La Grande Mare is a compact 25-hectare reservoir in Burgundy offering solid mixed fishing for carp, catfish, and pike from the bank only—ideal if you prefer a quieter, intimate venue away from the tourist trail. Located 318 miles south of Calais, it's daylight-only fishing, so plan accordingly if you're basing yourself in northern France. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and AAPPMA Saint-Germain-du-Bois membership to fish here.
At 318 miles from Calais, la Grande Mare requires a longer journey from the UK, but Bourgogne-Franche-Comté — a region renowned among UK carp anglers for its quality stillwater fishing — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at la Grande Mare is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Saône-et-Loire's 2026 arrêté only covers specifically designated sites — this lake is not among them. Source: peche-saone-et-loire.fr/peche-pratique/carpe-de-nuit/ Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at la Grande Mare under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Saône-et-Loire card (CHI/EHGO/URNE).
Managed by AAPPMA Saint-Germain-du-Bois – Étangs. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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la Grande Mare holds carp, catfish, 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 la Grande Mare — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Saint-Germain-du-Bois – Étangs. 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 Saint-Germain-du-Bois – Étangs) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish la Grande Mare, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Saint-Germain-du-Bois – Étangs is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. la Grande Mare is 318 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Saône-et-Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Saône-et-Loire or explore all of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
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