mignonette, a tangy condiment made of vinegar and shallots, is typically served with oysters. The simplicity of the dishs flavors highlights its ability to showcase each ingredient. At sunset, follow the Rance west to St-Malo, a fortified citadel with ramparts at the mouth of the Rance. The word Aquitaine is derived from the French words Bonjour (for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh). France is Europe's leading producer and consumer of cupped oysters. Although not a traditional superyacht destination, the oysters in Ireland are reason enough to make a visit. The larger oysters are used in molluscan dishes such as bouillabaisse, while the smaller ones are used in chowders and Rockefeller oysters. They are also delicious when cooked with herbs, garlic, or other seasonings. This results in oysters that are plump and full of flavor. This region produces one out of every four French oysters, which are prized by locals and visitors alike because of their variety and complex flavor. During the winter of 2010, I had the incredible opportunity to travel around the world for business. the oyster in France. By . The harbour views are are charming and memorable, too. Not sickly sweet stuff, but the desperately dry Manzanilla, which delivers acidity, crispness and salinity in droves. The meat is briny and firm, with only a hint of sweet sweetness and a refreshing acidity, as compared to cucumbers. Going Out for Oysters. Pacific oysters and native oysters have different measurement systems in France. At 20 to the square yard, these oysters mature for two months in salty claires, or marshes, where they filter nutrient-rich water that sometimes turns them green. As mentioned above, theres a language of terroir and crus that accompanies oysters, particularly in the French oyster industry, and some of the very best pairings are when an oyster is paired with a local wine, particularly in regions where the soil the vines are grown in was once seabed, and therefore rich in marine sediment. The best white wine pairings for oysters are cool-climate, high-acidity wines grown in mineral-rich soils. A large portion of the oysters are cultivated in Isigny-sur-Mer and its surrounding towns in the Calvados department. Any gourmet tour of southwestern France which may also include caviar and truffle tastings as well as superb wineries around Bordeaux should and can initiate you to the regions top-rate huitres. Brittany Oysters Possibly the most famous oyster of them all are the Speciales Gillardeau, grown by the Gillardeau family near La Rochelle in Western France. View all posts by Alex Coles. Grown in the cold waters of the Foveaux Strait, the number of oysters harvested has been limited for decades, partially due to a suddenly wide-spreading a disease in the late 1980s that turned oysters black and watery. The average price per kilogram for fresh oysters in July 2021 was 7.2 euros. Utah Beach is said to produce sweet oysters. Oysters, a saltwater bivalve mollusk that has lived on Earth since dinosaurs, are a type of mollusk. The plants are difficult to grow and require a small amount of production, so they are more expensive to produce. There are 4.5 square miles of oyster beds in a natural harbor where the oysters are grown. Oyster farming is a thriving part of the culture and economy of the tang de Thau (the Thau Lagoon between Ste and Bouzigues) in the Languedoc Roussillon and the picturesque town of Bouzigues produces the most sought-after oysters in Europe. Learn how your comment data is processed. Oysters are thought to have been first domesticated in the Mediterranean region around 700 B.C. . We particularly recommend tables including Le Patio, a Michelin-starred restaurant on Arcachons main beach thats headed be French chef Thierry Renou and features outstandingly fresh oysters and creative regional cuisine, as well as the recently opened Skiff Club in gorgeous Pyla-sur-Mer, with fantastic views over the dunes, remarkable gastronomy from chef Stphane Carrade, and a superb wine list. The rolls Royce of French huitres are the oysters from Maison Gillardeau. Although fabulous oysters are still served in London and New York, Paris remains supreme. 2022 all rights reserved 2CV BOURGOGNE TOURS Hosted by DBL France, 2021 all rights reserved Made with love by Exclusive France Tours Elizabeth Stefanovic Hosted by DBL France. She is one of the few yachts able to cruise with more than 12 guests onboard and can welcome up to 40 guests for day charters. Meaty, nutty, firm and savoury, the oysters are grown and carefully tended for four years, and due to their cultivation process are less briny than many other varieties. You can find two species of oysters here: the Rock oyster, which is also grown on the Pacific Coast of North America, and the Native oyster. Fresh Shipped; Oysters. The fresh ocean taste of an oyster while relaxing on a luxury yacht is hard to beat. The number of oysters in France varies from 1000 to 6, with the smaller the number, the larger the oyster. The country has a long tradition of oyster farming"L'ostriculture," and eating them, of course. Are French oysters the best in the world? A platter full of oysters, as well as other seafood, is another excellent way to enjoy oysters. Our unique culinary tours will take you on gourmet adventures leading you to the best, and most expensive, oysters. The French have a proud history of oyster growing, with cultivation stretching back to ancient Roman times, and world-beating rates of oyster consumption, eating an impressive 4.4 pounds per person per yearmore than anywhere else in Europe. In addition to its historical significance as a place of memory and mourning following the tragedy of World War II, the area is prized for its delicious and distinctive oysters, which are fed by incredibly strong ocean currents that intertwine with the waters of nearby rivers. The family-run business delivers oysters with a big bold ocean flavour. Check out where to go for the Best Seafood in the World: #1. When it comes to Christmas and New Years Eve in France, oysters (Hu*tres) are the second most popular product. How to Eat an Oyster Like the French: This is a list of some tips for how to eat oysters like the French. The Isigny oyster is one of the most well-known, with a rich and flavorful flavor. The sea views over the port are also superb. "These are the closest [farmed] oyster to a wild Louisiana oyster that begs to be made into a po'boy.". Fine de Claire, Spciale de Claire, Belon, Gillardeauyou name it! Seating at the outdoors Marker 13 Buoy Bar is first-come,. Oysters flavor is said to be unique because they combine the salty Mediterranean flavor with the sweet freshness of the River Ebro. French oyster gillardeau is a type of oyster that is grown in the Gillardeau oyster beds off the Arcachon Bay in southwestern France. In May each year, locals and visitors alike celebrate the Bluff Oyster Festival. Your visit with local artisans will give you deep insight into the painstaking process of producing these delicacies, and the cultural traditions that have endured for hundreds of years. Content presented under the "BOAT Presents" logo is an advertising feature and Boat International Limited has been paid to include this content. Have we managed to intrigue your palate? Arcachon, Pyla-sur-Mer & Cap FerretThe seaside resort town of Arcachon and its magnificent Bay is renowned for its fresh oysters. Tempura oysters are a speciality here. Although Normandy is more well-known for its French cheeses and Calvados liqueur than for huitres and other related products, this region should be an important factor when selecting huitres. Ranked #16 of 159 Restaurants in Arcachon. Monaco Grand Prix yacht hospitality, MIPIM yacht charters, Cannes Lions boat rentals and Cannes Film Festival corporate yacht charter specialists. Huitrerie Regis. Oysters are such an established part of Irelands culinary background that it has its own dedicated oyster season with food festivals all over the country. The Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre does nicely here. The wild huitres found in villages such as Plougastel-Dauolas are more similar to scallop meat than any other type of fish. Then, bring the oyster shell to the . Although theyre raised in a few other coastal areas, plates are primarily linked with Brittany. Keep in mind that the tides here raise and lower the water by about 15 meters. While most French oysters are now Pacific Oysters, the Kelly Galway native oyster is an extremely fine example of the native flat European oyster that used to be prevalent in France, before disease and overconsumption almost entirely wiped them out. According to First We Feast, each one of these oysters can measure up to 7.09 inches long and weigh up to 2.2 pounds. Generally raised in the plankton-rich Bay of Veys, these are oysters likely to please most palates for their soft, delicate flavours and pleasingly firm texture. The French produce two types of oysters: oysters on plates and creuses. The crisp, acidic flavour of dry sparkling wines- whether prosecco, cava, or any other iteration, work splendidly with oysters, cutting through the creaminess of the meat and singing with the salinity. It is best to tip the oyster shell into your mouth and drink the seawater with it. Well tell you why the oysters in France are so good, the different types, where you can enjoy them and how to eat them. The oysters are said to have a unique flavour as they combine the saltiness of the Mediterranean with the sweet freshness of the River Ebro. Vive la France! So now that you know which oysters you want, and which drink to pair them with, its time to join the oyster rush in time for Christmas. La Subhasta Restaurant, where a dozen will cost you35, Picture courtesy of Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com. There are around 350 oyster farmers in the Arcachon Bassin and they produce 8000 - 10,000 tonnes of Pacific cupped oysters per year. "Service was excellent and kind and the oysters were just delicious.". With 640 km of stunning coastline it comes as no surprise that Normandy produces some of the world's finest oysters. It has been claimed to be an aphrodisiac, which science can't confirm, but a young couple sharing a stable of oysters have an undoubtedly erotic quality. France also goes to greater lengths than anywhere else in the world to coddle some of its oysters, which can be finished in special salt ponds where each gets a designated amount of water, or may even have special algae added to turn their gills green (and flavor fruity). Ask any Frenchman or woman and theyd look at you as if youre crazy to even think they may not be. Nouvelle AquitaineHeading to Nouvelle Aquitaine and the relaxed seaside town of Bourcfranc le Chapus, you can taste some of Frances most-prized and expensive oysters at Maison Gillardeau, established during the nineteenth century and lauded by gourmets as unusually flavourful, fresh, and aromatic. Oyster shacks are all over Paris, and Parisians have a lot of love for oysters. "Always begin by loosening the oyster. The legendary French oyster cultivation areas are Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. Some of the more popular places include Le Bouchon du Palais in Paris, LEcailler du Bistrot in Lyon, and La Cote des Monts in Bordeaux. oysters from France are typically served raw with a squeeze of lemon, but they can also be cooked in a variety of ways. For white wines, they should be young rather than aged as complexity competes with the oyster flavour, and only the very bravest attempt red wine, although some spirits and stouts can be excellent choices. The oysters also benefit from a perfect climate that is not too cold and not too warm. They taste slightly different depending on where they came from: salty and nutty in Normandy, iodiney and delicate and invigorating in Brittany. And if the world is your oyster then Galway, on Irelands west coast, is your home. France has some of the best oyster experiences in the world. France is known for its western seaboard with three separate oyster growing regions: Cancale, Marennes-Olron, & Arcachon. They have a slightly sweet flavor that is generously filling in their semi-round shell. Winnder of the best savoury oyster dish in 2018 (Denmark Oyster Festival/ (Sren F. Gammelmark)) The Denmark Oyster Festival, held on the Wadden Sea island of Fan, has only been going since 2016, but it has quickly established itself as one of the best in the world. Oyster regions of France Normandy Oysters Known for its highly iodised and fleshy oysters. Coming from the Loire Valley, this cool climate wine is grown on an ancient sea bed known as the Paris basin, and its bracing acidity, citrus notes, and mineral profile matches exceedingly well with oysters. No BS Guide to Eating and Drinking Like the French. Catalina, where a dozen oysters will cost you $72. Marennes-Olron is famous for its La Pousse en Clair variety, which is elevated in low density ponds and shallow waters. The ultimate Paris vacation guide. Some people prefer a saltier oyster, while others prefer a sweeter oyster. Bespoke Yacht Charter Bespoke Yacht Charter offer luxury yacht charters and boat rentals on motor yachts, sailing yachts and superyachts on the Cte dAzur and French Riviera. The process is known as Lostriculture and the growers are known as Ostriculteurs. Oysters are among the best in France, as they are found in towns along the countrys coast. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Brittany? Favorite varieties include Capital and Shigoku oysters from Washington, Kusshi oysters from British Columbia, and the coveted Hog Island Sweetwaters from California. True Belon oysters are produced in the area around the French river Belon, and some say that they are some of the rarest oysters in the world. Ireland's oyster industry is an international powerhouse. I am cofounder and senior yacht charter broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter. Elegant Address The very best in luxury villa rentals on the Cte dAzur and French Riviera. A shigoku oyster is a suspension-grown oyster that is grown in bags suspended in water that moves with currents. If so, get in touch with now. 6. Whether youre fancying a gin and tonic, or a shaken martini, the marriage between gin and oysters is a thing of beauty. Although some of these areas are far more famous than others, they all produce excellent oysters. Beer: Guinness is Good forEating Oysters. Oysters are prized for their soft, delicate flavors and firm texture due to their origins in the plankton-rich Bay of Veys. These oysters are lauded as being unusually sweet and as having a pleasing, complex texture. Chez Pierre in Arcachon is also prized by locals for its fine platters and excellent wines. This sweet, fruity oyster grows in Marenne-Oleron on the west coast of France, the largest oyster growing region in Europe. Sydney Rock Oysters are small and soft and have a distinctive taste although their flavours can differ depending on which location they have come from. Here is our guide on where to find six of the best oysters in the world. Oysters taste different depending on where they were grown and how they were processed. In 2017, the average price of fresh oysters was between 7.1 and 7.4 euros. So if you love seafood, the west coast offers the finest available and is a beautiful spot to come and sample the seafood delights. Some say a crisp, dry pilsner is just the ticket, but the Irish beg to differ. When oysters spawn in the spring and summer, their meat becomes soggy and thin. As an affiliate and publisher, we earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post and third party advertising. You can very rarely go wrong with a Pouilly Fuisse when eating oysters, or a pale, crisp Provencal rose could also be considered. The French oysters are meaty and nutty in taste. Because most oysters raised in aquaculture do not spawn, they have a good season. Expect some competition, as for the French, getting the best oysters is somewhat of a national sport. Bourdain enjoys oysters from the coast in both regions, as well as seafood from the local region. In some places, oysters were easy to find. Types of Oysters. Because oysters have unique flavors and textures, you should chew them (not swallow them whole) to get a full taste. +33 5 56 83 78 81. For centuries, oysters have been grown in France, and fishermen work within a rigid production cycle. Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachondre are three legendary oyster cultivation areas in France. That, to a layman is what all oysters look and taste like but to a true connoisseur, every variety of oyster has its own characteristics. Oysters, as a side dish, are popular as an appetizer made with bread and butter. France is home to four different oyster varieties. For something deliciously salty and fleshy with a fruity aftertaste, try Bouzigues oysters, which are farmed in a saltwater lake called the Etang de Thau. You will pass by the region if you are cruising on a superyacht from Barcelona to Valencia. Although France is normally the first place that springs to mind for the world's best oysters, the Delta de l'Ebre, situated between Barcelona and Valencia, it a top contender. Local producers such as Huitres Arin have fantastic tasting rooms/restaurants with sea views; take in the arresting natural beauty of the Bay of Paimpol as you enjoy a platter of the freshest local oysters, accompanied, of course, with salted Brton butter and bread. With a salt water content higher than the sea and no tides to contend with, the oysters grow rapidly and are some of the fleshiest in France. Picture courtesy of Bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com. Frances most renowned oysters are Speciales Gillardeau, which are produced by the Gillardeau family. (Dont tell the French, but nearly 80% of the oysters here are exported to France and many are then sold in France and internationally under a French label. Rent the finest South of France villas and prestigious properties in St Tropez, Cannes, Cap dAntibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat. In fact, one in four French oysters hail from this region and are prized by locals and visitors alike for their variety and frank, complex flavours. There are numerous oysters to choose from in Alabama, but the Cancale oyster is by far the best. Every coastal community in Brittany produces non-plus ultra oysters. If youre looking for a more intense oyster flavor, consider California oysters. It is not uncommon to see oysters shucked in front of you while you eat them (to preserve their flavor), or to serve them on ice. Sign up to BOAT International email newsletters to get the latest superyacht news, business analysis, exclusive event invitations, and more. A large part of the region, whose largest city is Bordeaux, runs alongside the Atlantic coast, a genuine treasure-trove for local oyster-tasting. Labelled according to the same calculation as the fines, these oysters are a larger and fleshier. Cupped oysters come in a variety of sizes and come in a numbered box. French restaurants often offer a perplexing miscellany of oysters, at prices that differ according to shape, size and provenance. Oyster Reviews Julie Qiu May 25, 2020 Australia , France , Africa , Brazil , Ireland , Japan , Scotland , Tasmania , international , best oysters , Loch Ryan , Bouzigues , Senpoushi , Fines de Claire , Kelly Galway 31 Comments The iconic river ships of No. Pacific oysters are graded from 5 to 0 (the latter the largest, weighing over 150g) and native from small (petit) to very large (trs grande - over 100g). These oysters are flat and round, with rippled green shells. Known as the Royals Royce of oysters, these very fine oysters come at a premium. Fish and shellfish from West Sweden are some of the best in the world. Oyster prices vary significantly from one location to the next. Heres a summary of some of the terms you are likely to encounter: France produces two types of oysters, plates and creuses. Each year Cancale produces 5000 tons of oysters farmed in its 'parks' in the bay and 1000 tons fished from the bay generally. Review. Many more oysters can be found in France, so you can find them all here. The plate is the oyster lovers oyster. Beauregard. Then, the only species available was the plate, or flat oyster (Ostrea edulis), more commonly known as the Belon. France is home to some of the best oysters in the world. Kelly Oysters, based in a small inlet in Galway Bay, have been described as the best flavoured in the world. Ultimately, the best oysters in Brittany, France are the ones that taste the best to you. Dishes such as Cancalaise oysters with apple pure, Japanese vinegar, pink onion flan and langoustine bisque are both delicate and full of gourmet flavour. The latter two offer types known as Fines and Fines de Claire, although they traditionally hail from the Marennes-Olron region. They look identical at first glance, coming in some shade of grey with a similar briny flavour. Restaurants such as La Mare (in Grandcamp-Maisy) are reputed for their excellent, unpretentious and delicious cuisine, including fresh oyster platters. Interested in oyster tasting in France? As part of a well-known oyster brand, the third and fourth generations have taken over management.