining room.  The kitchen has French windows onto the lawn, as does the salon which provides satellite UK TV, DVD, video and a CD stereo system.

~

Each gite has a barbecue area with table and chairs for eating and relaxing.

There are many seating areas around the grounds and sun loungers alongside the pool, so you can always find an idylic spot in the sun or shade to spend a lazy afternoon.

For the more energetic there is a riding school nearby, tennis courts and canoeing on the Vienne, and a lovely uncrowded golf course 20 minutes away.

John & Philippa Holroyd
Domaine de Villechaise
16500 St Maurice des Lions