Chef de Ville
New venue for 2025
Chef de Ville is a mature 18.5 acre lake which can accommodate up to 12 anglers located just 180 miles from Calais. Acquired by the current lake owners in 2022, the venue has undergone a complete transformation following a lot of hard work and investment in the lake, the facilities and fish stock.
There are in excess of 500 carp to over 60lbs and an average weight of 33lbs. All fish caught today have been microchipped to track weight gain. There are at least 3 x 60s, 8 x 50s and over 25 x 40lbs. There are also some massive grass carp present to over 75lbs.
8 double swims are available, all of which are vehicle-accessible, with designated parking spaces nearby for convenience. Each swim offers its own distinct features, creating diverse opportunities for anglers.
The Lake
Chef de Ville is an elongated 18.5-acre carp lake situated in the Seine-et-Marne region. Its close proximity to the River Marne ensures stable water levels, even during the height of summer.
The lake’s depths range from 2 to 6 metres (6 to 20 feet), and its bed—formerly a gravel pit—consists mainly of clay and gravel, with some occasional obstacles. The lake does contain some weed, however the lake owners are very proactive in taking steps to reduce weed growth. As a precaution, 1 week in early May and a week in June has been allocated, should it be required for weed removal. Boats are available to be hire for locating spots and landing fish.
The Swims
Chef de Ville boasts eight swims, with seven positioned along the southern bank and one (Swim 8) situated at the lake’s easternmost point. All swims are designed to accommodate up to two anglers.
Raised platforms provide ideal areas for bivvies, while lower sections are perfect for positioning rod pods. Wide, sturdy steps connect these levels for easy access.
- Swim 1: Located near the lake’s entrance, this shallow swim (3–5 metres) offers fishing opportunities in the left-hand corner, where carp often rest, as well as along the bank and beneath overhanging trees.
- Swim 2: A generously sized swim with panoramic views of the water. Features a large plateau, some algae, and a few snags. Depths range from 3 to 5.5 metres.
- Swim 3: Another spacious swim, situated over 120 metres from the opposite bank. The lakebed here is relatively even, with no major obstacles. Depths are between 3 and 5.5 metres.
- Swim 4: Found in the central section of the lake, this swim has an irregular bottom with plateaus where carp often feed. Depths range from 3 to 5.5 metres, and there is one snag to be mindful of.
- Swim 5: Elevated for sweeping views of the water, Swim 5 is just over 150 metres from the far bank. Depths range from 3 to 6 metres.
- Swim 6: Featuring a varied lakebed with plateaus and some weed zones near the shore, this swim offers depths between 3 and 6 metres.
- Swim 7: Similar to Swim 6, this area has an irregular bottom with plateaus. The banks are known resting spots for carp. Depths vary from 3 to 5 metres.
- Swim 8: Situated on the eastern bank, this swim provides stunning views of the lake. With depths of 2 to 5 metres, it includes a large section of weed and aquatic plants. Anglers can also target the nearby small island from this swim.
To ensure each angler has ample water coverage and does not interfere with other anglers fishing, swims are signed in pairs. For example, swim 1 and 2 are assigned together. This is at no extra costs you will only pay the price for one swim but between 2 anglers you will have access to both double swims.
Bookings are Saturday to Saturday
4 rowing boats with optional outboard motors are available to hire.
Boilies and particles are available to be purchased on site
A food package is available which consists of xxxxxxxxxx
Rules and Regulations
- Both bait boats and rowing boats are allowed. Please ensure you respect your fellow anglers.
- Braided mainlines and lead-core are prohibited. Use safety rigs only and single hooks with micro barbs or barbless hooks (flattened barbs are acceptable).
- The use of carp sacks, bent hooks, braided mainlines, tiger nuts, peanuts, or any other nuts is banned. Rig tubing is permitted, but lead-core is not allowed.
- Each angler is limited to a maximum of three rods. Bivvies and tents must be in natural colours, such as brown or green.
- Anglers must have a large landing net with a minimum width of 90cm, a thick unhooking mat or cradle (at least 5cm thick), a large weigh sling, and carp antiseptic kits for treating hook wounds.
- Handle all fish with care and return them to the water promptly. Bring waders for taking photos with the fish in the water (at your own risk). Photos should either be taken in the water or while kneeling, with the fish held over a mat or cradle. Standing while holding carp for photos is strictly prohibited.
- Any incidents of fish marking or theft will be reported immediately to the local police (Gendarmerie) and French authorities.
- Abuse of alcohol and use of drugs are strictly forbidden.
- Respect the environment and the tranquillity of the lake. Keep the swims and sanitary facilities clean and dispose of waste in the designated recycling bins.
- Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead when children are present. Open fires are strictly forbidden, though gas cookers and barbecues are permitted.
- The owner reserves the right to withhold the refundable deposit if these regulations are not followed.
- Arrival time: 11:00 AM. Departure time: 10:00 AM.
- Cars may be parked at the designated swim.
- The owner and bailiff are authorised to inspect rigs at any time.
- The owner accepts no responsibility for theft, fire, injuries, or any other incidents.
- Each angler must sign a declaration agreeing to abide by these regulations.
- Waste must be sorted into appropriate categories, such as glass, paper/cardboard, bricks, and cans, and disposed of in the correct bins.
| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Calais | 180 miles |
| Le Havre | 162 miles |
| Dieppe | 164 miles |
| Dunkirk | 182 miles |
| Caen | 192 miles |
| Cherbourge | 263 miles |
| St. Malo | 295 miles |
| Roscoff | 385 miles |