We have a fantastic group of lakes on our website, which are a credit to the people that run them. We asked Gérard who together with Carla owns Cerises & Duquesne two small and exclusive carp lakes in France a few questions.
1. When did you discover carp fishing and how did you come to be here at the lake?
We discovered the world of carp fishing by chance. Gérard was a fisherman when he was young mainly fishing for trout and whitefish. I (Carla) was completely unfamiliar with this sport. Opening our lakes to anglers was unexpected, but it has brought us immense pleasure to see people enjoy their first fishing experience in France.
2. What’s the best and worst part of being the owner?
The main advantage of owning a lake is that you get to meet so many different people. We now have our regulars who return every month. We’ve met some great people since we started our adventure with Angling Lines. Although everyone is different they are always friendly and interesting. It’s always a great pleasure to see people happy and to watch anglers live out their dream of fishing in France.
The biggest difficulty for both of us is balancing our family life with our children alongside our jobs. We both work in addition to running our lakes. We have a lot of work to do in the green spaces as well as the administration. But it’s all worth the effort. We’re really passionate about this new adventure. Our priority is to continually improve and to bring a little happiness to everyone who visits.
3. What would you say is the best feature of your lakes?
The best thing about our lakes is the peace and quiet. We believe that tranquillity is a real luxury. Being able to enjoy the exclusivity of the location, along with lodges equipped with the basics you need for a comfortable and peaceful week.
4. When people arrive is there anything they are surprised by?
When people arrive they are always happy to find a quiet, safe place. The fact that they are alone on the lake is a huge positive for them. They can really enjoy the surroundings. Many guests comment on the calm and serenity the lake provides.
5. What is the most common mistake you see anglers make at your lakes?
We think the main mistake anglers make is overfeeding the fish. Of course food is necessary but we believe moderation is far more effective.
6. Finally, what is the one most important piece of advice you’d give to anglers visiting one of your lakes soon?
We believe that preparation and observation of the area are essential for a successful session. We always tell our guests that we don’t want to disturb them but if they need anything at all we are always on hand to help.
About Cerises & Duquesne two small and exclusive carp lakes in France
Cerises, a 3-acre lake, offers exclusive hire for 2–3 anglers, with overhanging margins, a small island, and a lakeside lodge for simple accommodation up to 4 people. The terraced dining area makes for easy meals while watching the action. Carp here range from doubles to 30lb+, with a lake record of 52lb.
Find out more about Cerises here.
Duquesne is a charming 5-acre lake, perfect for up to 4 anglers with tiered pricing keeping it affordable for smaller groups. With a simple lakeside cabin and seating behind a large double swim, it’s ideal for relaxing while keeping an eye on the buzzers. Expect carp from doubles up to over 30lb, plus koi, sturgeon and catfish for a striking gallery.
Find out more about Duquesne here.
Both Cerises and Duquesne are set in the peaceful French countryside near Pacy-sur-Eure, offering a quiet retreat just over an hour from Paris and under three hours’ drive from Calais.
Read more of our interviews with owners here – Interview with a Lake Owner Series.
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