And, those who love daydreaming and musing will journey off with the setting sun. The perfect moment for silently sliding into the peaceful water and delighting in the low-angled light caressing the golden barks of the Scots pines. Peacefulness that's also perfect for fishing that requires mental focus: for those who need to concentrate to catch pike-perch, this shrewd fish which can't be caught easily. Fancy more sportive fishing? On a kayak or float-tube, you may have an opportunity to get close to the real master of the lake: the powerful pike which is over 1 metre long.
Like being in the Great North
Vassivière Lake, one of the greates palces for predator fishing, is also the perfect place for families and lovers of nature and culture. Here, almost 300 kilometres of waymarked trails invite to discover trails twisting through woods and moorland, in a scenescape resembling the Great North of the USA. The lakeside bubbles over with all sorts of trails and walking itineraries, orientation courses and snow-shoeing possibilities, but you can also enjoy sailing and SUP. With six marinas, five supervised beaches as well as a naturist area, everything is on hand and the atmosphere is great. Many events are held here throughout the year, in particular the International Storyteller Festival, in August.
An itinerary devoted to contemporary art
Vassivière island is one of the jewels of the place. It hosts the Centre international d’art et du paysage (International Art and Landscape Centre), in particular dedicated to contemporary art. This immense space showcases some sixty-odd works of art sprinkled around the lake shoreline and in the forest. Videos, photos, installations, etc. Four exhibitions are organized every year. Guided tours and workshops are also proposed.
www.lelacdevassiviere.com
Must-sees along waterways elsewhere in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Gironde / Lamprey, star of the river
The lamprey, star of local gastronomy, is a migratory fish. In Sainte-Terre, near Saint-Émilion, Cabestan Farm invites you to discover the techniques used in this type of fishing, iconic in the region.
www.lamproie.fr
- Marais Poitevin / Fishing for crayfish
Marais Poitevin, fishing paradise, proposes a "no-kill" itinerary in Coulon along the banks of the Niort Sèvre. Children will just love catching the crayfish. "Pêche" (fishing) labelled accommodation is located close by.
www.niortmaraispoitevin.com
- Béarn Pyrénées / Coaxing trout
With around 5,200 kilometres of waterways, the Béarn Pyrénées is the perfect place for coaxing (and catching) trout. Everyone has their own technique for catching them: tip-actioned fishing, fly fishing and even "no-kill". Some itineraries are suitable for children.
www.aappma-gave-oloron.com