Sources de la Touvre Fish Farm

At the headwaters of the River Touvre, the Fish Farm des Sources de la Touvre offers a unique insight into the Charente region. Here, the river and its aquatic environment are at the heart of an enterprise dedicated to freshwater fish farming.

The farm combines fish farming, direct sales and recreational fishing in a family-run setting. It’s a great place to discover a local product in a different way, right next to the ponds where the fish are reared.

History and origins

The fish farm is now run by Evelyne Ravenel as part of a freshwater aquaculture business established in 2018.

Expertise

The business specialises in freshwater fish farming in an environment directly linked to the headwaters of the River Touvre, particularly rainbow trout and brown trout, as well as carp.

The fish farm also offers a very hands-on approach to the trade: guided tours of the fish farm are organised for groups, subject to booking. These tours provide a better understanding of how a fish farm operates and the journey the fish take before they are sold.

Products

The retail outlet offers, subject to availability:

• Rainbow trout: a fish prized for its delicate flesh, best cooked whole, in the oven, in a frying pan or on the barbecue.
• Brown trout: an iconic freshwater trout, available subject to availability.
• Albino/Golden trout: also available in certain product ranges.
• Young trout for frying: available depending on the season and stock levels.
• Trout roe: jars of trout roe are available for sale.

As availability may vary, it is best to check directly with the fish farm before visiting.

The flagship product

The trout is, of course, the star of the fish farm.

For a simple, local dish, a fresh trout can be cooked whole in the oven with butter, a few herbs, lemon and a pinch of salt. Its flesh is also ideal for pan-frying or barbecuing.

In Charente, it can feature in light, regional cuisine, served, for example, with potatoes, seasonal vegetables or a butter sauce.

The visitor’s experience

The Fish Farm des Sources de la Touvre is not just about selling fish. Its 2,000 m² fishing area, spread across three ponds, allows visitors to enjoy coarse fishing or spin fishing. Several options are available: pay-by-weight fishing, half-day sessions and half-day pond hire (by booking).

Families can also enjoy the site, which features a playground and a refreshment bar serving drinks, coffees and ice creams. Guided tours of the fish farm are available for groups, subject to booking.

Where can you buy the products?

The fish farm sells directly to the public on site at 11 Impasse du Moulin, Touvre. Trout are sold by the piece, subject to availability.

Key points

The Fish Farm des Sources de la Touvre is a unique spot in the Pays d’Angoulême, where water, fish farming and the world of fish come together.

People come here not only to buy locally sourced trout, but also to go fishing, explore an aquaculture farm or simply enjoy some time by the water. It’s a stop-off that offers a glimpse into another facet of the Charente’s agricultural and culinary expertise.