Étang du Rodoir

Étang du Rodoir is a 12-hectare pond in the commune of Nivillac, in the Morbihan department of southern Brittany, close to the Vilaine estuary and the town of La Roche-Bernard. It's a low-key spot that combines fishing, gentle walking and birdwatching away from the coastal crowds.

Where exactly is Étang du Rodoir?

The pond sits alongside the D765 road linking La Roche-Bernard to Missillac, right at the roundabout that carries the Rodoir name. Administratively it belongs to Nivillac, on the edge of the border with La Roche-Bernard. It's an easy stop by car, with a parking area beside the water that also serves as a launch point for light boats.

How big is it, and who looks after it?

The pond covers roughly 12 hectares. It's owned by the Syndicat "Eau du Morbihan", the departmental water authority — the site once served as a drinking-water reserve for Nivillac. Day-to-day fishing rights are managed by the local angling association AAPPMA "Le Brochet de Basse Vilaine". A separate local group is dedicated to safeguarding the pond and the adjoining Rodoir stream, working to protect their ecological and heritage value while keeping public access free.

What can you catch there?

The pond is classified as a second-category fishery. It holds predatory species — pike and perch — alongside carp and other coarse fish. Night fishing for carp is permitted, which draws carp anglers looking for longer sessions. Boats are allowed on the water, but only with electric motors or as float tubes; petrol engines are banned, which keeps the pond notably quiet for both anglers and wildlife.

Is there anything to do besides fishing?

Étang du Rodoir also works well for an unhurried walk. When the water level is lowered, it becomes possible to circle the pond on foot along its edge. The surrounding area supports a varied bird population, and otters — a species protected under both French and EU law — are present in and around the water. That combination makes the pond worth a stop for nature-watchers as well as anglers.

Frequently asked questions

Can you fish at Étang du Rodoir at night? Yes, night fishing for carp is authorised at the pond.

Are boats allowed on the pond? Boats with electric motors and float tubes are permitted; petrol-powered engines are not.

Is there parking at the pond? Yes, there's a parking area next to the water, which also allows light boats to be launched.

How do you get to Étang du Rodoir? The easiest route is from La Roche-Bernard along the D765 towards Missillac, as far as the Rodoir roundabout.

Can you walk all the way around the pond? Yes, particularly when the water level has been lowered, a circuit on foot around the pond is possible.

What fish species live in the pond? Pike, perch, carp and other coarse fish — the water is rated a second-category fishery.