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Les Plus Beaux Villages de France with a focus on fishing
6 Ideas for fishing holidays in Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
With the fishing season opening in March, the urge to enjoy a break by the water is in the air. Why not combine this activity with exploring Les Plus Beaux Villages de France? These destinations, nestled in the heart of exceptional landscapes, combine nature, heritage and the joy of fishing.
Whether you’re looking to fish in rivers or even by the sea, these villages guarantee moments of peace and relaxation. Discover 7 unmissable destinations where fishing goes hand in hand with charm and authenticity!
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei (Orne): Fishing in an artists’ village on the banks of the Sarthe
Tucked away in a bend of the River Sarthe, in the heart of the rolling countryside of the Alpes Mancelles, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei exudes a timeless charm. Here, brown and rainbow trout thrive in crystal-clear waters, offering the perfect setting for fishing enthusiasts. Between catches, step inside the Romanesque church, or stroll through the cobbled streets and discover one of the artists’ studios, inspired by the village’s unique atmosphere.
Find out more about fishing in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei.
Our top tip for lunch in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
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La Taverne Giroise
Restaurant
Navarrenx (Pyrénées-Atlantiques): A trout fishing trip on the Gave d’Oloron
Through which the Gave d’Oloron flows, Navarrenx was long known as the “salmon capital”. Whilst the decline in the species’ numbers in the region means it is no longer possible to catch the “king of the rivers”, wild brown trout and shad populate the no-kill stretch at Bererenx. After your fishing trip, be sure to visit this fortified bastide and take a stroll along the ramparts.
Find out more about fishing in Navarrenx.
Lods (Doubs): Trout and white water for a holiday in the heart of the Jura Mountains
On the banks of the Loue, Lods is a paradise for fly-fishing enthusiasts. The waters of this iconic river in the Doubs are teeming with grayling, brown trout and chub. Look up and you cannot help but be charmed by this village, with its winegrowers’ houses clinging to the hillside. Take the time to explore the village’s old forges and mills to combine fishing with a heritage tour during your trip.
Find out more about fishing in Lods.
Arlempdes (Haute-Loire): Fishing amidst the volcanoes
Dominated by the ruins of a medieval castle perched on a basalt dyke, Arlempdes offers a spectacular setting where the Loire, still in its early stages, winds its way through the volcanic landscape. Fishing enthusiasts will find brown trout, gudgeon and minnow here. Afterwards, take the time to climb up to the castle to enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley and admire the Auvergne countryside.
For an even more immersive experience of this exceptional natural setting, don’t miss the video from the Haute-Loire Angling Federation, which takes you on a journey through the waters of Arlempdes.
Find out more about fishing in Arlempdes.
Saint-Jean-de-Côle (Dordogne): A fishing holiday in the Périgord
In the heart of the Périgord Vert, Saint-Jean-de-Côle charms visitors as much with its medieval architecture as with its fishing spots. The Côle, a river winding its way at the foot of the village, is home to trout and chub. For another fishing experience, head to the Fon Pépy Fish Farm, where you can go fishing with the family in an idyllic setting. After a lovely day by the water, treat yourself to a stroll through the village’s narrow streets or explore the Château de la Marthonie. A complete immersion in the charm of the Périgord awaits you!
Find out more about fishing in Saint-Jean-de-Côle.
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (Corrèze) – Fishing in the heart of the Dordogne valley
Known as the ‘Limousin Riviera’, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is a veritable little paradise for fishing enthusiasts. The Dordogne, with its fish-rich waters, is teeming with trout, zander and pike. After a great day’s fishing, lose yourself in the village’s medieval alleyways, then hop aboard a gabare to discover the river from a different perspective, just as the boatmen of yesteryear did when transporting salt, wine and timber.
Find out more about fishing in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne.
Our top tips for places to stay in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
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Le Beaulieu
Hôtel - restaurant -
Le Relais de Vellinus
Hôtel
Fancy getting your fishing rods out whilst staying in one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France?
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, these seven villages offer unique experiences amidst varied and unspoilt countryside. Is the fishing season not yet open? Then why not find some inspiration amongst our many other holiday ideas in Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Our other holiday ideas along the waterways
Discover our ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ for water sports and white-water activities.
