La Grande Ballastière is an 11.8-hectare gravel pit in the Ardennes offering solid mixed fishing for carp, pike, perch and tench from the bank only. It's a day-fishing-only venue, ideal if you're planning shorter sessions while exploring the Grand Est region, situated around 155 miles south-east of Calais. You'll need a permit from AAPPMA "La Carolo Villersoise" de Charleville-Mézières, so contact them in advance to arrange access and current day-ticket rates.
la Grande Ballastière lies 155 miles from Calais — a comfortable day's drive for visiting anglers heading into Grand Est, a region bordering Germany and Luxembourg, popular with UK anglers for its proximity and excellent lake fishing.
Night fishing at la Grande Ballastière is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Ardennes requires specific prefectoral authorisation. Main carp venues are Lac des Vieilles Forges and Étang de Bairon. Check peche08.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: peche08.fr
Required permits & cards: Ardennes card or Grand-Est reciprocity.
Managed by AAPPMA "La Carolo Villersoise" de Charleville-Mézières. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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la Grande Ballastière holds carp, pike, perch, tench. 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 la Grande Ballastière — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA "La Carolo Villersoise" de Charleville-Mézières. 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 (AAPPMA "La Carolo Villersoise" de Charleville-Mézières) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish la Grande Ballastière, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA "La Carolo Villersoise" de Charleville-Mézières is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. la Grande Ballastière is 155 miles from Calais, around 3 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Ardennes is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Ardennes or explore all of Grand Est.
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