A Special Review From 6 Times Visitors – The Ruthven’s

19/08/2017

In 2011/2012, I was set a task to find a holiday with a lake which was big enough to accommodate at least 5 fishermen, with fish (carp) of 40lb plus and with accommodation which would house a group of 12/14 minimum with two or more bathrooms and ideally two kitchens. And not forgetting a pool for the kids and all of this for two weeks in the summer holidays!

Now this was proving to be quite a challenge but as luck would have it, after looking on many websites for fishing holidays in France, I came across Puyravaud and what a fantastic find it has turned out to be!

Our first visit was in 2012 with 8 adults and 6 children, Marion and Peter really didn’t know what they had let themselves in for, especially as our van broke down a couple of miles away from Puyravaud and Peter had to help rescue us! 

The holiday whilst stressful in parts was brilliant, the accommodation surpassed expectations, beautifully renovated and converted Barn and Cottage both with all the mod cons you could possibly need a real home from home with plenty of space for all the family!  Plus, that all important swimming pool and a pool table to keep the kids (and adults) occupied.

All the fishermen were happy, 5 good sized swims and some descent catches, a bit of rivalry going on and a personal best or three achieved!

We decided before the holiday had even finished that we would definitely be back.  Little did we know it would be every year.

Puyravaud is such a wonderful place to stay and thoroughly recommended for the fishing and as a family retreat/holiday.  It is far enough away from everything to enjoy the tranquil setting and country walks, yet near enough by car to main road routes and country lanes to explore rural France.

As our family has grown up and more fishermen emerged, Puyravaud has also evolved providing two beautiful, tranquil lakes to fish.  In 2017 two PB’s achieved after catching a Mirror Carp of 59lb on Kingfisher Lake and a 53lb Common on Heron Lake.

But for us it’s not all about the fishing, each year we look to find other activities and with the help of Peter and Marion booking for us, we have enjoyed Laser Quest, Go Karting, Tree Climbing, The Velo Rail (not for the faint hearted) and bowling. Not to mention a trip to the man-made beach with Kayaks, horse riding and ice-creams.    We have also ventured further afield to Royan with its beautiful beach, Bordeaux for shopping and wine tasting, to Cognac to learn how it is distilled and for the tasting of course!  Not to mention a trip to Limoges (including the airport to pick up a late arrival) a good excuse for lunch and of course more shopping.  Plus, some lovely restaurant meals in the various locations we have visited.

A massive “Thank You” to Marion and Peter who have welcomed us back every year, always accommodating the varying numbers, vehicles and birthdays (Marion makes an excellent Lemon Drizzle Cake!) We look forward to returning yet again in 2018.

The Ruthvens