France is one of the most reliable destinations for carp fishing holidays, offering big mature lakes, powerful fish, and accommodation designed specifically for anglers. Below is a quick-scan summary table (with jump links) followed by the full venue write-ups.
Summary Table: Carp Fishing Lodges in France
| Venue | Region | Lake Size | Fish Size | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigantica Main Lake | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | ~40 acres | 80lb+ | On-site chalets |
| Etang de Brigueuil | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | 5–25 acres (multi) | 60lb+ | Lodges & cabins |
| Etang de Vieille Forge | Brittany | ~12 acres | ~50lb | Lakeside lodges |
| Lac de Curton | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | ~40 acres | Mid-60lb | Cabins / nearby gîtes |
| Etang d’Azat-Chatenet | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | ~7 acres | ~55lb | Lakeside lodges |
| Abbey Lakes | Hauts-de-France | Up to ~44 acres (multi) | 70lb+ | Lodges / apartments / mobiles |
| Etang du Moulin | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | ~5 acres | ~50lb | Exclusive lodge |
| Lac de Saint-Cassien | Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur | 1,000+ acres | 70lb+ | Nearby villas / apartments / camping |
| Etang de la Horre | Grand Est | ~10 acres | ~50lb | Cabins & angler lodges |
| Etang de la Saussaie | Centre-Val de Loire | ~20 acres | ~60lb | Lakeside chalets |
| Domaine des Iles | Bourgogne-Franche-Comté | Up to ~30 acres (multi) | ~65lb | Chalets / lodges / mobiles |
| Etang de Vaumigny | Normandy | ~8 acres | ~50lb | Angler lodges |
| Lac des Graves | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | ~20 acres | ~60lb | Lakeside chalets |
| Etang de la Villaine | Pays de la Loire | ~6 acres | ~45lb | On-site cabins |
| Etang de la Forge | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | ~15 acres | ~55lb | Angler lodges |
1. Gigantica Main Lake – Haute-Vienne
Address: Gigantica Main Lake Saint Laurent sur Gorre Haute-Vienne France
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Gigantica Main Lake is one of Europe’s best-known carp venues, built around genuine big-fish potential. It’s a large, demanding water where watercraft and adapting to conditions matters. Despite its size, the venue is professionally run and set up for long stays.
- Lake size: Approx. 40 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 80lb+
- Accommodation: Modern on-site chalets with kitchens and bathrooms
2. Etang de Brigueuil – Charente
Address: Etang de Brigueuil Brigueuil Charente France
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Etang de Brigueuil is a strong option if you want variety and a well-organised setup. With more than one lake on-site, it suits mixed-ability groups and anglers who like a venue with choices. It’s a comfortable base for a proper week’s fishing.
- Lake size: Multiple lakes from 5 to 25 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 60lb+
- Accommodation: Lodges and cabins close to the lakes
3. Etang de Vieille Forge – Brittany
Address: Etang de Vieille Forge Ploërmel Morbihan France
Region: Brittany
Vieille Forge is a peaceful woodland-style venue that’s ideal if you want a calm carp fishing holiday rather than a high-pressure “big name” lake. It’s a great choice for anglers who value the surroundings as much as the fishing.
- Lake size: Around 12 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 50lb
- Accommodation: Lakeside lodges and cabins
4. Lac de Curton – Gironde
Address: Lac de Curton Frontenac Gironde France
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Lac de Curton is proper big-water fishing. It can be windswept and tricky, but that’s part of the appeal—this is the sort of venue that rewards observation and confidence in your approach. A good shout for experienced anglers chasing a challenge.
- Lake size: Approx. 40 acres
- Fish size: Carp to mid-60lb range
- Accommodation: On-site cabins and nearby gîtes
5. Etang d’Azat-Chatenet – Creuse
Address: Etang d’Azat Chatenet Creuse France
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
This is a traditional French carp lake with a steady, relaxed feel. It’s well suited to anglers who want a straightforward venue with comfortable accommodation and good access to the swims. Ideal for a first trip if you want something manageable.
- Lake size: Around 7 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 55lb
- Accommodation: Comfortable lakeside lodges
6. Abbey Lakes – Picardy
Address: Abbey Lakes Oulchy le Château Aisne France
Region: Hauts-de-France
Abbey Lakes is one of the most popular French carp destinations for UK anglers for good reason. The setup is professional, the facilities are strong, and the fishing is generally reliable. A great choice for groups, first-timers, or anyone wanting a smooth, well-run trip.
- Lake size: Multiple lakes up to 44 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 70lb+
- Accommodation: Modern lodges, apartments, and mobile homes
7. Etang du Moulin – Vienne
Address: Etang du Moulin Vienne France
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Etang du Moulin suits anglers who want privacy and control over their session. Being smaller and commonly set up for exclusive use, it’s ideal for a close-knit group or a couple of anglers wanting a focused, interruption-free week.
- Lake size: Approx. 5 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 50lb
- Accommodation: Exclusive-use lodge on-site
8. Lac de Saint-Cassien – Provence
Address: Lac de Saint Cassien Var France
Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Cassien is an iconic destination that feels more like a carp fishing adventure than a standard holiday lake. It’s huge, atmospheric, and can be challenging—but if you like big waters and the chance of a special fish, it’s hard to beat.
- Lake size: 1,000+ acres
- Fish size: Carp to 70lb+
- Accommodation: Nearby villas, apartments, and campsites (not typically on-site)
9. Etang de la Horre – Lorraine
Address: Etang de la Horre Vosges France
Region: Grand Est
Etang de la Horre is a quieter choice if you want to avoid the busiest venues. It has a traditional feel and suits anglers who prefer peace, space, and a more relaxed pace. A solid pick for a laid-back week with comfortable accommodation.
- Lake size: Around 10 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 50lb
- Accommodation: On-site cabins and angler lodges
10. Etang de la Saussaie – Centre-Val de Loire
Address: Etang de la Saussaie Indre France
Region: Centre-Val de Loire
Etang de la Saussaie is a well-established carp lake that offers consistency and comfort. It’s a good all-round venue if you want a reliable fishing holiday where everything is easy—solid facilities, decent fish, and proper lakeside accommodation.
- Lake size: Approx. 20 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 60lb
- Accommodation: Fully equipped lakeside chalets
11. Domaine des Iles – Burgundy
Address: Domaine des Iles Saône et Loire France
Region: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Domaine des Iles is a great option for longer stays, especially for groups who like having multiple lakes available. The venue is set up to cater for fishing holidays with a choice of accommodation styles and a strong reputation for carp fishing.
- Lake size: Multiple lakes up to 30 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 65lb
- Accommodation: Chalets, lodges, and mobile homes
12. Etang de Vaumigny – Normandy
Address: Etang de Vaumigny Manche France
Region: Normandy
Etang de Vaumigny has a friendly, lower-pressure feel—ideal for anglers who want a comfortable base and a steady session. It’s the sort of venue that suits a relaxed week where you can settle in and fish properly without fuss.
- Lake size: Around 8 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 50lb
- Accommodation: On-site angler lodges
13. Lac des Graves – Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Address: Lac des Graves Lot et Garonne France
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Lac des Graves combines a comfortable stay with a more natural lake feel. With lakeside accommodation and fishing access close by, it’s a strong choice for anglers who want convenience without losing that “France trip” atmosphere.
- Lake size: Approx. 20 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 60lb
- Accommodation: Lakeside chalets with fishing access
14. Etang de la Villaine – Pays de la Loire
Address: Etang de la Villaine Mayenne France
Region: Pays de la Loire
Etang de la Villaine is a tidy, reliable venue that suits anglers prioritising comfort and steady fishing. It’s particularly good for those who want a straightforward week where everything is close to hand and the lake isn’t overwhelming.
- Lake size: Around 6 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 45lb
- Accommodation: Comfortable on-site cabins
15. Etang de la Forge – Limousin
Address: Etang de la Forge Haute-Vienne France
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Etang de la Forge is a well-rounded option with scenic surroundings and purpose-built angler accommodation. It suits both short breaks and longer stays, especially if you want a venue that feels calm, well managed, and easy to fish.
- Lake size: Approx. 15 acres
- Fish size: Carp to 55lb
- Accommodation: Purpose-built angler lodges
Why France Is Ideal for Carp Fishing Holidays
- Large lakes with lower angling pressure than many UK venues
- Excellent average and specimen-sized carp
- Accommodation designed specifically for anglers
- Perfect for week-long or extended sessions