Etang la Saussaie

Exclusive carp fishing lake

Etang la Saussaie is a truly impressive 8 acre lake set on 15 acres of land in the idyllic Champagne region, near Vitry-le-François, just over 3 hours from Calais! Etang la Saussaie offers the perfect backdrop for photographs with its manicured lawns and spectacular sunsets, this a special lake indeed!

A mature tree-lined lake, excavated over 30 years ago, Etang la Saussaie consists of gravel and clay. The lake offers a multitude of interesting features: from an island with overhanging trees and deep margins to depths ranging between 8 to 12 feet depending on the time of year.

Spacious, well-maintained and perfectly positioned, Etang la Saussaie consists of 14 single swims, with a maximum of 6 anglers. This ensures anglers have the freedom to move around while maintaining the relaxing and comfortable atmosphere that makes this such an impressive lake. All swims are accessible by vehicle. Etang la Saussaie can be weedy from time to time.

The complex has a range of facilities available:

  • Showers and toilets
  • Fridges and freezers
  • Social area comprising of BBQ and picnic benches with spectacular views of the lake
  • Electricity is present on site for charging batteries and phones
  • Weigh station on each swim
  • 10 minutes from a range of supermarkets, restaurants and shops
  • Fenced with a gated entrance

Carpe Vivre Etang la Saussaie

“A Etang la Saussaie mirror at just over 40lb. Some pics just float your boat. Thanks to Pete for the pic, you’re a star. Great week as usual and looking forward to returning in September.”

– Jamie Foot

Great venue, great bailiff and awesome fish.”


– Wayne Brownhill





Stock at Etang La Saussaie

The lake stock is estimated at 140+ carp, with the average weight ranging between 18 and 33+kgs. The current lake record is well over 33kgs. Mixture of mirror and common carp, with many named scaly mirrors and some stunning large common carp.

No poison chat, crayfish or bream.

Fishery Rules

  • Arrival & Departure
    Anglers may access the lake after 1:00 PM on the day of arrival. All anglers must leave the lake by 10:00 AM on the day of departure.

  • Vehicles
    Vehicles are allowed around the lake for unloading only and may be parked next to your swim. Once set up, vehicles must be returned to the main car park unless you are moving swims.
    • Driving off the designated track is strictly forbidden. Any damage caused will be charged to the angler.
    • Recovery of stuck vehicles will incur a €250 fee.
    • All vehicles must be parked in the car park after unloading.

  • Fish Care Equipment
    Unhooking mats, weigh slings, carp care kits, and landing nets are provided by the fishery. A €50 cash deposit is payable on arrival.
    • No personal unhooking mats, weigh slings, or nets are permitted on site.
    • Carp care kits must be used on every fish, every time. All wounds or mouth damage must be treated.

  • Fish Handling & Photography
    • No sacking or retaining of fish.
    • All fish must be lifted from the water using a weigh sling – never in the net. Ensure all fins are flat against the body before lifting.
    • Fish over 40 lb must be photographed in the water.
    • Fish over 50 lb must not leave the lake.
    • All weighing must be done in the water. Weigh poles are provided.
    • Please take photos of both sides of the fish (where possible) and record weights to help us monitor health and growth. Participation in our weekly catch app is required.
    • Any fish damage must be reported immediately to the bailiff or owner.

  • Rods & Tackle
    • Maximum 3 rods per angler. Rods must not be left unattended.
    • Rods must be fished within the designated swim boundaries (lake map available in the lodge or, ask the bailiff).
    • No braided mainline, braided leaders, leadcore, lead-free leaders, or Rigmarole or Fox Copper core. No leaders of any kind.
    • Minimum mainline: 18 lb breaking strain or 0.38 diameter. Safety rigs only. No bolt rigs
    • All anglers’ setups must be able to drop the lead safely. Any unsuitable setups must be changed immediately
    • Hooks: Micro-barbed size 2 only. No long-curve, long-shank, bent, or barbless hooks allowed. No set hooks.
    • The use of the Magic Twig is banned – offenders will be asked to leave.
    • Rig and line checks will be made before anyone can start fishing and throughout the week.

  • Swims & Bivvies
    • Fishing is only permitted from marked swims.
    • Bivvies must be placed on the gravel areas provided.
    • No “buddy bivvies” between swims.
  • Bait Rules
    • All particles, seeds, and maize must be purchased from the fishery. Outside supplies are not permitted and will be confiscated until departure.
    • All nuts (including peanuts) are banned.
    • Maggots, worms, and snails are banned.
    • No plastic hook baits are allowed.
    • Bait boats are allowed with sensible use.

  • Boats
    • Two boats are available on each bank for freeing snagged fish. Life jackets are mandatory. In the event of a fish becoming snagged, please contact bailiff first.
    • Boats must be returned in the same condition to their designated points.
    • No private rowing boats are allowed on site.

  • Facilities & Cleanliness
    • Kitchen, showers, and toilets are free for anglers. Please bring your own bin bags, toilet paper, kitchen roll, and towels.
    • Facilities must be kept clean after use. A €100 deposit will be held and returned on departure if everything is left clean and in good condition.
    • No fishing tackle or bait may be stored in or around social areas.

  • Grounds & Conduct
    • Cutting or pruning trees, plants, or vegetation is not allowed.
    • Grass, trees, and swims are maintained weekly by staff only.
    • No swimming, no fires, no defecating around the lake.
    • No drugs permitted.
    • Alcohol is allowed in moderation. Any angler seen to be intoxicated will be required to reel in their rods and may be asked to leave the fishery.
    • Drunkenness, antisocial, or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.
    • Dogs are not permitted.

  • Rubbish & Waste
    • All rubbish must be taken away when you leave.
    • A €100 deposit per party will be held and returned if swims are left clean and free of rubbish or waste.
    • Swims will be inspected from 7:30 AM on the day of departure.

  • General
    • Please respect other anglers – sound carries far over water.
    • Any angler breaking the rules will be asked to stop fishing and leave the lake without refund.
    • By booking, you are deemed to have accepted these rules. If in doubt, please ask.

“We are here to make sure you enjoy your holiday with us. Our rules are in place to protect your safety, the carp, and the environment you’re fishing in. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy your stay with us.
— The Carp Vivre Team”

By booking, you accept all rules. If in doubt, please ask.

Frequently asked questions

Carpe Vivre
Scroll to Top