This intimate 17-hectare reservoir in Maine-et-Loire offers solid carp fishing in a quieter setting, ideal if you're seeking a less pressured alternative to busier French venues—pike and tench add variety. Bank fishing only with day-only access keeps things peaceful, though you'll need to plan your sessions accordingly around daylight hours. Essential: purchase a permit from FDAAPPMA 49 (Maine-et-Loire federation) before fishing; it's roughly 265 miles south of Calais, making it a worthwhile detour for Pays de la Loire trips.
Étang des Hautes Belles lies 263 miles from Calais — a comfortable day's drive for visiting anglers heading into Pays de la Loire, a region with diverse fishing including carp lakes, river pike and coastal species.
Night fishing at Étang des Hautes Belles is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Maine-et-Loire requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Parcours listed in the annual arrêté — check the interactive map at fedepeche49.fr/pecher-en-maine-et-loire/reglementation/carpe-de-nuit/ Vegetable baits only. Bank fishing. Immediate release. Source: fedepeche49.fr/pecher-en-maine-et-loire/reglementation/carpe-de-nuit/
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Étang des Hautes Belles. Boats permitted. Bank only for night carp.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang des Hautes Belles under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Maine-et-Loire card (CHI/EHGO/URNE).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 49 / Fédération Pêche Maine-et-Loire. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Étang des Hautes Belles holds carp, pike, perch, tench, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Étang des Hautes Belles — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 49 / Fédération Pêche Maine-et-Loire. Licences are available online before your trip.
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2nd Category water. Carp/coarse: open all year. Pike: 25 Apr 2026–31 Jan 2027 (closed Feb–Apr). Zander/Perch/Catfish: all year. Pike season as above.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (FDAAPPMA 49 / Fédération Pêche Maine-et-Loire) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étang des Hautes Belles, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 49 / Fédération Pêche Maine-et-Loire is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang des Hautes Belles is 263 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Maine-et-Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Maine-et-Loire or explore all of Pays de la Loire.
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