Lac de Villedon

Lac de Villedon – Carp Fishing in France
In the department of Vienne, near the border with Haute Vienne, lies the stunning and well-known Lac de Villedon. Covering 37 hectares (91 acres), this carp fishing paradise offers 13 swims, two of which come with accommodation. Swim 1 hosts the luxury Gîte, while Swim 21 has a more simple Cabin.
With its long history, Villedon is well-known among anglers across Europe. The lake is fed by the small river Blour, which provides fresh water and helps maintain oxygen levels. Depth varies (depending on the season), with about 4m (13 ft) near the dam and as shallow as 1m (3 ft) at the back near Swim 12. In summer, the water level can drop by around 50 cm compared to spring and autumn.

Fish Stock of Lac de Villedon
Villedon is home to an impressive carp stock of about 700 fish, averaging 15 kg (33 lbs). You’ll find both powerful commons and high-backed mirrors, with many fish exceeding 30+ kg (66 lbs).
Due to the warm summers of the last two years, natural reproduction has also occurred. As the lake connects to the river, occasional catfish or dwarf catfish may appear. To maintain stock quality, the lake is partially drained (“vidange”) every 2–3 years to remove small carp, catfish, and crayfish – last done in winter 2024.
Besides carp, a few diamond sturgeon are present, and in August 2025 the owner, Paul, introduced 34 beautiful home-bred koi carp.

Key Facts
Distance from Calais: ~600 km (approx. 6h 15m drive)
Maximum 26 anglers
Dogs allowed: Yes
Lake size: 37 ha (91 acres)
Biggest carp landed: 34 kg (75 lbs)
Number of swims: 13

The Lake
Villedon has a varied bottom structure. Along the banks, it’s mostly firm, while the central areas have softer silt. Look closely and you’ll often spot depressions of 20 cm (8 in), created by feeding carp. Don’t hesitate to fish these spots – they can be very productive!

Management & Services
Owner Paul de Flines ensures your fishing holiday is comfortable and successful. Besides expert advice, he provides:

On-site tackle and bait shop
Polyester boats with electric motors and batteries
Complete food packages

Swims & Accommodations
The lake offers 13 spacious swims across 37 ha, with a maximum of 26 anglers – meaning plenty of space and no overcrowding.
⚠️ Note: Swims 10, 11, 12, and 13 may hold less water during summer months.
Swim details:
Swim 1 (Gîte): 2 anglers, 4 persons. Bivvies allowed up to 8 persons (€100 pp extra).
Swim 2: Single swim.
Swim 4: 2–3 anglers.
Swim 5: 2 anglers.
Swim 7: 2 anglers.
Swim 8: Single swim.
Swim 9: 2 anglers.
Swims 10 + 13: 2 anglers (choice between the two).
Swims 11 + 12: 2 anglers (choice between the two).
Swim 15: 2–3 anglers.
Swim 17: 1–2 anglers.
Swim 19: 2–3 anglers.
Swim 21 (Cabin): 2 anglers, with option for 2 extra persons in bivvies (€100 pp extra).

Accommodations
Cabin (Swim 21 – up to 2 persons)
Right on the water with private wooden pontoon.
2 single beds, kitchenette, fridge, electricity, seating area.
Cold water tap (not drinking water).
No private bathroom/WC.
Bedding & electricity included; bring your own towels/tea towels.
Standard capacity 2 people; up to 2 extras in a tent for €100 pp/week.
Accessible on foot, parking ~100 m away.
Perfect for two anglers, or one angler with a non-fishing guest who prefers more comfort than a bivvy session.

Gîte (Swim 1 – up to 4 persons, max 2 anglers)
Fully equipped house: kitchen, spacious bathroom, separate toilet, cozy living room with TV/DVD.
Large garden with BBQ and summerhouse.
Large fishing pontoon directly on the dam side of the lake.
No dogs allowed in the Gîte.
Tents can be set up on the dam (asphalt base, no pegs possible).

Practical information:
Bedding, electricity, and hot water included.
Bring your own towels/tea towels.
Washing machine available (€2.50 per cycle).
Heating not included. Firewood and heating oil payable on-site.
Dry oak firewood: €25 per 0.25 m³.
Shops and a large supermarket are just 25 minutes away.