Bordeaux to Lac de Curton: Rainbow Lake in the Landes forest
An internationally renowned private carp fishing lake, nestled in the pine forest of the Landes de Gascogne: Lac de Curton (Rainbow Lake) in Louchats, with statistics and records published only in secondary sources, set in a wild and secluded setting—and your private door-to-door transfer from Bordeaux, ideal for anglers and their gear.
Lac de Curton at a Glance
Lac de Curton, also known as Rainbow Lake, is a private lake located in Louchats, 52 km from Bordeaux. No official public website for the operator has been identified. The area of 46 hectares, the reservation-only access, the catch-and-release policy, and the reported record catch of 42.6 kg are sourced from Colinmaire and Lacs et étangs de France, accessed on July 24, 2026: these are secondary sources and have not been independently verified. Please confirm the rules with the operator before making any trip.
Here are the key details to know before you go. Distances are calculated door-to-door from Bordeaux; the price listed is for a private driver reservation at a fixed rate provided in advance, with no unexpected meter charges regardless of traffic or stops along the way. Information about the lake is based on specialized sources and official documents; rates, availability, and booking procedures—which are specific to a private facility—must be confirmed directly with the establishment, as the lake is known to be exclusive and in high demand.
| Landmark | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | Lac de Curton / Rainbow Lake (private carp fishing lake) |
| Location | the town of Louchats (Gironde), between Hostens and Le Tuzan, in the Landes de Gascogne forest |
| The Lake | ≈46 ha, 2 islands, 21 stations, and a no-kill policy reported by secondary sources; to be confirmed |
| Records | 42.6 kg (mirror) and 41.2 kg (standard), as reported but not independently verified |
| Distance from Bordeaux | about 52 km · about 1 hour and 1 minute by car |
Where is Lac de Curton located?
Lac de Curton is located south of Bordeaux, in the vast pine forest of the Landes de Gascogne, in the town of Louchats, in the hamlet of Curton, between the towns of Hostens and Le Tuzan. It is a country of maritime pines, by moors and lakes: the vast pine forest of the Gironde, planted in the 19th century, dotted with ponds, streams, and clearings. Here we are in the Val de l'Eyre, in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, on the border with the Landes department. A helpful note: the lake is, of course, located in the town of Louchats (Langon district), even though its mailing address includes the ZIP code ofHostens (33125) — which often leads to confusion. It’s a secluded spot at the end of a forest road, far from the hustle and bustle: the Landes countryside at its most peaceful, and yet less than an hour from Bordeaux.
In the heart of the Landes de Gascogne
The lake is part of the largest forest massif in Western Europe: the Landes de Gascogne Forest, a maritime pine forest planted in the 19th century, during the Second Empire, to reclaim and stabilize former marshlands. It is a vast, endless landscape of coniferous trees, heather-covered moors, ponds, and small, crystal-clear streams, crisscrossed by forest trails. The Hostens and Louchats area offers a beautiful glimpse of this landscape, with its bodies of water nestled among the pines. We are here in the Val de l’Eyre, the valley of the Eyre (or Leyre) River, which flows down toward the Arcachon Basin—a region of unspoiled nature, designated a Regional Nature Park, renowned for its tranquility, its cool summer shade, and its biodiversity. It’s the perfect setting for a getaway into nature, whether for fishing or a stroll, away from the crowds of the nearby coast.
Louchats, Hostens, and the Val de l'Eyre
The lake lies within the municipality of Louchats, a village in the Landes area of Gironde, while neighbouring Hostens — whose postal address the lake uses — is better known for its departmental nature estate and public lakes. The two sites should not be confused: Lac de Curton is a private lake dedicated to reservation-only carp fishing, whereas the Hostens Departmental Estate in the neighbouring municipality is a natural area that is free and open to the public, with swimming and outdoor activities. This whole area south of Bordeaux belongs to the same geographical region, the Landes de Gascogne, between the Graves and Sauternes vineyards to the east, Arcachon Bay to the northwest and the vast Landes forests to the south. It is a quiet, untamed landscape of pines and water within easy reach of Bordeaux.
Rainbow Lake, a gem in the pine forest
The secondary sources consulted describe approximately 46 hectares of water, two large wooded islands, and several islets; no data from public operators was available to verify these characteristics. It is one of Europe’s major carp fishing lakes, carefully developed within an entirely natural setting. Here are its key characteristics, according to specialized sources.
Area and islands reported by secondary sources
According to secondary sources, Lac de Curton covers approximately 46 hectares and offers a varied, unspoilt body of water surrounded by a forest of maritime pines and oaks. Its defining features are two large wooded islands, each around two hectares, alongside numerous smaller islands that create feeding areas and holding spots for fish. Depths range from 1.5 to 15 metres, providing a wide choice of swims. A vehicle-accessible track circles the lake and serves every fishing position, making it easier to set up and carry the bulky equipment required for carp fishing. With dark water, reeds, water lilies and a wall of pines, the scenery has a tranquil, almost Nordic character. It is a lake designed for specimen carp fishing, but also a secluded natural setting frequented by kingfishers and herons.
A wild and secluded setting
The two specialized sources cited describe a fenced-in site, 21 fishing spots, a maximum of four rods, night fishing, and a clubhouse; these rules, facilities, and the operator’s identity have not been confirmed by the facility and must be verified at the time of booking.
Carp Fishing: Reported Records and Catch-and-Release
Secondary sources describe Lac de Curton as a site specializing in big-carp fishing and state that it follows a catch-and-release policy; however, no official public rules from the operator have been found to confirm this. It is a premier destination for discerning carp anglers. Here are the facts, without embellishment.
Some of the largest carp in France
The subpages “Colinmaire” and “Lakes and Ponds of France” attribute a 42.6-kg mirror carp, known as “Briggs’ Fish,” and a 41.2-kg common carp to the lake. No official public records from the operator have been found to independently confirm these catches, their dates, the average weight of the fish stock, or the species present. These figures should therefore be viewed as historical reports from specialized websites, rather than as verified data from the operator.
A private site, by reservation only, and catch-and-release
The two specialized sources cited describe a fenced-in site, 21 fishing spots, a maximum of four rods, night fishing, and a clubhouse; these rules, facilities, and the operator’s identity have not been confirmed by the facility and must be verified at the time of booking.
| Fishing in Curton | Details (according to sources) |
|---|---|
| Type | private carp fishing lake (specimen carp fishery) |
| Positions | 21 positions, area per fisherman, and night fishing reported by secondary sources; to be confirmed |
| Rules | 4 fish caught and a "no-kill" reported by secondary sources; to be confirmed |
| Records | weights of 42.6 kg and 41.2 kg, average of 14 kg: unverified secondary reports |
| Other fish | sturgeon, crayfish · no catfish |
Curton, Louchats: What We Often Read
There are several misconceptions circulating about Lac de Curton that deserve to be corrected, with supporting sources—which is the whole point of a reliable guide. The spelling, the town, the records, the site’s status: here’s what’s true and what’s false.
Curton, not Cruton — and Louchats, not Hostens
First correction, regarding the name: the lake is spelled Curton, not “Cruton”—a common typo caused by a simple transposition of letters, which can sometimes even be found in online addresses. The official name, confirmed by all specialized sources, is indeed Lac de Curton (also known as Rainbow Lake). Second correction, regarding the municipality: the lake is located in the town of Louchats, in the hamlet of Curton, between Hostens and Le Tuzan. One often reads “Lac de Curton in Hostens”: this is incorrect; the confusion stems from the postal code of the Hostens post office (33125), which appears in the address. The lake is indeed in Louchats. These clarifications are not mere details: they help prevent people from mistaking the municipality and, above all, from confusing this private lake with the public area of Hostens, which is very close by but radically different.
A private lake, not part of the Hostens public domain
The secondary sources consulted distinguish between Lac de Curton—described as a private fishing site—and the Hostens Departmental Estate, a neighboring public area. Since the operator does not have an official public website, do not assume that access is free, that swimming is permitted, or that the posted rules apply: ask for confirmation before visiting. The weights of 42.6 kg and 41.2 kg are also secondary reports that have not been independently verified.
The Forest, the Heath, and the Val de l'Eyre
Lac de Curton is nestled in a remarkable natural setting: the pine forests of the Landes de Gascogne, the heather-covered moors, and the Eyre Valley, all within a regional nature park. It is a land of water, sand, and conifers, characterized by great gentleness. Here is what makes it unique.
The Largest Forest in Europe
The lake is surrounded by the Landes de Gascogne Forest, the largest forest in Western Europe: nearly one million hectares of maritime pines, planted starting in the mid-19th century to drain the marshes and stabilize the sand. It is a unique landscape, full of vertical lines and infinite vistas, where stands of pine trees alternate with, moors with heather and purple moor grass, ponds and streams of clear water. This area, between Hostens, Louchats, and Le Tuzan, belongs to the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, established in 1970 to preserve this unique natural and cultural heritage. The area is home to a rich variety of wildlife—deer, wild boars, waterfowl—and the coolness of the woods in summer offers a welcome contrast to the heat of the coast. It is a world of its own—calm and vast—that you can explore on foot, by bike, or along the water.
The Eyre and the Land of Water
This entire region is a land of water, shaped by rivers and aquifers. Not far from the lake flows the Eyre (or Leyre), a tranquil yet wild river that winds its way down from the Landes toward the Arcachon Basin, which it supplies with fresh water. Lined with alders, oaks, and ferns, the Leyre is renowned for its canoe trips—but be aware: you launch from further south (near Belin-Béliet, Salles, or Pissos), not in Hostens itself. The neighboring Domaine d’Hostens also offers water activities, but on its own bodies of water (Lake Lamothe), not on the river. Between the lakes, streams, and the Leyre River, water is everywhere in this corner of the Landes de Gascogne—and it is precisely this water that, by giving rise to Lac de Curton, has transformed this unassuming area into a world-renowned fishing destination. A delightful paradox for a region long considered poor and marshy.
What is there to do around Lac de Curton?
Around Lac de Curton, you can fish for large carp, enjoy the Hostens Public Reserve and its lakes, canoe down the Eyre River, and explore the Landes de Gascogne forest by bike. Here is a concrete list of the actual, verified activities in the area. Since the lake is a private site dedicated to fishing, much of the recreational activity takes place in the surrounding area—we make a point of noting this each time.
- Carp Fishing at Lac de Curton — access, catch-and-release policy, and records reported by secondary sources; conditions to be confirmed with the operator
- The Hostens Departmental Park—just a few kilometers away: a free public nature area (~730 ha), supervised swimming in the summer, water activities, and trails
- Canoeing down the Eyre (Leyre) — along this wild river, starting from nearby launch sites (Belin-Béliet, Salles, Pissos)
- Exploring the Landes de Gascogne Forest by Bike — Bike Paths and Trails Through the Pine Forest and Heathlands
- The Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park—unspoiled nature, wildlife, and the Grande Lande Ecomuseum (Marquèze) further south
- The Graves and Sauternes wine region—to the east, toward Langon, for a sweet wine tasting
- The Arcachon Basin and the Dune du Pilat—just under an hour to the northwest, for a day at the ocean
Fishing, the Domaine d'Hostens, and canoeing
The main attraction here is, of course, the carp fishing at Lac de Curton, by reservation only—a multi-day experience by the water, reserved for enthusiasts. But the area has no shortage of other, more accessible attractions. Just a few kilometers away, the Hostens Departmental Estate is a magnificent natural area open to the public and free: Created through the reclamation of former lignite mines, it features vast bodies of water where you can to bathe (supervised swimming in the summer), enjoy water sports, and hike along marked trails, surrounded by pine trees and water. For river enthusiasts, the Eyre goes down into canoe from nearby towns (Belin-Béliet, Salles, Pissos), along a wild, shaded river. With fishing, swimming, and canoeing, this corner of the Landes de Gascogne is a true natural playground, less than an hour from Bordeaux.
Forests, Vineyards, and the Ocean
Beyond the water, the Landes de Gascogne forest is perfect for lovely bike rides or walks along the bike paths and trails that crisscross the pine forest. Further south, the Grande Lande Ecomuseum in Marquèze (Sabres) brings to life the traditional way of life of the Landes shepherds, before the era of pine forests. To the east, in just under half an hour, you can reach the Graves and Sauternes vineyards around Langon for a tasting of exceptional dry white wines and sweet wines. And to the northwest, just an hour away, lies the Arcachon Bay, with its oyster huts, the Dune du Pilat—the tallest dune in Europe—and its beaches: everything you need to turn a fishing trip into a complete getaway, nestled between forest, vineyards, and the ocean. A chauffeur service with local knowledge can take you to all these sites, so you don’t have to worry about driving or transporting equipment.
| Activity | Where / Distance | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Carp Fishing | Lac de Curton | Private access, reservation required, and no-kill policy in effect; please confirm with the operator |
| Hostens Estate | ~a few km | public/free, swimming, water sports |
| Canoeing on the Eyre River | Belin-Béliet, Salles, Pissos | wild river, in season |
| Graves/Sauternes Wine Region | ~30 min (Langon) | Sweet wine tastings |
| Arcachon Bay / Dune du Pilat | ~1 hour | ocean, oysters, Europe's tallest dune |
What's there to see around Lac de Curton?
Around Lac de Curton, you’ll discover the Domaine d’Hostens and its lakes, the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, the Sauternes vineyards, and, a little further away, the Arcachon Basin. The lake is ideally situated at the crossroads of the forest, the vineyards, and the ocean: here are the must-see attractions, all accessible for a day trip.
The Hostens Estate and the Landes de Gascogne
The immediate neighbor is the Hostens Departmental Estate, a vast natural site covering some 730 hectares, not to be confused with the private lake at Curton. Created through the rehabilitation of former open-pit lignite mines—which were mined in the 20th century and later flooded—it now features large bodies of water (including Lake Lamothe), supervised swimming beaches, trails, and observation points, all set against a backdrop of pine forests and heathlands designated as a Sensitive Natural Area and a Natura 2000 site. It lies at the heart of a vast area: the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, created in 1970, which protects Europe’s largest forest and its heritage. People come here to hike, bike, swim, and observe wildlife amid vast, peaceful natural surroundings. It offers a delightful contrast to the secluded fishing spot at Lac de Curton, just a few minutes away.
Sauternes, Bazas, and the Arcachon Basin
Lac de Curton also serves as a base from which to explore better-known sites. To the east, in just under half an hour, you can reach Langon and the prestigious vineyards of Sauternes and Graves, where you can sample fine sweet wines and dry whites at renowned châteaux. A little further south, Bazas is worth a detour for its Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as part of the Way of St. James), and its famous beef. To the northwest, just under an hour away, lies the Arcachon Basin, with its oyster ports, stilted huts, the Dune du Pilat—the tallest in Europe—and its long beaches, both along the ocean and the basin. Nestled between the forest, vineyards, and the ocean, this corner of the Landes de Gascogne offers an astonishing variety of landscapes, all within easy driving distance. An executive car service lets you enjoy it all without worrying about the distance or parking, which is often difficult along the coast in the summer.
When should you visit Lac de Curton?
Lac de Curton can be fished for much of the year, with each season offering its own conditions, while the area’s nature activities are best enjoyed from spring through fall. For the carp fishing, the spring (April–June) and the fall (September–October) are often considered the best times of year: the carp are feeding actively, the temperatures are mild, and the setting—amidst the pine forest and morning mist—is magnificent. The summer is still possible, with the cool shade and the very popular night fishing; it’s also the peak season for activities at the Domaine d’Hostens (swimming, water sports) and canoeing on the Eyre. The winter, which is more challenging, is reserved for seasoned carp anglers on the lookout for big winter catches. In any case, the fishing trips Since reservations must be made in advance and space is limited, it’s best to plan ahead and check availability directly with the establishment. For a trip that combines fishing with exploring the region, the mild spring and fall weather in the Landes is ideal—and a chauffeured transfer makes it much easier to get there with all your gear.
| Season | Fishing | Around |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April–June) | active carp, gentleness, mist | Ideal for Fishing + Nature Awakening |
| Summer (July–August) | night fishing, cool shade | Hostens Estate (swimming), canoeing |
| Fall (Sept.–Oct.) | Great season, big catches | golden forest, vineyard during harvest |
How to get to Lac de Curton from Bordeaux
Lac de Curton is about 52 km from Bordeaux, or about 1 hour and 1 minute by car. The route heads south on the highway and then along forest roads toward Louchats and Hostens. There is no active passenger train station in the area—which is precisely why a private transfer is ideal, especially for anglers and their bulky gear.
| Route | Distance | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux → Lac de Curton (Louchats) | ~52 km | ~1 hr 01 min | Starting at ~€107 for a private chauffeur |
| Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport → Lac de Curton | ~50 km | ~50 min | Pickup at the terminal—ideal for anglers arriving by plane |
| Facture-Biganos Train Station → Lac de Curton | ~30 km | ~30 min | Nearest TER station (Bordeaux-Morcenx line) |
| Lac de Curton → Hostens Estate | ~a few km | ~10 min | nearby public natural area |
Through the road, you can reach Lac de Curton from Bordeaux in less than an hour: the route heads south on the highway (A63 toward Salles or A62 toward Podensac), then takes the small departmental roads (RD 115, RD 110) through the pine forest to Louchats. In train, access is less direct: the old Hostens train station is decommissioned (no passenger trains), and the nearest operating stations are Invoice-Biganos (on the Bordeaux–Morcenx line, about 30 km away) or, to the east, Langon and Preignac (about 25–30 km away); there is also a regional bus connecting Bordeaux to Hostens. From these stations, there is still a distance to cover, as there is no direct local transportation to the lake. That is why the private transfer is particularly relevant here, especially for the fishermen: You'll be picked up at the Bordeaux airport or train station, along with all your gear (fishing rods, luggage, bait), and driven directly to the fishing spot without having to rent a car.
Whether you’re planning a carp-fishing trip, exploring the natural beauty of the Landes de Gascogne, or taking a getaway that combines forests, vineyards, and the ocean, booking a professional chauffeur guarantees a comfortable and punctual ride—book a driver from Bordeaux → Lac de Curton or explore all our destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lac de Curton (Rainbow Lake) located?
Lac de Curton, also known as Rainbow Lake, is a private carp fishing lake located south of Bordeaux, in the pine forest of the Landes de Gascogne. It is located in the town of Louchats, in the hamlet of Curton, between the towns of Hostens and Le Tuzan, about 52 km from Bordeaux (a little over an hour’s drive). Be aware of a common point of confusion: the lake is indeed part of Louchats, even though its mailing address uses the Hostens ZIP code (33125). We are here in the Val de l’Eyre, in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, on the border of the Landes department. It’s a secluded spot at the end of a forest road—a wild and hidden setting, ideal for fishing for large carp. The area has no active passenger train station, which makes traveling by private vehicle particularly convenient.
How much does a transfer from Bordeaux to Lac de Curton cost?
We offer a fixed-price transfer from Bordeaux to Lac de Curton (Louchats), starting at approximately €119 one way (about 52 km, about 1 hour and 1 minute by car), in a Mercedes sedan or van seating up to 8 passengers, with a professional driver. The trip is direct, door-to-door: pickup at the airport, Saint-Jean train station, or your hotel in Bordeaux, and drop-off directly at the lake, with all your gear. This service is particularly well-suited for carp anglers, who often travel from far away (especially from Great Britain) with bulky gear—rods, luggage, bait: the van allows you to transport everything in one go, without having to rent a car. The fixed-price quote is provided and confirmed in writing before departure, with no unexpected charges. For groups of anglers, this is often the simplest and most economical way to reach the fishing spot.
Is Lac de Curton spelled “Curton” or “Cruton”?
Curton, with the syllable “Cur.” The spelling “Cruton,” resulting from a letter transposition, is a common typo sometimes found in online addresses, but the official name of the site, confirmed by all specialized sources, is indeed Lac de Curton (also known as Rainbow Lake). It is a private carp fishing lake located in the town of Louchats, in the Gironde department. This clarification may seem minor, but it’s helpful for finding the right site—and for avoiding confusion with the Château de Curton, located elsewhere in the department (in Daignac, in the Entre-deux-Mers region), which has no connection to this lake. Lac de Curton, on the other hand, is a mecca for big-carp fishing, nestled in the Landes de Gascogne forest, south of Bordeaux.
Is Lac de Curton open to the public or for swimming?
The secondary sources consulted describe a private site dedicated to fishing, with no public access or swimming. However, no official public webpage for the operator has been found to confirm the current policies. Do not visit without prior permission: contact the operator to obtain the address, access conditions, and rules applicable on your visit date.
What are the carp records at Lac de Curton?
The specialized websites Colinmaire and Lacs et étangs de France report a mirror carp weighing 42.6 kg and a common carp weighing 41.2 kg. Since there is no official registry or public website for the operator, these weights, their dates, and the no-kill policy cannot be independently verified. Please ask the operator directly for the latest rules and information before making a reservation.
What is there to do around Lac de Curton?
The main attraction is carp fishing on the lake itself, by reservation. But the area has plenty of other attractions as well. Just a few kilometers away, the Domaine départemental d’Hostens is a free public nature area featuring supervised swimming in the summer, water sports, and hiking trails, all set amid pine trees and lakes. You can also canoe down the Eyre (the Leyre) from nearby launch sites (Belin-Béliet, Salles, Pissos) and explore the Landes de Gascogne forest by bike. To the east, just under half an hour away, the vineyards of Sauternes and Graves invite you to enjoy a wine tasting; to the northwest, about an hour away, the Arcachon Basin and the Dune du Pilat offer a wonderful day at the ocean. Nestled between forest, vineyards, and the sea, this corner of the Landes de Gascogne is a true natural playground, less than an hour from Bordeaux.
How do I book a fishing trip with Lac de Curton?
Since Lac de Curton is a private site in high demand, reservations must be made directly with the facility: we do not set rates, availability, or terms and conditions, which are determined by the facility itself and are subject to change. The two specialized sources cited describe a fenced-in site with 21 fishing spots, a maximum of four rods per person, night fishing, and a clubhouse; these rules, facilities, and the operator’s identity have not been confirmed with the facility and must be verified at the time of booking. Since the lake is known for being selective, it’s best to plan ahead. Once your stay is booked, a door-to-door car service can take you from the airport or the Bordeaux train station directly to the lake, along with all your gear.
What is the distance between Bordeaux and Lac de Curton?
About 52 km by road, or about 1 hour and 1 minute. The route heads south on the highway (A63 toward Salles or A62 toward Podensac), then follows the departmental roads through the pine forest to Louchats. With a chauffeur-driven car, the fare is fixed and provided in advance, starting at approximately €106 one way. There is no active passenger train station in the area: the former Hostens station has been decommissioned, and the nearest stations are Facture-Biganos (about 30 km away) or Langon (about 25–30 km away). This is why a private transfer is particularly useful here, especially for anglers arriving by plane with equipment: you’ll be picked up at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (only ~50 km from the lake) and driven directly to the fishing spot, without having to rent a car or deal with public transportation.
Is Lac de Curton suitable for anglers visiting from abroad?
Yes, absolutely: Lac de Curton (Rainbow Lake) is an internationally renowned destination, highly sought after by British and European carp anglers who come here in search of the catch of a lifetime. For them, getting there from Bordeaux is easy: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is only about 50 km from the lake (about 50 minutes), with direct flights from many European cities. A private van transfer picks up the anglers and their bulky gear directly at the terminal and takes them straight to their fishing spot, without having to rent a car or navigate forest roads. On the way back, the driver picks them up at the agreed-upon time. This is the simplest and most comfortable option for a fishing trip from abroad, especially since carp gear (rods, bedchairs, luggage) barely fits in a standard rental car.
Can you go swimming at the Domaine d'Hostens, near Lac de Curton?
Yes, but at the Domaine d'Hostens, not at Lac de Curton (which is a private fishing lake where swimming is not allowed). The Domaine départemental d'Hostens, just a few kilometers away, is a vast, free public nature area covering about 730 hectares, created through the rehabilitation of former lignite mines that were transformed into lakes. Visitors can swim there in the summer (supervised swimming at designated beaches), enjoy water sports, and explore its trails, all set against a beautiful backdrop of pine forests and heathland designated as a Sensitive Natural Area and a Natura 2000 site. It’s an ideal family recreation spot to round out a stay in the area. Be sure to distinguish between the two sites: Lac de Curton for carp fishing (by reservation only), and the Domaine d’Hostens for swimming and outdoor recreation, which is open to everyone.
When is the best time to go fishing at Lac de Curton?
Fishing is possible on the lake for much of the year. For carp, spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are often considered the best times: the carp are actively feeding, temperatures are mild, and the setting—amidst pine forests and morning mist—is magnificent. Summer is also a viable option, with the cool shade and highly popular night fishing; it’s also peak season for recreational activities at the nearby Domaine d’Hostens. Winter, which is harsher, reserves the lake for seasoned carp anglers. Since stays must be booked in advance and spaces are limited, it’s best to plan early and check availability directly with the facility. For a trip combining fishing and exploring the region, the mild spring and fall weather in the Landes is ideal—and an executive transfer makes it much easier to arrive with your gear.
Further Reading
- Nature in Southern Gironde: Explore All Our Destinations (villages, vineyards, and natural sites)
- The neighboring vineyards producing sweet wines: see the Sauternes Guide (great white wines, about 30 minutes away)
- The nearby UNESCO-listed cathedral: see the Bazas Guide (Gothic cathedral and Bazas ox)
- Understanding our rates and vehicles: see the "Book a Driver" page (sedan & van, fixed-price quote)
- Plan your trip: Book a car service from Bordeaux to Lac de Curton or explore all our destinations
Sources and References
- Colinmaire — Lac de Curton (Rainbow Lake) — private lake ~46 ha, 2 islands of 2 ha each, 21 fishing spots, catch-and-release only, record mirror carp 42.6 kg (Briggs' Fish, M. Locke 2010) & common carp 41.2 kg, average ~14 kg, owner Martin Locke (Solar Tackle)
- Lakes and Ponds of France — Lac de Curton — private carp fishing lake, ~46 ha, Gironde, address: P.O. Box 17, 33125 Hostens (municipality of Louchats)
- Wikipedia — Louchats — a commune in the Gironde department (Langon arrondissement), part of the Landes de Gascogne / Val de l'Eyre region, served by the RD 115 and RD 110 roads; the hamlet of Curton is located there
- Gironde Department — Domaine d'Hostens — free public nature area ~730 ha, former lignite mines converted into lakes (Lamothe Lake), supervised swimming, Sensitive Natural Area + Natura 2000 — distinct from the private Lac de Curton
- Wikipedia — Hostens — a commune in the Gironde department (Langon arrondissement), population ~1,554 (2023), Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park, former decommissioned train station
- Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park — established in 1970, home to Europe’s largest forest (maritime pine planted in the 19th century), the Val de l’Eyre, the Marquèze Ecomuseum, and canoeing on the Leyre River
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On the way to Rainbow Lake
Direct transfer from Bordeaux (~1 hr 01 min) to Lac de Curton in Louchats, in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne—from the airport, train station, or hotel to the fishing spot, with all fishing gear included. Fixed, written quote—no unexpected meter charges.
