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Vindry beach - Lake Geneva

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Nicolas Blandin

Meeting by Éric Jacquier

Born in Lugrin, on the shores of Lake Geneva, Éric Jacquier is much more than just a fisherman: he is the guardian of a priceless family heritage, passed down from generation to generation for nearly four centuries. With an encyclopaedic knowledge of fishing and an unwavering love of nature, he carries on a tradition that brings Lake Geneva to life on the plates of the finest gourmets.

A passion rooted in history

In the Jacquier family, fishing on Lake Geneva is a vocation that has been passed down through the generations. “I’m out on the lake six days a week, from Monday to Saturday,” says Éric, proud to carry on this legacy. His expertise, honed by years of experience and inspired by trips along the French coast, makes him a key figure in the local fishing industry.
The quality of his fish is an absolute priority. His catch, carefully prepared at his fish market in Maxilly-sur-Léman, supplies not only private customers but also the kitchens of the finest Michelin-starred chefs, such as Pierre Gagnaire, Emmanuel Renaut and Olivier Nasti.

Excellence on the plate

The fish caught by Éric Jacquier can be found in some of the region’s finest restaurants. His partners include:

  • Essenze, a gourmet Italian restaurant in Évian-les-Bains
  • Le Royal, in Neuvecelle
  • L’Hôtel Royal, in Évian-les-Bains
  • La Fabrik, in Évian-les-Bains
  • Le Bois Joli, in Saint-Paul-en-Chablais
  • L’Hôtel des Princes, in Amphion

These establishments, renowned for their creativity and high standards, bring out the very best in Éric’s fish, paying tribute to his work and the bounty of Lake Geneva.

A day in the life of a passionate fisherman

Éric Jacquier’s days begin well before dawn. Between 3 am and 4 am, he sets out to sea to haul in his nets, bringing the day’s first catch back to the fish market at around 7.30 am. Shortly afterwards, he returns to the lake for another fishing session, catching perch and char before heading back to tend to his nets and restock his shop.

From 9.00 am, the day’s fresh catch goes on sale in Maxilly-sur-Léman, at 1345 Route Nationale. Some is sold to the general public, but a large quantity is pre-ordered by restaurant owners. A delivery driver then takes these products to prestigious establishments across Haute-Savoie, Lyon and even Alsace.

In the afternoon, after a quick lunch and sometimes a well-deserved nap, Éric sets off again for another fishing session. Around 3 pm, he focuses on perch, then, towards the end of the day, he heads out to sea to set his féra nets before returning home at around 8 pm.

An ambassador for nature and Lake Geneva

As well as being a fisherman, Éric Jacquier is a passionate advocate for Lake Geneva and its ecosystem. He embodies the symbiosis between man and his environment, a harmony he strives to preserve. With a life shaped by the lake, he carries on a centuries-old tradition whilst meeting the modern demands of gourmets and restaurateurs.

Éric Jacquier is more than just a fisherman: he is an iconic figure of Lake Geneva, a guardian of heritage and a master of flavour, who every day, even before the sun rises, ensures that the waters of Lake Geneva continue to nourish and inspire.

I'm won over

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