Exclusive Carp Fishing Holidays in South West France
Charente
Country
Retreat
Holidays in Charente South West France
2015 Reviews
This was our first time here but it certainly exceeded our expectations ! Jon was very welcoming and made both of us and our dog Bella feel at home. Bella had a great time playing with Oscar. The gite was very comfortable and clean and is set in beautiful surroundings. The fishing was incredible - 19 fish caught, Sam beat his PB several times. We chose to take the food package which was well worth it, a great mix of tasty meals. Thank you Jon for a lovely week and for providing the perfect venue.
Sam and Emma Blakeburn, Milton Keynes, Beds, UK 31st October 2015
This was my 11th visit to Les Croix (2nd time here on my own - having a lake like this, to yourself with so many big fish present is heavenly !) Speaking with Jon about how the lake has been fishing is always interesting, this over a welcome cup of tea and biscuits. The gite was a welcome sight, spotless as always and smelling nice and fresh, the added extras including the welcome pack making it very homely. Jon has made me feel very welcome and has cooked some great food, nice breakfasts to prepare me for the day by the lake, and hearty evening meals to warm me up afterwards. The weather plays a big part in how the fish behave, this week has been unseasonally cold, but I have still had a superb week. Trying to work out where the fish might be, was made easier by Jon's spot-on advice - he has helped me to catch the two biggest fish in the lake ! Thanks Jon and Oscar, it's been great and as always I am looking forward to future visits.
Noel Hubbard, Suffolk, UK 17th October 2015
Our 11th visit to Les Croix (AKA fishermans heaven). 24 pristine carp caught in 2 weeks. Credit to Jon for maintaining the 5 star standards that he has created - not only the beautiful fish, but the lake surroundings and as always, the immaculate accommodation. Many thanks to Jon and of course to Oscar for your great company during our stay. See you in April, already looking forward to 3 weeks back here in 2016.
Ken and Rachel, Kings Bromley, Staffs 26th September 2015
Many thanks for yet another excellent week at Les Croix. As expected the fishing, the lake and the accommodation did not disappoint in any way and by the way the weather topped it all off. The fishing was challenging but very rewarding, not fishing full days and having ten big pristine hard fighting carp was more than I could have dreamed of. The lake and surrounding were as delightful as we remembered and having fished in France for two decades I have a place I am happy to return to time and time again. Again the accommodation is tops and with the swimming pool as an added bonus, it's great to have somewhere I am happy to take Lesley and enjoy the holiday together. And to top it all clear blue skies, mid 70s and weather that did not put the fish off, what could be better. So good we're coming back not only for a week in 2016 but 2 weeks in 2017 as well, Happy Days !!
Lee and Lesley, Bracknell, Berks 12th September 2015
First time back since 2010 - how much the place has changed for the better ! More beautiful of course and we all had an amazing week with lots of sun and lots of fish. Spent loads of time in the pool which was great. ! 14 fish caught - all in great condition, including the magnificent "Emma". Many thanks to Jon and Ray for all their help and hospitality. See you next year ! PS we love you Oscar !
Chris, Ramona and Angelina, Milton Keynes, Bucks UK 29th August 2015
First trip to Les Croix - the gite was very welcoming, a real home form home. The pool was very nice after a day in the sun. Fishing was challenging, but still managed 6 nice fish to upper 40's. A big thanks to Jon and Ray for the food and hospitality.
Would we return - yes we would, a very enjoyable holiday.
Andy and Bernice, Leics UK 22nd August 2015
We enjoyed our stay at Les Croix, the fishing was challenging but Jon did his best to help, even with a broken arm ! Fished most mornings and evenings, going out for lunch which was very pleasurable - it's worth visiting some of the local towns and villages, some are very pretty. The gite was fine, no problems, and we enjoyed our afternoon swims in the lovely pool when the weather allowed and always looked forward to Oscar's visits ! Many thanks.
Robin and Sarah, Surrey UK 15th August 2015
This was our first visit, The gite was lovely, everything you need for your stay is provided, amazing monster carp and great hosts on hand to help. The children had a great time, enjoying the goats and chickens, the food was delicious and plentiful, thank you so much for accommodating the kids with this. Thanks to Ray for his help, guidance and tuition, have learned a lot this week.
Mark, Sarah and kids. Leics. UK 1st August 2015
Our first visit to Les Croix - and what a venue ! All fish fought like champs and left my arms aching....the gite is wonderful, so close to the lake and very comfortable. Had an amazing week, the lake is great, big thanks to Jon and Ray for welcoming us and helping us through the week, wish you both the best for the future and we hope to see you again.
Simon and James, Ascot, Berks UK 25th July 2015
Having booked over 12 months ago and been a regular reader of the lake blog since, my anticipation and excitement was at a very high level, and Les Croix has lived up to all my dreams and expectations. The venue is a dream for an angler and for his partner - absolutely superb, a secure, serene and idyllic setting, and with a week of lovely sunshine it has been the perfect relaxing week for both of us. Jon's care for the environment of the venue is obvious, with a pristine lake, and his hospitality extended to us, the clients in the same way. The gite is just right, the food has been superb (especially the curry). The carp are in great condition and having fished all my life I have never encountered such hard fighting fish anywhere else in the world. The fish started spawning on Friday morning, bringing fishing to an early conclusion, but also giving me the opportunity to see some fabulous fish and I hope to return to reaquaint myself with some of them next year on my return.
John and Julie, Staffs, UK 30th May 2015
Our 4th time here at this beautiful place, so relaxing, peaceful and quiet - the surroundings are amazing and the wildlife plentiful and varied. We have enjoyed almost a full weeks' settled and sunny weather, cool at times with a northerly breeze. The fishing has been challenging this time, the big girls noticeable by their abscence but John has managed to catch six fish up to 46-08. The standards of cleanliness and hospitality remain high as ever and the new terrace area has improved the already impressive on-site accommodation. Thanks to Jon for his company, and for providing us with delicious and plentiful food, and of course to Oscar for keeping us entertained with his antics !
Hope to see you again soon.
John and Sally, Essex. UK 23rd May 2015
This was my first time fishing in France, I'm sure I could not have found anywhere better. Before coming here my PB was 22lbs and I certainly found the lake provided a steep learning curve, having never had the opportunity to try for such large carp, but with Jons help and guidance I have learned a lot, and my PB soon doubled ! Having said at the beginning of the week that I wold like to cacth my first thirty pound carp and having actually caught two forties during my time here I was more than happy. The gite is immaculate and the food provided by Jon was great. The recommendations for the two restaurants in the local area were spot on. We would not hesitate to return to Les Croix.
Terry and Pam St Albans UK 9th May 2015
Our 10th time here and we are still very keen for our return ! Everything as always was more than perfect. Love the new patio and canopy area at the gite, giving a more spacious feel and providing cover when needed. A great week's fishing, considering the ever changing weather. 14 pristine carp with a couple of very nice big fish at the end of the week. Also great to catch some of the young up and coming carp that Jon has stocked into the lake. A big thanks to Jon for all his fishing tips and great hospitality throughout our stay. The curry was to die for ! See you very soon.
Ken and Rachel, Staffs. UK 2nd May 2015
We were both looking forward to our visit, and on arrival the fish were rolling all over the lake ! An amazing week with an unbelievable average size of carp caught. A great start, and end to the week with 3 of the biggest fish in the lake caught despite the temperature soaring to 29C on Tuesday and Wednesday and a flat calm lake, which put the fish off the feed. The fishing picked up again at the end of the week. We had a brilliant time. The gite was immaculate as usual, eating lunch on the new ouside terrace was a treat, and the food excellent as always. Looking forward to our next trip together in 2016.
Barry Clarke and Noel Hubbard, Suffolk UK. 18th April 2015
A cold start to the week with frost in the mornings. A 44lb mirror and another of 33lb on the first day. Weather started to warm up from middle of week Thursday produced another 40 in the shape of another 44lb mirror - well pleased with fishing as only fished a few hours each day, probably less than half a week in reality. Can't wait till next trip which will be a proper full week's effort. Gite looking great with new covered terrace area. Food spot on as always.
Ray Ebdy, Devon UK 11th April 2015
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