Fishing at a French Chateau

I can understand the attraction of fishing, but have never dabbled, always arguing that I do not have enough time to indulge in an activity which is so quintissentially time-consuming. Like all the best leisure pursuits, I suspect fishing enables you to escape into another world which is virtually timeless and far removed from the pressures of modern life.

To be able to pursue this interest in the heart of France in a beautiful setting, dominated by a fine chateau, looks even more tempting – and this is what is on offer at the Chateau de Tigny at Pouilly-Sous-Charlieu (42 Loire, Rhone-Alpes) north of Roanne near Charlieu.

Here Tony and Lorraine Dicks bought the chateau some 18 months ago, since when they have been renovating the chateau, preparing and stocking the lake and coping with French bureaucracy. The result looks to be stunning, with some gite acccommodation also coming on stream.

The charming medieval village of Charlieu is steeped in history and was founded in 875 by Benedictine monks from the Touraine. Charlieu has many attractions such as the Abbey Benedictine, a beautiful church, museums, plus many bars, shops and restaurants. Surrounded by country lanes and woodlands Charlieu is an idyllic place suitable for walking, cycling and enjoying the fresh country air. There are many local town markets open during the week so there is always plenty to do.

The enchanting Chateau de Tigny is a 16th century French Bourguignon style castle complete with two towers and a beautiful pigeonnier. The Chateau is surrounded by a moat on three sides.
Situated in front of the Chateau is a tranquil, 12 acre lake stocked with large Carp making Chateau de Tigny a most desirable place for Carp fishing holiday’s. The lake is for 1- 6 anglers.
Either stay in the luxury bed and breakfast accommodation or you can choose the “Drive-and Survive” package. The Chateau offers two luxury suites of accommodation. The Queen Ann suite has a romantic four-poster bed and the Rococo suite, comprising of a double and two single beds, which can sleep up to a family of four. The rooms are both en-suite and a continental breakfast is included.

And, whilst the main attraction may be the carp fishing for some, there is plenty for non-anglers to enjoy. There are resident barn owls in the front Tower, red squirrels , eagles and hawks around the grounds with kingfishers on the lake, ducks on the islands and the occasional deer in the fields behind the lake – ideal if you are in to photography, painting or just enjoying the tranquility of the French countryside!

For more info see Chateau de Tigny

For more info on Charlieu see www.ville-charlieu.fr