Étang de Barbé

Étang de Barbé is a pond straddling the boundary between Laval and Bonchamp-lès-Laval, in the Mayenne department of the Pays de la Loire region in western France. Formed by damming a small stream, the pond today covers roughly 5 hectares, making it one of the larger stretches of water on the immediate outskirts of Laval.

How old is the pond, and who built it?

The site has medieval roots. The embankment that holds back the water is generally attributed to the lords of Laval, with construction dated to around 1400. Guy XII de Laval listed the pond among the possessions of his estate in a formal declaration ("aveu") drawn up in 1407, confirming that the water body had already been under seigneurial control for generations. Ownership and fishing rights changed hands repeatedly over the following centuries, and in 1683 a notable lawsuit was fought over who held the right to fish there — a dispute that says a lot about how economically valuable the pond once was to the surrounding community.

What is there to do at Étang de Barbé today?

The pond is now mainly known among carp anglers. It is managed by the local club Carpe Aventure 53, which maintains six numbered fishing swims along the bank. Parts of the lakebed are muddy, so bank fishing is the standard approach. Anglers mostly target common and mirror carp, both prized for putting up a strong fight once hooked. In summer, catfish can become a nuisance for carp anglers working the swims. Popular bait choices include particle baits (seeds) and boilies, fished both on the bottom and suspended as pop-ups.

How do you reach each fishing swim?

Access to the fishery is controlled by a locked gate, which keeps casual visitors out and helps preserve quiet conditions for anglers. Swims 1 through 4 can be reached directly by car along the access track. Swim 5 requires carrying gear roughly 20 metres on foot, and it is closed off whenever water lilies spread across that part of the pond. Swim 6 is the most demanding to reach: getting there means a walk of about 150 metres along a gravel path, and a wheelbarrow is the practical way to bring in tackle.

Who is this spot for?

Étang de Barbé is a modest, low-key body of water rather than a headline tourist attraction — its appeal lies mainly with carp anglers looking for a quiet session close to Laval. Walkers or cyclists passing through the Pays de la Loire countryside may still find the pond and its surroundings a pleasant, peaceful stop, but the fishing community is clearly the group that gets the most out of a visit here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Étang de Barbé located? The pond sits on the border between the communes of Laval and Bonchamp-lès-Laval, in the Mayenne department of the Pays de la Loire region in western France.

How big is the pond? It covers around 5 hectares — different sources put the figure between roughly 4.9 and 5.5 hectares, depending on how the shoreline is measured.

Can you fish there? Yes. It is a well-known carp fishery managed by the Carpe Aventure 53 club, with six designated fishing swims along the bank.

Is access to the pond open to everyone? The site is closed off by a locked gate, and the individual swims vary in accessibility — some can be reached by car, while others require walking in with your gear.