Before buying an « étang » you have to be aware of the environnemental laws applicable to your étang. And remember that in French « étang » and « lac » do not refer to the same thing : an « étang » has usually been created by men whereas a « lac » is natural.
The law is different according to the type of « étang » bought.
There are 4 types of étang :
- « étang fondé en titre » ie which have a deed and including those created before April 15, 1829 ( mentionned on the Cassini map or atlas Dieu préfet)
- « enclos piscicoles or piscicultures à valorisation touristique » where there is fish for touristic purpose ie authorised by an « arrêté prefectoral » valid for 30 years
- « eaux closes » ie closed water which means no permanent communication with a river, the fish cannot go to or from the étang to a river( small or big)
- « eau libre » free water , permanent communication between river and étang
It is not useless to make a survey for an etang before the sale. The laws are very strict.