Customer Reviews 2020
​
2020 - the year of Covid-19 that brought problems to all corners of the globe. We are fortunate to live in a sparsely populated area of France that was relatively untouched by the virus. Unfortunately for many of our customers, travel restrictions and quarantine meant that they did not make it to their favourite carp fishing venue in 2020. For those that did get here, they enjoyed one of the best seasons ever at Les Croix. The long rest from October 2019 to July 2020 and the lack of angling in between the weeks where angling did take place, saw the carp in a very confident feeding situation which in turn led to fantastic fishing for all !
Shaun and Kate 4th – 11th July
Our first time to Les Croix and this being our first week of a two week holiday. Due to the unprecedented times, we were lucky to get away for the start of the delayed season. Personally I was very excited at the prospect of unpressured, large carp in beautiful surroundings, and I wasn’t disappointed. More of that later. We chose Les Croix for the peace and quiet, the lovely, clean gite, the private pool for Kate and some day fishing for me. Turning 50 this year, bivvying up overnight doesn’t appeal to me anymore, so short day sessions was right up my street.
Fantastic and friendly welcome by Jon, Lisa and Bailey, the latter of which has become very friendly with Kate, obviously nothing to do with the ham, pate etc. that she’s slipping him ! The gite and pool surpassed expectations – the gite, very clean, very well equiped and thank you for the welcome hamper! Nice touch.
I’ve been carp fishing for a long time but have learned from Jon a few things. I have high respect for this man and what he’s developed here. Having brought and run a French fishery in the 1990’s I know what it takes to produce such high standards. I feel that I’ve arrived as a guest and will be leaving as a friend. Parfait ! Kate loved the pool, always cleaned by Jon and she loved the privacy.
As far as the fish for the first week. First the condition, immaculate! Second, it’s been a very long time that I’ve experienced such hard fighting carp. Regardless of size they’re all fabulous fighting fish in superb condition. Fish caught: 19 fish in total 1 x 60 – Slate, 3 x 40, 6 x 30, 2 x 20, 4 x Doubles, 3 x stockies. Fabulous first week, great weather, beautiful surroundings, lovely wildlife, Golden Orioles, Kingfisher, Buzzards and a few frogs!! Looking forward to our second week.
Second week 11th - 18th July Shaun & Kate
The second week was a continuation of our first. The fishing not dominating the holiday too much, and with Kate enjoying several books that are in the Gite, mainly consumed around the pool.
The fishing did surpass week one, which I wasn’t expecting. Total for week 2 was 28 fish including, 2 x 60’s, 2 x 50’s, 5 x 40’s, 10 x 30’s, 2 x 20’s, 2 x doubles and 5 x singles. I’ve written an article for Jon’s website, so all the detail is there.
The Gite is fantastic, it’s the best equipped Gite we’ve ever stayed in, and very clean, comfortable and private. We made use of the large gas BBQ on several nights, and had the pleasure of Jon’s company for a couple of evenings. Bailey was lovely to have around, especially as we’ve lost our own dog fairly recently. It’s possible that he was slightly spoiled by Kate….and me ! Goats were amusing too ! We’re going to miss the tranquility, wildlife, area, weather and of course Bailey. We’ll see you next year in April and then again for two weeks in July!
Many thanks Jon. Best venue as a package I’ve ever visited in 27+ years of coming to France…
Ben, Shannon, Martin and Vicki 1st August – 8th August
First time at Les Croix, we will be back! The fishing facilities and hosts were all fantastic! The accommodation was brilliant and had everything we needed for our stay. All fish were in very good condition which makes a nice change from the UK.
The wildlife including the frogs, goats, lizards, birds chickens and Bailey kept the whole family entertained. Les Croix ticks all the boxes and I think we would struggle to find anything to compare it to. We will definitely be back next year, a week in May booked before departure.
Jon, Georgia, Peggy and Stanley 15th August – 22nd August
We would like to thank Lisa and Jon for an enjoyable stay. The gite had everything we needed and more coming with a 2 year old we weren’t sure how it was going to be but Stanley had the best time, feeding the goats every day, fishing, frogs, using the swimming pool and seeing the most friendly dog – Bailey. There is so much space for kids to explore. As for the fishing I only fished mornings from 07.30-11.30 and evenings only a few hours. I had a total of 30 carp including 64lb – Emma (caught twice), 3 x 50lb, 7 x 40lbs, 6 x 30lbs, 2 x 20lbs and 8 double/single. So just shows you don’t have to fish all day to catch great carp! I have been to France for over 15 years and this has been the best place. I was enjoying the fishing but still having lots of family time.
Already booked for next year. Thank you again to Jon and Lisa.
Ben, Caroline, Beau and Sam (the dog) 22nd August – 29th August
Our third fantastic holiday at Les Croix, same as always, fantastic accommodation, fishing and fun. This holiday has not been all about the fishing, we have had some really fun family time , swimming, feeding the goats, eating out, visiting friends and teaching our 3 year old son Beau to swim and ride his bike. Sam the dog has enjoyed spending time with Bailey, he also enjoyed his time over with Jon and Lisa. To top his holiday off the frogs have kept him very busy during his time down the lake. On to the fishing, it’s been a steady week with a total of 21 carp caught. Plenty of bait has been the key, 30 kilos of boilies and 20 kilos of pellet. Beau has also had a great weeks fishing by catching his first ever fish in the shape of 13 x Roach. His PB stands at 4-6 oz. Thanks again Jon Lisa and Bailey for a brilliant holiday we look forward to seeing you in 10 weeks for our November break.
John and Julie 12th September – 19th September
Despite all the covid inspired obstacles relating to travel we have been delighted to spend our 9th ( I think) week here and it just gets better and better. The weather has been glorious and both of us needed the pool in the middle of the day – Thanks for all your efforts on this Jon. Despite it not being carpy weather with 34 degrees in the shade the fish did not disappoint and as the pressure dipped towards the end of the week we managed to winkle out a few including the HD Common (star of the week) and Slate x2.
There are some amazing fish coming on and the ferocity of the commons bodes well for the future. Thank you Jon and Lisa for your attention to detail and to Bailey for joining us for bacon and sausages on a number of occasions.
Jim and Helen Nicholson 10th – 24th October
Well what can I say, another amazing trip. It was a joy to be back at Les Croix. Beautiful as ever and my idea of a perfect carp lake. When here I often think to myself “there is nowhere in the world I’d rather be”. All credit to Jon. He has created something very special.
48 pristine carp in 2 wonderful weeks of fishing , the weather not ideal for sitting out, but perfect for carp fishing! Only 9 of the 48 fish were under 30lbs, 16 x 30’s with thirteen of these 35lbs+ 18 x 40’s, 4 x 50’s and Emma at 66lbs. A few recaptures clearly showing that the carp were feeding very strongly. I nearly forgot, Helen’s holiday was made when a red squirrel came to see her on the patio.
We eagerly await our next visit in May next year.
Claire and Stuart Thompson 24th – 31st October
Our second visit to Les croix, we received a warm welcome from Lisa and Jon who explained they were only a phone call away should we need anything. Clean and well equipped gite. Beautiful and peaceful surroundings with out of this world fishing! All fish caught were in fabulous condition which is testament to Jon’s rules. 16 fish in total. If only you could determine the weather! One dry day in a week, so the comforts of home in the gite were a blessing.
Thank you for going the extra mile and printing our forms to explain why we were travelling through France as they went into lockdown the day before our departure and offering to shop should we need it was a great peace of mind during such trying times.