We have been going to France fishing for the last five years and up until this year we have not found a venue that we could all say ( yes we would come back here again ), Stu Jan & the kids are the most perfect hosts you could ever wish to meet,fantastic fishing all the week.(The Essex star gazers :-),Neil Adam & Ricky keep an eye out for the Lion, PUT-EM-UP ) helped make a top week even better.Shaun had 34 fish for nearly half a ton of fish & Martin smashed his PB with each fish he caught as for me i will be back for those CATS,cheers Stu Jan & family see you all soon.
Dave,Shaun,Martin, (GREEN ARMY), Eastleigh, October 2009.
I would like to thank Stu and Jan for providing a great fishing experience that exceeded our expectations. We had a great time fishing and excellent hospitality including delicious food.
Matthew, John and Terry, Croydon, October 2009.
Big thanks to Stu and Jan for making my first France trip all i hoped it would be. The fishing was superb with action all week. The food and facilities were great and the hosts really deliver everything with a personal touch. See you next season!!!
Mike Donnarumma, Southampton, 26 September 2009.
Thank you so much for a quality week all was perfect with the fishing food and the feel of the lake was superb. Stu and janet are fantastic hosts and make you feel so welcome and will do anything for you its got a real family feel so thank you again and will see you soon.
Andy & Paul, Kent, 5 September 2009.
Our 2nd Trip and it really was fantastic, in just 3 days 3 of us had 38 Fish up to 33lb with lots of mid twentys all in fabulous condition, in total we had around 900lb of fish not bad for 3 novices!! Stu and Jan are exceptional hosts and made us feel part of the family, what other lake would provide you with your own tarp, outdoor furniture and breakfast delivered to your swim! If you want beautiful surroundings, peace and quite, kingfishers, ospreys, buzzards, owls, wild mint, giant oak trees and herons and all other manner of wildlife this is the place. Sometimes in these surroundings the fishing becomes less important, but it never disapointed us once, We have already booked our 3rd trip for next year....I for one cannot wait.
Lee Lewis, Maidstone, September 2009.
Just to say what a fantastic weeks fishing 40 carp in total a average of 800lb of fish there is not many places you can do that. I just would like to say what fantastic host Jan you and the kids are you could not do enough for Gary and me i think host is the wrong word and would like to think that we have become Friends.Once again thank you for the time of our lifes and hope to see you again soon. .
John & Gary Hale , Tunbridge Wells, 26 August 2009.
Having fished in France on several occasions the hosts Jan & Stu have to be the best yet. Both were very welcoming and very obliging Stu in particular wanting everyone to catch as much fish as possible. Jan's food was excellent and the portions ample. The fishing were in excellent condition (its the most we've caught anywhere). Would recommend the venue to all..
Helen and Andy Sanders, Coventry, 22 August 2009.
Well were do i start from the fantastic fishing to the great food great hospitality to the amazing hosts ,over 1000lb in fish all in perfect condition + a new pb of a 34lb cat .stu and jan went out of their way to make our fishing trip one of the best ever i can not thank them enough . O yes can't forget 6-2 better luck next time stu and marcus .Any body wanting great food great fishing you look no further. Trying to go next year this time with the wife and kids, i will be intouch soon thanks again to stu jan and kids pics to follow cheers all the best from adam n peter .
Adam Mather, Pete Hargreaves, Blackpool, 31 july 2009.
Five of us had a great weeks fishing 81 carp for 1538lbs a few thirties and loads of 20's.(2pb's) Unfortunately didn't get one of the cats so all the more reason to come back next year. Stu put us straight on the fish so kept busy the whole time beatiful lake with beautiful fish thanks to stu and family for making us feel welcome and for looking after us all week.
Teleking Carpers, Somerset, 18 july 2009.
For our first trip 2 france we couldn't of imagined what was waiting for us. On arrival we found a warm welcome and a cold beer which was needed after the journey. From the off the action was hectic ,with plenty of fish in the mid 20s. We both broke pbs with carp to 29lb plus a first catfish of 54.5lb. The lake is beautifully located, topped off with great english food and hospitality. Can't wait for our next trip.
Tim , Paul , Suffolk ,11 july 2009.
WHAT can i say. 8 hours into it i caught the lake cat record weighing in at 56lb.04oz. come on!.from there on it just didnt stop biggest carp weighing in at just under 30lb - pb!, must of caught 25 to 30 fish.(to be honest lost count after the 22nd mark).wicked fishing!. on top of all that stu and jan you were brilliant.the food was really nice aswell as your company. see ya in april 2010. roy
Roy Tarrant, Dunstable, 27 June 2009.
What a place this fishery is .Best i have ever been to - we all broke pb. High to mid 20lb our alarms did not stop going off all week lost count how many fish we all had will 100% be going back even if my wife does divorce me for going. stu,jan and the kids were great the nicest people you could meet jan's food was lovely and stu will really help you catch the big fish. what else can i say best week i have had ever.
Gavin Newman, Luton, 27 June 2009.
The fishing was amazing had my PB just under 30 lb plus 14 fish in the mid 20s.The food fantastic,and you made us really welcome, Ron had a 30lb plus on my rod and pete had is PB 27lb plus 17 the mid 20s the BEST fishing ever,see you next year Dave
Dave, Pete, Ron, Derby, 20 June 2009.
John and I had a fantastic weeks fishing, we bagged over 40 carp from 22lb upto mid thirties, including and a mid forty cat each. The food was excellent and the surroundings perfect. Definately returning next year
Neil Byrne, John Rowland, 13 June 2009.
WOW, what a week! Had a brilliant weeks fishing, landing my PB, 30.5lb of mirror carp and also catching my first catfish weighing in at 32lb....The rest of the carp around mid to late 20's. Stu, Jan and the kids were fantastic, and made me feel really welcome....to top it off the food was amazing (especially the cherry pie! Will defo be planning a trip back next year :)
Simon Sumners, Gloucester, 6 June 2009.
What can we say about our time at Etang De Villaine? The company was great, food was great, weather was great, but it is difficult to find a word to accurately describe the fishing, I think the most appropriate is 'hectic'. None of us have fished a venue where the runs are so prolific and with the guarantee that almost every fish on the end will be a twenty! All four of us had in the region of 20 fish each with the biggest going to Ian with a mid thirty. All of this despite us unfortunately having to leave two days early due to unforseen commitments! We all really enjoyed our time with you,with some unforgettable moments. We wish you all the best and thanks again for a great time.
Roy and David Orr, Roy and Ian Northeast 16 May 2009.
Really relaxed and enjoyable. Without trying too hard we managed 114 fish which weighed over a ton! Highlights, some lovely thirty pound plus mirrors, and a 27lb common. Rich lost a decent cat dispite Stu going in after it to free it from the snag it had wound the line around. Lowlights, a moderate 'carp' hooked at night which transformed into a snarling foul hooked Mink! Fortunatly not well hooked, it dived down a hole in the bank and the hook came out! Great leisurely lunches in a place recomended by Stu and Jan. thanks guys, a great antidote to the rat race.
Stuart, Ant, Rich, Andy and John , Sussex ,May 2009.
WHAT A WEEK!I Had an absolutely fantastic weeks fishing that will stay with me forever, not just the fishing but the food and the company . Stu,Jan and the kids really made me feel like I was part of the family and nothing was to much trouble for them and the food was the best. (Jan is a great cook and the portions were huge) . As for the fishing well what can I say, I had 36 carp in total and did my pb on the first day and to top it all i had a cat fish of 32 pound that made my trip even better. The whole place is just fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone. I enjoyed it that much I am trying to go back this year if not I WILL be there next year - can't wait. Stu,Jan and the kids thank you for one of the best weeks of my life, I will never forget it - see you when I come back.
Myles Travers, Birmingham 6 May 2009.
Let me start by saying that I am by no means an expert carp angler, having only taken up the sport a year ago. This was my first carping trip to France and boy did we choose the right fishery. With Stu's helpful advice and guidance on how and where to fish, I was able to bank 290lb of carp in just 3 days of fishing. This comprised of 14 fish, mostly mid 20's, the biggest being 29lb and doubling my previous PB. I would have had a further 5 fish, but they shook free the hook and were lost but hey, thats why it's called fishing and not catching right? Between 4 of us we caught 740lb of carp over the 3 days fished, the biggest being 34lb caught by Andy, who then caught the exact same fish again 2 and a half hours later! I cannot speak highly enough of Stu and Jan as hosts - nothing was too much trouble for them, even bringing some of our meals down to the lakeside, so we didn't have to wind in our rods and miss out on fishing time. Hows that for service! I'd like to wish Stu, Jan and their family all the very best for the future and I'm sure they will receive the success their fishery business deserves. I can't wait to come back next year and am suffering withrawel symptons already! Cheers for now, Chris.
Chris Newham, 6 May 09.
Had a fantastic 3 1/2 days in the words of John Wilson it really is dream fishing. 4 of us travelled down on the silver package and had a great time top fish caught were 34ld, 29ld and 28ld with all the rest mid 20s. The biggest called 2 tone and she was caught again by Andy 4 hours later total poundage was 740 all of us beating out PB by some way. Do not hesitate to book Stu and Jan are great hosts. Thanks for a fantastic time and we hope to see you next year
Greg Parton , Cheltenham , 2-6 May 09.
What can we say, Fishtastic! simply because we needed a word to combine excellent fishing with a fantastic venue & hosts. The fishing was awesome, between us we caught 48 fish totalling 1012 1/2lb of fish, both of us having caught a PB of 32 1/2lb. Jan & Stu could not have been better hosts, it felt like a home from home, with 2 great kids, 2 dogs and 5 cats, pumpkin must get a mention for keeping us amused by the lake.
Kiran Harin / Angelo Hunt . 2 May 2009.
WOW! Had an absolutely awesome weekends fishing that i will never forget! Me and my mate Gaz had over 460 lb of carp over the weekend with the biggest weighing 33 lb , we both had a 30+ within the first 24 hrs of fishing !. Blows any carp fishing I've done in the UK out of the water and would recommend to anyone! Jan, Stu and the kids are some the nicest people i've met and i really couldn't of asked for a better service! Jan is a legend in the kitchen with my kind of portions(BIG) and we were even tought how to speak French by the kids. Really really wicked weekend. Cheers peeps, see you soon!
Toby Stubbs, Leicester. 28 April 2009
First ones on the lake this year an caught 105 fish between 3 of us including 9 thirties 2200LB in weight, nearly broke the lake record, can't wait to get back this September. Food great, don't think i will ever meet a better family than Jan Stu Tailia and Ysten - I know i have spelt the kids names wrong - it's Jan's fault she's Welsh. Adam also said he had a great time and can't wait to come back. PS Thank Marcus for all his help.
NEIL ADAM RICKY ESSEX BOYS April 09
Just a note to let you know we all had a great time at your lake and even though its early days for you in your new home, lake and beautiful surroundings I think potentially you have a cracking CARP LAKE. I cant now even remember how many Carp we actually had? I think around the 70 mark between 4 of us at around the 22 - 25 lb mark the biggest being 28 6 oz which is still unbelievably good fishing considering the very cold nights!!!! But we were all bit gutted not to pick up one of your really big fish!! but thats fishing.. and will defiantly return in a year or so to take the bigger fish challenge. Thanks again and all the very best...
Andy Cooke, Shropshire. 20 Sept 2008
Myself and two friends had 47 carp between us, biggest was 27lb 12oz, stu and jan made us feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble. Is a lovely lake with lots of wild life, thanks for a great weeks fishing also i would like to thank Ricky and Neil for the 10EUR!!!
Kieth Downton , Dorset. 13 Sep 2008
Quality weeks fishing!! Between me and my mate Neil we had 43 fish, majority of them were big twentys. Stu and Jan were excellent hosts. Couldn't ask for better. It was as if we had known each other for years. Excellent food (large portions) and great hospitality. Would definitely recommend to anyone and we have already booked for next year. Thanks Stu, Jan and family for an excellent week and look forward to seeing you all next year. Cheers!!!! .
Ricky Cichon , Essex . 13 Sept 2008
It is with great reluctance that I am posting our comments on Stu's website because if we cant get in for another weeks fishing next year there's going to be trouble! We had the most wonderful weeks fishing at Etang de Villaine in August. From the moment we arrived we were knocked out by the hospitality, setting and especially the cold beer and wine. This is a great place to holiday and fish. We both wish Stu, Jan and their lovely family inc. menagerie all the very best with their business. We look forward to the return when we WILL catch one of the big ones. Thank you both so much for a fantastic holiday.
Chris Stokes & Anya , Dorset. 16 Aug 2009
We had a fantastic weeks fishing at Stuart and Jan's lake- between the three of us we had 57 fish, the bigger ones eluded us- but they are certainly in there... A lovely lake, don't be afraid of stalking or putting plenty of bait in- oh and be prepared for no sleep at all because most fish come at night! What more can I say- great food, a lovely family and a beautiful house and lake set in the valley- a great holiday!
Julian Ward- Ringwood. 2 august 08
My brothers and I had a fantastic time fishing this venue!! We caught every day at least one carp greater than 20lb. The lake is in a superb venue surrounded by the most scenic countryside you can imagine. Stuart and Jan were great hosts. Stuart’s guidance on tactics was spot on and Jan’s meals along with her friendly chat and help with our general requests was excellent. I would recommend fishing with carpinfrance to anyone who wants to relax, eat well and more importantly, catch big 20lb plus carp on a regular basis. By the way, if you catch the biggest one, the one 50-60lb carp that is stocked, you win a free trip back! I definitely can’t wait to have another trip so it’s worth a crack.
Dave Roberts, Bournemouth. 26 July 2008.
What a great time we had.... From the fishing, to the great food and two absolute superstars in Stu and Jan. The facilities were great and Stu and Jan were accommodating from start to finish. Nothing was ever a problem. Over 300lbs of stunning carp in a week. What more can one ask for..... Sorry to be home :(, and can't wait to go back. A beautiful lake that anyone would be proud of. I know that I will be coming back a lot sooner than expected. Thanks for everything!
Ricky Stone, London. 14 June 2008
Where do i start? What a place. Having just returned from a week long trip to etang de villaine, i am already planning my next trip. The fishing was fantastic, every fish beat my UK personal best. I had just under 500lbs of fish in my time there. The only thing better than the fishing was the family and the hospitality they showed my party. Stu and Jan (and the two kids, three dogs, two cats) were amazing in every way. There was nothing that was too much trouble. The food was good and served in plenty. The conversation was something to look forward to and often a great alternative to the superb fishing. The facilities were second to none and the journey was easier than travelling in to work in the morning. I would like to thank you all for a wonderful holiday i cant wait to see you again, whether it is in France next year or in london so i can return a fraction of the hospitality you showed me.
Paul Andrews, London. 14 June 2008
When I first looked at coming to France I found I was spoilt for choice with venues to choose. But for package deals where everything is waiting for you when you arrive there were only a few.. I have to say I chose the right lake. The fishing was pretty full on, even though the weather was up and down.. Huge stock of twenties and bagged up over 500lb of fish.. Didn't however manage to get one of the big fish.. Stu, Jan, the kids and the dogs were all fantastic.. I would suggest however if you choose the food package, loose weight before you come out.. Jan puts out some serious amounts of food :-) Till next time guy's..
Martin Jenkinson, London. 14 June 2008
If you want to feel like a member of the family and get the chance to catch great fish you will love this holiday with Stu, Jan and the kids. The biggies eluded us but we had loads of carp between 20 and 30 pounds. We will be back soon to try for that enormous common and the big mirrors. We fished early May and the weather alternated between baking hot and tipping it down.
Keith Johnson , Surrey. 10 May 2008
What a FANTASTIC Venue!! Stuart and Jan make you feel really welcome and cater for your every need. Beautiful surroundings and the fish are all immaculate. Really pleased with everything at Etang de Villaine. Me and Dad didn't opt for the food but did have dinner one night with Janet and Stuart and if that was anything to go by, the food will be top quality too. Thanks for a great week guys!!
James Greenwood, Bournemouth. 3 May 2008
We were 1st paying guests on this newly opened venue, This fishing was superb, the biggies avoided us but we had 1400lb ranging from 20-31lb between me and my dad, Food was top quality & second to none, especially the Vaniila Bar Cake, Were treated like part of the family by Stu + Jan, and they even let us watch the champions league football, Cannot fault in anyway, would highly reccommend to anyone!! : )
Craig Alexander, Suffolk. 31 March 2008