To be fair Dan all of what you say is true, but, Valdore always stock their lakes over winter and they do put alot of fish in. The first time i went there i had the same expeirance as you did with dead fish poping up, when i asked the owners what was going on he said that the lake had just been restocked a couple of weeks ago and it was finding its natural balance. I returned 3 months later and there was not a sign of any sick or dead fish.
Im supprised about the bird life on the lake as most french lake owners shoot the birds.
The swims are "natural" by this i mean they are areas of bank that get used all season and are not maintained at all, i wouldnt say they are crap, just like 1000's of swims around this country.
I am always suspect about the quoted size of the lakes at Valdore, the only one i think is close is lake 1.
Again, im supprised that you found the industrial site to be noisy, i have been there 5 times and didnt really notice it at all.
The train track is between lakes 1, 2, 3 and 4,5. The closes swims are as you say swims 17 and 20 on lake 3. The train only runs 5 or 6 times a day and they are small urban 2 car shuttles which are gone in a flash but can be a pain when they rush past.
Ive always moaned to the owners about the facilities on the site, 2 toilets and a shower for 35 swims aint enough, but they are there and functional.
The cafe is just that, a cafe. It is not an onsite lodge for the use of anglers only and yes the prices of the tackle and bait are a joke and would deffo not buy any of it from there. But the food aint bad unless it has gone up.
As for the guys who are there, i found them to be quite helpful if you ask them and they will come round to your swim if you want them to. But you are right, all they are interested in is your money.
As for the fishing, i dont think you can blame the complex for the results you had, no one can guarentee a hauling session.
As you know Dan, i like Valdore and will continue to go back there for the time being. Its cheap, close and has some very big fish in all the lakes