Our new website for Carp Fishing Holidays in France and Europe is now live. More Lakes will be added over the coming days. Check back soon! Our new website for Carp Fishing Holidays in France and Europe is now live. More Lakes will be added over the coming days. Check back soon! Our new website for Carp Fishing Holidays in France and Europe is now live. More Lakes will be added over the coming days. Check back soon! Our new website for Carp Fishing Holidays in France and Europe is now live. More Lakes will be added over the coming days. Check back soon!  Our new website for Carp Fishing Holidays in France and Europe is now live. More Lakes will be added over the coming days. Check back soon! Our new website for Carp Fishing Holidays in France and Europe is now live. More Lakes will be added over the coming days. Check back soon! Our new website for Carp Fishing Holidays in France and Europe is now live. More Lakes will be added over the coming days. Check back soon! Our new website for Carp Fishing Holidays in France and Europe is now live. More Lakes will be added over the coming days. Check back soon! 
Poplars (Famous Five) Poplars (Famous Five) Poplars (Famous Five) Poplars (Famous Five) Poplars (Famous Five) Poplars (Famous Five) Poplars (Famous Five) Poplars (Famous Five) Poplars (Famous Five) Poplars (Famous Five)
HomeLakesExclusive + Accommodation › Poplars (Famous Five)

Poplars (Famous Five)

Lake Size
2 acres
Biggest Carp
43lb+
Average Weight
28lb
Max Anglers
4
Lake Record
43
Country
France

Poplars Lake sits at the heart of the Famous Five complex in the beautiful Mayenne region of north-west France, offering one of the most consistent and action-packed carp fishing holidays in France. This well-managed, 2 acre venue is ideal for anglers seeking a productive French carp fishing lake with regular bites, quality fish, and a relaxed countryside setting.

This is a superb option for drive and survive carp fishing in France, particularly for small groups, mates’ trips, or anglers who enjoy steady action rather than long quiet spells. Poplars has developed into a genuine runs water, where short sessions can produce impressive numbers and week-long stays regularly result in serious catch totals. It’s a great balance of action and opportunity, with enough quality in the stock to keep experienced anglers engaged.

The lake itself is angler-friendly and varied, featuring a mix of clay, silt, and gravel areas that create multiple productive spots. With no major snags, minimal weed, and clearly defined margins, it’s a water that suits all abilities—from first-time anglers fishing in France to seasoned carp anglers chasing consistent results. Established lilies and natural features add character without making fishing difficult.

Recent years have seen a complete transformation of Poplars Lake, with significant investment in water quality, stock balance, and overall lake management. The result is a thriving, well-maintained venue that now stands out as one of the most reliable carp fishing holiday destinations in Europe for anglers who want action, comfort, and a proven track record.

On-site accommodation sits just metres from the water, making this an ideal French carp fishing holiday for anglers travelling from the UK. With everything close at hand and the option for full lake exclusive bookings across the wider complex, Poplars Lake offers a flexible and highly enjoyable fishing experience.

Accommodation
Tackle Hire
Bait Shop
Food Package Available
Night Fishing Permitted
Showers & Toilets
Electric Points
Dog Friendly
Car Parking
Catch & Return Required
On-site lakeside accommodation (“Home Swim”)
Mobile home with double bed, single bed, and pull-out bed
Front decking area with direct lake views
Private pontoon with direct access to the water
Shower and WC facilities
Fully equipped kitchen (gas cooker, fridge, microwave, kettle)
Cooking utensils, crockery, and essentials provided
Bed linen and towels included
Freesat British TV and DVD player
Access to shared DVD library on-site
Food package available across the complex
Tackle hire available (bivvies, chairs, alarms, etc.)
Bait packages available on arrival
Easy access swims and well-maintained banks
Parking close to accommodation
Family-friendly venue – non-anglers welcome
Pets allowed
Poplars Lake offers a well-balanced and exciting stock, perfectly suited to anglers looking for both action and quality fish.

The carp stock averages around the mid to high 20lb bracket, with multiple fish over 30lb and specimens pushing into the low 40s. These are hard-fighting, fast-growing fish, with a strong Czech and Hungarian strain known for their power and condition. Careful stock management means very few fish fall below 20lb, giving anglers a genuine chance of consistent, quality captures.

This is a lake where numbers are part of the appeal. Short 24-hour sessions regularly produce double-figure catches, while longer stays can see anglers landing 50+ carp in a week. It’s an ideal venue for building confidence, improving techniques, or simply enjoying non-stop carp fishing in France.

Alongside the carp, the lake also holds:

Grass carp to around 30lb
Sturgeon reaching impressive sizes
A small number of catfish (being gradually reduced)
Predator species including pike and zander

Ongoing restocking and careful fishery management continue to improve both the quality and consistency of the stock, ensuring Poplars remains one of the most productive carp fishing lakes in France.
A full bait package is available on arrival, making Poplars Lake an ideal choice for anglers travelling from the UK or those looking for a hassle-free carp fishing holiday in France.

High-quality frozen boilies are freshly prepared using premium ingredients, with no fillers or preservatives. These baits are produced by an experienced English bait specialist and are used as part of the lake’s regular feeding programme, ensuring fish are already accustomed to them.

Popular options include proven flavours such as cranberry & caviar and squid & octopus, alongside specialist blends designed to deliver strong attraction and nutritional value. Particle mixes are also prepared on-site using maize and wheat, pre-soaked and cooked to maximise effectiveness.

Key benefits:

Fresh, high-quality boilies available on-site
Proven bait used in the lake’s feeding programme
Particle bait prepared and ready to use
No need to transport large quantities of bait from the UK

Bait rules are straightforward and designed to protect fish health while maintaining the lake’s excellent catch rates. This makes Poplars a convenient and reliable option for anglers looking for stress-free carp fishing holidays in Europe.
We don’t want to be too draconian or prescriptive in our approach to angling at Famous Five Fishing. But we love our fish and we adore the environments in which they are located. And we know our guests feel the same way and will love and respect all that we have created.

Mainline and Terminal Tackle

Mainline: 18lb minimum (20lb+ recommended on Eagles)
No braided main line, except on spod or marker rods.
Hooklink: 35lb minimum
No lead core or leaders.
Minimum 18inches of rig tubing.
Barbless hooks only.
No curved, bent or long shanked hooks.
No fixed/bolt or tethered rigs (ronnie, 360, spinner or zig rigs)
Bait

No shelf-life baits (apart from hookbaits).
Tinned or frozen sweetcorn is allowed. No plastic hookbaits and no nuts (except as hookbaits).
Bait boats are allowed. A rowing boat is available.
No live fish or offal to be used
No dumping of unused baits at the end of the week.
Fishing

3 rods per angler maximum which must not be left unattended.
Minimum 1 x 42’’ landing net per angler.
Stalking with one rod is allowed wherever it is safe to do so.
Environment

Please keep the swims clean and tidy. Please use the rubbish bins provided at each swim
Pets are welcome across the site. But please be aware that the complex is not fully fenced. Let us know if you need any assistance in making an appointment with the local vet at Loiron prior to your departure.

Approximate Driving Times from Ferry Ports

Calais / Eurotunnel Most popular crossing
Dieppe Good for Normandy lakes
Caen (Ouistreham) Portsmouth to Caen
Cherbourg West of Normandy
Le Havre Upper Normandy
St Malo West France / Brittany

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