Fishing

Fishing is very popular in Poitou-Charentes and is heavily regulated. Anglers must obtain a licence from a special point-of-sale (the angling shops in nearby Chef Boutonne or Ruffec normally sell them) and follow the guidelines set down by the French fishing federation (www.unpf.fr). The licence, otherwise known as a Carte Vacances, is valid for 15 days and costs approximately 30 euros*. A Carte Jeunesse is available for those aged under 16 and costs approximately 22 euros*.

When the season opens, the Charente tributaries in the Ruffec district are full of pike, eel and trout.

You can also enjoy course fishing at the lake in the picturesque grounds of the Château de Javarzay or at Le Chalet de l'Héronnière in nearby Chef Boutonne. A fifteen-minute drive away is L'étang du Breuil-Tizon which is stocked with rainbow trout and salmon and is open all year round. The Pêcherie de Lizant is less than a 30 minutes' drive away and also offers course fishing all year round.

The Centre Pescalis in Moncoutant is an international angling centre where experienced anglers or beginners can choose between game, fly or ground bait fishing. Typical catches include black-bass, pike, salmon, pike-perch and catfish. Beginners and Family Fishing areas ensure that no-one misses out on the fun. Other activities available include horseriding, walking and mountain biking. There are shops and restaurants in the centre and a children's play area.

Sea fishing trips can be booked in Royan, La Rochelle, Rochefort-sur-mer or Île d'Oléron

* 2004 prices.