Local Info

If you haven't been here before, look at a map of France, just below Bordeaux on the south west coast - there are two huge freshwater lakes, and Gastes is on the lower of the two, called the Etang de Biscarosse, just past Parentis. The lake is 5 sq miles! For fisher-folk, there are carp, pike, black-bass, bream, perch, some trout, cat fish, eels and sun fish.

It is very simple to fly into the area: either fly to Bordeaux or Biarritz from Luton, Gatwick or Stansted (if you're in the South) with cheap deals from BA, Easyjet and Ryanair, and car hire at the airports. Alternatively you can get a train from St Pancras to Bordeaux, via Paris!

Gastes has a small local shop for essentials, a beach bar and a 'locals' bar. There is the friendly Mairie, junior school, boat yard and church - that's it! Remember, Gastes and the lake are situated in one of the largest forests in Europe, and the area has many cycle/foot paths for you to spend a day wandering.

 And those big 'things' you'll see in the lake? They're water-heaters......