France controls more than 2,000 miles of coastline, featuring some of the finest oyster beds in the world. Ranked #16 of 159 Restaurants in Arcachon. "It has a strong, earthy brininess that is perfect for the steak lover," Brownlee says. Each year Cancale produces 5000 tons of oysters farmed in its 'parks' in the bay and 1000 tons fished from the bay generally. Blog all about Luxury Travel on the French Riviera and Cte d'Azur. Due to the way they are cultivated, Gillardeau oysters can be eaten more than eight days after packaging so ensure your chef orders some in if you are in the country on your private yacht or enjoying a luxury yacht charter in France. Review. If you want an unforgettable seafood experience, visit the East Coast. A large portion of the oysters are cultivated in Isigny-sur-Mer and its surrounding towns in the Calvados department. Kumamoto oysters have gained popularity due to their sweet taste as well as their mild brininess. Even though there aren't many of these oysters out . The Portuguese oyster Crassostrea angulata (which is almost extinct in French waters) was used to model his painting. "I had the oysters and the salmon.". Towns such as Plougastel-Dauolas, also nestled on the harbour, are also noted for their wild huitres, which have a particular texture closer to a scallop and are rich in iodine. Although the French eat oysters all year round, in winter you simply can't avoid them because they are everywhere. Oysters are a popular food in France, and are often eaten raw with a squeeze of lemon juice. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Whether you opt to visit a few local producers, charter a private vessel to enjoy local delicacies as part of a freshly prepared lunch, or stake out the regions best gastronomic tables serving exceptional huitres, your experience will be at once authentic and exceptional. An American oyster, as opposed to a French oyster, has a distinct brininess. 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. When youre ready to eat the oysters, use a short, sharp knife with a short, sharp blade. 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. Manage Settings Though Bluff itself is a little off the beaten track, it's oysters are available across the country, so you should absolutely sail your superyacht to New Zealand Auckland and Queenstown in particular are of to some of the world's best restaurantsoffering this southern island delicacy. Aquitaine is a thriving oyster-producing region, thanks to the presence of small oyster farms and restaurants specializing in the delicacy. Oysters can be eaten raw or, if desired, eaten in warm temperatures, but true oyster lovers prefer to eat them raw. Although less intensely flavoured than the plate, the creuse is equally seductive. Fishermen cannot make a profit on any fish caught outside of their quotas. "These are the closest [farmed] oyster to a wild Louisiana oyster that begs to be made into a po'boy.". Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Best Places To Use Your Oyster Freedom Pass, Oysters As A Potential Treatment For Cancer, The Florida Keys: Home Of The Worlds Largest Oysters, The Pros And Cons Of Eating Snails And Oysters. French oysters are known as the best oysters in the world and are served in a variety of restaurants across the country. Ireland's oyster industry is an international powerhouse. A Guide to Oysters. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The oysters from the glandardeau saucisson are among Frances best oysters, and they rank third among the top three. In modern times, France was the first country in Europe to begin producing oysters on a large scale. When oysters spawn in the spring and summer, their meat becomes soggy and thin. I succeeded in finding them in 10 of the 14 countries that I visited. 5. France produces over 50% of the worlds oysters, and the majority of these come from the countrys southwest coast. Provence & French Riviera. The best place to enjoy Bassin of Arcachon oysters is in Cap Ferret itself. The half-shell oyster is a standard unit of purchase in these parts because oysters are abundant. The family-run business delivers oysters with a big bold ocean flavour. The northeastern French region of Brittany is as famous as Aquitaine for its world-prized, incredibly fresh oysters. Well create an entirely personalised gourmet adventure in France that includes exquisite fresh oyster tastings with some of the countrys finest producers, perhaps paired with exclusive wine tours. They are often served with a squeeze of lemon juice and a glass of white wine. Malpeque Oysters Going Out for Oysters. Utah Beach is said to produce sweet oysters. Bluff Oysters from the southern most tip of New Zealand's South Island are some of the most prolific. Oysters are prized for their soft, delicate flavors and firm texture due to their origins in the plankton-rich Bay of Veys. The best oyster on the planet, the Belon is harvested from all over France and finished in specially designed ponds (claires) in the brackish waters of the Belon River, where the French call garaging. 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. 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. Read our No BS Guide to Eating and Drinking Like the French. Have we managed to intrigue your palate? Best for On-Demand Harvesting: Fishers Island Oyster Farm - NY. The rolls Royce of French huitres are the oysters from Maison Gillardeau. France is known for its western seaboard with three separate oyster growing regions: Cancale, Marennes-Olron, & Arcachon. This episode of How We Eat explores the complex history of this beloved bival. 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. Arcachon, Pyla-sur-Mer & Cap FerretThe seaside resort town of Arcachon and its magnificent Bay is renowned for its fresh oysters. Certificate of Excellence. Marennes-Olron is famous for its La Pousse en Clair variety, which is elevated in low density ponds and shallow waters. Joel Goldberg for The New York Times. Some oysters in particular, known as La Gravette feed on local plankton that lend them a unique, highly-prized flavour. 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. Enjoying a suite of international oysters with friends in Hong Kong. On the island of Capers in South Carolina, a robust and juicy oyster known as the Capers Blade is produced. 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. Limfjord oysters, dubbed "the best oysters in the world," are quite rare. 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). During your next private, high-luxury tour of Brittany, make sure to spend some time tasting and learning about their fantastic oysters. The oysters are harvested when they are three years old and have a slightly briny taste with a hint of sweetness. Types of Oysters. A shigoku oyster is a suspension-grown oyster that is grown in bags suspended in water that moves with currents. Virtually anywhere along the French coastline (including the Mediterranean and of course Brittany) delicious French oysters are served, and at a fraction of the cost of those in Paris. Another popular standard for judging oyster meat is the Worth Index. Antisan Yacht Antisan is an exceptional charter yacht based in Cannes and available to rent on the French Riviera and other Mediterranean destinations. Are French oysters the best in the world? You should only consume oysters from the months of septembre, octobre, novembre, and novembre the three most common times to consume them. 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. No BS Guide to Eating and Drinking Like the French. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Norway. Many countries produce lots of wonderful oysters. Traditional champagne pairings include oysters and a Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. Here is our guide on where to find six of the best oysters in the world. 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. Beer: Guinness is Good forEating Oysters. They have a flatter shape and are known as Belons or Marennes in two of the places where they are made. 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. Because of their smoother shells and saltier flavors, the oysters on the East Coast are more popular than those on the West Coast. Picture courtesy of Bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com. From Strasbourg to Colmar to Paris. The biggest oysters are best used for cooking something like an oyster stuffing, which my grandma loved to make for Thanksgiving (and I always managed to hide the heaping scoop of oyster stuffing or slip it in to napkin). Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tbsp.) Pair them with a Guinness. Elegant Address The very best in luxury villa rentals on the Cte dAzur and French Riviera. Go for a Brut (dry), bright, citrusy, non-vintage champagne. In Europe, raw French oysters are frequently served with a squirt of lemon juice and a squeeze of Tabasco sauce. "Service was excellent and kind and the oysters were just delicious.". Located next to a multi-deck boat house on Skull Creek, this landmark waterfront restaurant features an extensive cocktail and food menu. The town of Isigny-sur Mer and nearby Grandcamp-Maisy are both excellent ports of call for sampling the prized local produce. 1. The oyster industry is rich in history, as can be seen by dipping your toe into the briny waters. Aged for an average of three years before being harvested, the oysters cultivated in this unique environment benefit from an ideal ecosystem: the relative calm of Bay waters fed by the wild Atlantic ocean on one end, dunes and pine forests on another. With a shared language of terroir and cru and descriptive terms like crisp, buttery, or fruity, the French appreciation of oysters goes hand in hand with their appreciation of wine. Many consider theirs to be the Rolls Royce of French huitres. Huitrerie Regis. Its dense, slightly metallic and challenging flavour is so satisfying, And, if youve already started on the wine, the heady combination of oyster and alcohol will evoke dreamy images of misty Breton shores and the clanking of small boats as they dock to unload their catch. Share. 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. Exceptional but relaxed tastings can be enjoyed at places including Au Pied dCheval on the Cancale Port, whose oyster platters (sourced from the restaurants own local production site) are remarkably fresh and delicious; the seaside views are breathtaking, too. mignonette, a tangy condiment made of vinegar and shallots, is typically served with oysters. These are refined oysters, grown in marshes (claires) that allow for optimum production and a controlled growing environment. Huitres et Saumons de Passy. Vive la France! Touring & Tasting on the PeninsulaWhy not couple a historical tour of Normandys landing beaches with a few gourmet tastings at some of the areas most prestigious oyster houses and seafood restaurants? Oysters have been part of the French diet for centuries. Virtus. We always aim to show our VIP clients the secrets of Frances best producers and top culinary talents. It was in 1825 that the first oyster restaurant in France opened, as oysters were a popular dish in ancient Rome. If you are enjoying a private vacation or luxury yacht charter in Spain then your superyacht chef should be able to obtain fresh oysters from the Delta de lEbre. We'd like to introduce you to one of the best oysters in the world: the Belon oyster. Monaco Grand Prix yacht hospitality, MIPIM yacht charters, Cannes Lions boat rentals and Cannes Film Festival corporate yacht charter specialists. If so, get in touch with now. It is a noble oyster with a fleshy texture, iodine, and hints of Hazelnut, and it is one of the best oysters available in the market. They are generally whitish-gray in outer shell color, and their inside shell . Content presented under the "BOAT Presents" logo is an advertising feature and Boat International Limited has been paid to include this content. So if you love seafood, the west coast offers the finest available and is a beautiful spot to come and sample the seafood delights. Cancale alone produces 60,000 tons of molluscs, accounting for roughly one-third of the nations total. France is known for producing oysters in three forms: plates, creuses, and fines. Claimed. 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. The legendary French oyster cultivation areas are Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. The Isigny oyster is one of the most well-known, with a rich and flavorful flavor. The caramelized oysters are served in . A stamp bearing the image of Henri Matisse was used to acknowledge the value of oysters in France, where they are so highly valued. Muirgen oyster - this is a size 1 Shucking or opening oysters France is home to four different oyster varieties. The French produce two types of oysters: oysters on plates and creuses. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The best oyster restaurants in the world Essential pit-stops chosen by Simon Lamont, head chef of Raw Bar at Seabird, home to London's longest oyster menu THE COMPANY SHED, ESSEX 'An old hut just down the slipway in Colchester, with the farm a shell's throw from where you're sitting. This flat, rounded and wild oyster variety has a fresh, fleshy interior and is appreciated for its unique flavour as well as its rarity. There are many places to eat oysters in France. In appearance creuse are typically a pale ivory lined with black and brown. These are among the most sought-after. Open now : 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM6:30 PM - 10:30 PM. Its flavour is easy, fresh and sprightly, evoking bracing sea breezes and sea water. The oysters also benefit from a perfect climate that is not too cold and not too warm. Bouzigues may not be able to compete with the above two producers for notoriety, but their name is growing. Learn how your comment data is processed. Barron Point: These large oysters ("hand-sized", as we like to call them) are from the nutrient-rich waters of Little Skookum. View all posts by Alex Coles. Here are a few superb pairings for your oyster feast this Christmas: Champagne and Sparkling Wine: Sparkles and Salt are a Match Made in Heaven. Favorite varieties include Capital and Shigoku oysters from Washington, Kusshi oysters from British Columbia, and the coveted Hog Island Sweetwaters from California. He enjoys the simple pleasures of a seafood dinner in a fishing village such as Plouhinec and the more upscale surroundings of the Cte Blanche Resort in Saint-Malo, both of which are close to his home. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Besides, oyster preference is an extremely personal thing, and one that does not always correspond with either fame or price tag. This is a slight increase from the previous year, when the average price ranged from 7.1 to 7.3 euros. Because oysters have unique flavors and textures, you should chew them (not swallow them whole) to get a full taste. Delta de l'Ebre, Catalonia, Spain When you think of eating oysters in Europe, you may automatically think of France. Level 1 has the highest weight, but level 2 has the most texture. Since Roman times, they have been farmed in the Lagune de Thau, in the Mediterranean, and in the Bay of Arcachon. The quality of oysters in Brittany, like those in Aquitaine, is world-renowned. There are around 350 oyster farmers in the Arcachon Bassin and they produce 8000 - 10,000 tonnes of Pacific cupped oysters per year. Like wine, terroir and variety matters when . If youre looking for the best oysters in France, head to Marennes. Many people believe French oysters are the best in the world, and raw oysters are available at bistros and brasseries across the country. Some kind of dry white wine or Champagne is generally suggested as an accompaniment. 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. Despite the fact that oysters are a small but important part of the French culinary culture, they can be quite pricey. Their Rappahannocks are part of a long legacy of oyster growing (started in 1899) and carry with them a mild minerality and lingering sweetness. They are large, juicy and have an intense flavour, earning them a place among the finest oysters in the world. These French oysters are raised in deep waters, then transferred to less salty shallow beds called claires to mature. The Chesapeake Bay used to appear as if it were teeming with oysters as if it were a giant Milky Way. Outside the Champagne region, a bottle of Cremant de Limoux will go down very nicely. Oysters from the East Coast are unquestionably the most popular in the seafood world. Quicklist: Types of Oysters Crassostrea gigas Pacific Oysters Crassostrea sikamea Kumamoto Oysters Ostrea edulis Belon Oysters Ostrea lurida/conchapila Olympia Oysters Saccostrea glomerata Sydney Rock Oysters Crassostrea virginica Eastern Oysters Blue Point Oysters Beausoleil Oysters Misty Point Oysters Well Fleet Oysters The plants are difficult to grow and require a small amount of production, so they are more expensive to produce. While Normandy is perhaps a bit more well-known for its French cheeses and Calvados liqueur, this region should be a priority when youre interested in tasting superb huitres and related products. Save. "One of the best oyster bars in Paris!". Are grown at just 10 to the square yard. In May each year, locals and visitors alike celebrate the Bluff Oyster Festival. It is the Damariscottas crisp, clean waters that allow the oysters to escape the sand and silt. Oysters actually spend a scientifically determined number of days being dipped in and out of the water. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . 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. Six of the best luxury hotels with private yachts, Why this private island in Tanzania should top your travel list in 2023, Why St Barths is the spiritual home of regatta racing, Why Norway should be next on your charter hit list, 7 of the best coastal hikes accessible by boat. Get yourself a coffee and a pastry because its a long read. The largest city in this region, Bordeaux, is located along the Atlantic coast. The oyster can be served plain, with a splash of lemon juice, vinegar, or a shallots sauce, or with vinegar and a dash of lemon juice. Set in oyster parks with only five to the square yard, these oysters, prized by gourmets, grow for at least four months and double in weight during that time. Located between Barcelona and Valencia in the pristine wetlands of the Delta de lEbre National Park, these delicious oysters benefit from the salt water of the Mediterranean and the fresh water of the River Ebro. At bistros and brasseries around the country, you'll find raw oysters on the menu-and many believe French oysters to be the best in the . No matter how you enjoy them, French oysters are a truly delicious treat. The French are justifiably proud of their oysters; they are, after all, considered some of the finest on earth. The larger oysters are used in molluscan dishes such as bouillabaisse, while the smaller ones are used in chowders and Rockefeller oysters. Olron and Marnenet oyster La Fine (the fine) is a type of oyster that is finished in old salt marshes. Our private tours will unveil a host of secretive, exclusive and authentic places to taste the very best; these are just a couple we recommend in the area. Oyster shells are usually oval or pear-shaped, but will vary widely in form depending on what they attach to. 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. It is possible to find some of the best oysters in France, from Cancale in Brittany to Arcachon near Bordeaux. As an affiliate and publisher, we earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post and third party advertising. The plate is the oyster lovers oyster. Alternatively, their recently opened tasting room on the Ile de la R off the Atlantic coast offers superb views over sea and sky. The countrys long coastline and diverse climate provide the perfect conditions for oyster farming. The laws in place are aimed to prevent food waste at large. France (7) Gulf Coast (15) Hood Canal (20) Ireland (3) Long Island Sound (16) Maine/NH (20) . They are typically served raw, with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drop of Tabasco sauce. Cancale: La-Pied-de-ChevalAnother variety that seafood aficionados prize is from Cancale, and more specifically an oyster referred to as Le Pied de Cheval (the horses foot). Grand Isle. They look identical at first glance, coming in some shade of grey with a similar briny flavour. In some places, oysters were easy to find. The most important part of the Texas oyster harvest is in Galveston Bay. Dishes such as Cancalaise oysters with apple pure, Japanese vinegar, pink onion flan and langoustine bisque are both delicate and full of gourmet flavour. They are raised in shallow water from 4 to 6 months, producing only two to five oysters per square meter of water, producing a nearly crunchy oyster shell. A letter from Julius Ceaser reportedly claims that Loch Ryan oysters are the best in the world. There are numerous oysters to choose from in Alabama, but the Cancale oyster is by far the best. Utah Beach, one of the famous D-Day landing beaches and the westernmost of the five, is located on the Cotentin Peninsula. These oysters cost a whopping $100 each. Last but certainly not least, the northern region of Normandy (which borders Brittany) is also home to some outstanding oyster producers and gastronomic restaurants that make creative delicious use of the shellfish. If youre looking for the perfect French oyster, the Gillardeau oyster is without a doubt the one to go with. The Oysters of Isigny-sur-MerThe Norman oysters that are perhaps the biggest household name are those cultivated in Isigny-sur-Mer and surrounding towns, in the Calvados department famous for the liqueur of the same name. Although France is normally the first place that springs to mind for the worlds best oysters, the Delta de lEbre, situated between Barcelona and Valencia, it a top contender. The oyster is a French delicacy that has been popular among kings and peasants for centuries. 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. Finally, another destination in Nouvelle Aquitaine that reserves some of France's best oysters is the town of Marennes-Olron, famous for its "La Pousse en Clair" variety that is elevated in low density conditions and in shallow ponds called "claires". The average price per kilogram for fresh oysters in July 2021 was 7.2 euros. I am cofounder and senior yacht charter broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter. by Margaret | Jan 30, 2023 | Popular Seafood Dishes. Very rich in iodine, these popular oysters are very frequently featured in top shellfish and seafood restaurants around France, but sampling them straight from the source is recommended for ultimate freshness and to witness the artisanal way they are prepared for consumption.