It’s said that ancient carp, some several hundred years old, swim around in the ponds of Château de Fontainebleau. Not convinced? Certain fish have become world record holders in the animal kingdom. A Japanese carp by the lovely name of Hanako was born in 1751 and died in 1977 – at the ripe old age of 226. So the story could be true. But back to France... head to the carp pond on the castle grounds. According to legend, some of the carp given by the Duke of Lorraine to King Henry IV in 1608 are still swimming about, incognito. Over the centuries, many people have said that they've seen the venerable fish, so keep your eyes peeled. You'll know this legend is no fish tale if you see a carp with a gold ring. Failing that, look for the albino carp – yes, this one is real – it's truly the big fish in this not-so-little pond.
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