It is thought some of them even return to Catalonia but under a Gallic guise. This flat, rounded and wild oyster variety has a fresh, fleshy interior and is appreciated for its unique flavour as well as its rarity. 5. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. In modern times, France was the first country in Europe to begin producing oysters on a large scale. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. During the winter of 2010, I had the incredible opportunity to travel around the world for business. The northeastern French region of Brittany is as famous as Aquitaine for its world-prized, incredibly fresh oysters. 22 boulevard Veyrier Montagneres, 33120 Arcachon, France. It should be mentioned that oysters are produced in an environmentally friendly way. The oysters are harvested and sorted by size after being hand-harvested. When comparing Pacific Gold oysters to lemongrass or the green rind of a melon in Morro Bay, its often the case that the latter is made of yellow coral. Known as the Royals Royce of oysters, these very fine oysters come at a premium. During private tours, you can discover the very best places to eat, hidden away, and at the very least for the first time. The waters are cold, fresh and salty and contain prawns, langoustine, lobster, mussels, oysters - and fantastic fish. "Best oysters in the world" Review of Huitrerie Regis 393 photos Huitrerie Regis 3 rue de Montfaucon, 75006 Paris, France (6th Arr. 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. Hailing from Brittany, France these oysters are beloved throughout Europe. The production is small, really, considering that Brittany produces 35,000 tonnes of France's annual 150,000 tonnes of oysters. 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. Calibre oysters have a tangy flavor that goes well with their succulent flesh. 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. But a bowl of clam chowder feels particularly restorative on a. 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. 1. France (7) Gulf Coast (15) Hood Canal (20) Ireland (3) Long Island Sound (16) Maine/NH (20) . It's all due to the unique farming process they developed. It is possible to find some of the best oysters in France, from Cancale in Brittany to Arcachon near Bordeaux. When it comes to Christmas and New Years Eve in France, oysters (Hu*tres) are the second most popular product. These oysters are flat and round, with rippled green shells. The caramelized oysters are served in . Even though there aren't many of these oysters out . Open now : 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM6:30 PM - 10:30 PM. How to Eat an Oyster Like the French: This is a list of some tips for how to eat oysters like the French. Let your tastebuds be your guide! Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Normandy?Normandy is known for its unusual variety of excellent oysters. Learn about oyster farming practices in each of the 7 oyster farming sites in France (Normandy, North Brittany and South Brittany, Vende, Charente-Maritime, Arcachon, Mediterranean), along with the various methods employed. "Great service, great food!". Each year Cancale produces 5000 tons of oysters farmed in its 'parks' in the bay and 1000 tons fished from the bay generally. Enjoying a suite of international oysters with friends in Hong Kong. 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. France is known for producing oysters in three forms: plates, creuses, and fines. There are many oyster varieties to choose from, but the French oyster is the most popular. In particular, the French coast is famous for its oysters, particularly in Bouziques, France. Plus Hotels, Restaurants, Beach Clubs, Cars, Sport, Events and much, much more. If youre going to eat raw oysters, allow 6 to 8 oysters per person, and 5 if theyre going to be served warm. 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. Brest: Distinctive wild harbour oystersThe northwestern harbour city of Brest is lauded for its superb wild oysters, which naturally flourish in the nutrient-rich waters around the area. Oysters have been grown in France for centuries and it was the first country in Europe to begin producing them on a large scale. The country has a long tradition of oyster farming"L'ostriculture," and eating them, of course. To get the best sense of oysters' individual flavors, it's best to eat them unadorned before adding garnishes like mignonette or cocktail sauce. The harbour views are are charming and memorable, too. Yannick effortlessly shucks oysters Some say a crisp, dry pilsner is just the ticket, but the Irish beg to differ. 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. Use the small fork. Outside the Champagne region, a bottle of Cremant de Limoux will go down very nicely. Because oysters have unique flavors and textures, you should chew them (not swallow them whole) to get a full taste. Years ago, there was an attempt to bring the Belon to Maine, and although the oyster farming failed, they survived in the wild. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . Utah Beach is said to produce sweet oysters. The country is well-known for its oyster farms, which are an important part of the French culinary culture. 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. There is no finer experience than dining on oysters overlooking the Thau lagoon as the sun goes down. Find Oyster Bars; . Not just any oysters, Tarbouriech. There are 4.5 square miles of oyster beds in a natural harbor where the oysters are grown. The Kelly Galway is a very large oyster grown in wild oyster fisheries along Irelands West Coast, before being moved to oyster beds to fatten and develop their flavour, giving them the flavour of the Atlantic and the fresh waters of the Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan rivers. Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachondre are three legendary oyster cultivation areas in France. 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. Are French oysters the best in the world? You will pass by the region if you are cruising on a superyacht from Barcelona to Valencia. Manage Settings 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. Provence & French Riviera. They look identical at first glance, coming in some shade of grey with a similar briny flavour. But the French are also far from alone in their love and pride of their home grown oysters, with many other countries across the world vying for the title of the worlds best oyster. The average price per kilogram for fresh oysters in July 2021 was 7.2 euros. 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. Ireland's oyster industry is an international powerhouse. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The larger oysters are used in molluscan dishes such as bouillabaisse, while the smaller ones are used in chowders and Rockefeller oysters. There are many factors to consider when determining the best oysters in Brittany, France. 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. If youve eaten them before, or whether youre curious and about to experience them for the first time, theres nothing in the world quite like French oysters. Huitres et Saumons de Passy. Our unique culinary tours will take you on gourmet adventures leading you to the best, and most expensive, oysters. 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. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. In May each year, locals and visitors alike celebrate the Bluff Oyster Festival. Enjoy. Miyagi Oysters Also called the Pacific oyster, this oyster originated from Japan and is raised in America from the Gulf of Mexico to British Columbia. 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. Meanwhile, at Le Vauban in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the fresh shellfish platters are excellent, as are the beautifully presented dishes made with fresh local ingredients. They are generally whitish-gray in outer shell color, and their inside shell . 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. Tempura oysters are a speciality here. Some kind of dry white wine or Champagne is generally suggested as an accompaniment. 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. In Brest, we recommend tasting the areas finest specimens at warmly authentic and lively spots such as LOyster Bar, a recently opened, sprawling space overlooking the Port of Brest and serving enormous platters of shellfish, including the oysters for which the area is renowned. The town of Marennes is known as the oyster capital of France, and it is here that some of the finest oysters in the world are grown. Fishermen place baby shellfish in beds in order to grow them as they approach maturity, and they return to the beds to place them as they grow. Labelled according to the same calculation as the fines, these oysters are a larger and fleshier. There is no doubt about it: oysters are extremely popular in France. Sharpen your elbows, grab your shucker, and join the fray! If youre looking for the best oysters in France, the Gillardeau oysters are an absolute must. Like Kelly Galways, Loch Ryans are native oysters of the European variety, and they have been grown by the Wallace family since 1701, when King William II gave the family the rights to harvest the beds. As part of a well-known oyster brand, the third and fourth generations have taken over management. If so, get in touch with now. Find your part of the world and locate oysters with ocean maps or terrain. If youre looking for the best oysters in the world, you wont be disappointed by deep-sea oysters from the Cotentin Peninsula. White Wine: Chablis and Sancerre, if you please. These are just a couple of the local experiences we recommend others are closely guarded secrets that we reserve exclusively for our clients. In Saint-Vaast-la-Houge, for example, France et Fuschias is a local table helmed by young chef Alexandre Raymond; it has won accolades for its excellent oysters and creative cuisine with roots in Norman cuisine. At sunset, follow the Rance west to St-Malo, a fortified citadel with ramparts at the mouth of the Rance. Wild oysters are well-known in the northwestern harbor city of Brest. La Subhasta Restaurant, where a dozen will cost you35, Picture courtesy of Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com. 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. Aquitaine is a thriving oyster-producing region, thanks to the presence of small oyster farms and restaurants specializing in the delicacy. The sea views over the port are also superb. Restaurants such as La Mare (in Grandcamp-Maisy) are reputed for their excellent, unpretentious and delicious cuisine, including fresh oyster platters. They are large, juicy and have an intense flavour, earning them a place among the finest oysters in the world. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Aquitaine?Your private oyster-tasting tour in the region may include visits to producers and local gastronomic tables specialised in fresh shellfish paired with excellent wines. They are difficult to grow and are produced in small quantities, and so they are more expensive. Here is our guide on where to find six of the best oysters in the world. The Gillardeau family has been cultivating oysters for generations as a result of the familys ancestral passion for the delicacy. However, the reigning champion must always be true Champagne from the Champagne region, partly because it is grown in soil which is rich in marine sediments and chalky notes, creating a magnificent mineral, almost saline partnership with the salty oysters. Although some of these areas are far more famous than others, they all produce excellent oysters. They are flavourful and juicy, with a nutty flavor that is difficult to resist in many cases. Whether youre a connoisseur or are keen to experience a new culinary delight weve put together this ultimate guide for you to get the most out of your experience enjoying French oysters. Delta de l'Ebre, Catalonia, Spain When you think of eating oysters in Europe, you may automatically think of France. "Always begin by loosening the oyster. 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. They can be found in the coastal areas of the country, as well as in the rivers and lakes. In 2017, the average price of fresh oysters was between 7.1 and 7.4 euros. There are many places to eat oysters in France. Bretagne produces several different varieties of oysters that are treasured by gourmet connoisseurs and fans of authentic, simple regional cuisine alike. Best for Beach Cultivated: Hama Hama - WA. Chez Pierre in Arcachon is also prized by locals for its fine platters and excellent wines. Oyster & Chop, where a dozen bluff oysters costs $54, Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com / Farris Noorzali. Well tell you why the oysters in France are so good, the different types, where you can enjoy them and how to eat them. Review. Oyster regions of France Normandy Oysters Known for its highly iodised and fleshy oysters. A bottle of Domaine Servin Chablis Premiere Cuvee les Pargues could be just the drop. The name may not mean much to some, but to oyster fans, Tarbouriech oysters are among the very best in the world. A platter full of oysters, as well as other seafood, is another excellent way to enjoy oysters. These varieties typically. 1 medium jalapeo, minced (about 1 tbsp.) No matter how you enjoy them, French oysters are a truly delicious treat. They are delicious raw or cooked in different traditional Norman dishes, including ones featuring local apple ciders. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. 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). For other strong white wine accompaniments, a very dry Muscadet from the Loire Valley promises a clean and crisp flavour profile, while a dry German Riesling is outstanding with meatier, creamier oysters. As an affiliate and publisher, we earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post and third party advertising. The country has a long history of oyster cultivation, and today there are dozens of different types of French oysters to choose from. The company is based near La Rochelle in western France and the oysters are cultivated over four years following strict rules which have been passed down by four generations. There are over 450 parks and gardens to visit in Paris. This is a slight increase from the previous year, when the average price ranged from 7.1 to 7.3 euros. The classics in Paris are oysters from legendary French oyster cultivation areas such as Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. They are definitely an ingrained element of French culture. Because most oysters raised in aquaculture do not spawn, they have a good season. The word Aquitaine is derived from the French words Bonjour (for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh). Not sickly sweet stuff, but the desperately dry Manzanilla, which delivers acidity, crispness and salinity in droves. Barron Point: These large oysters ("hand-sized", as we like to call them) are from the nutrient-rich waters of Little Skookum. Fresh Shipped; Oysters. Tut, tut.). All of these amino acids, in addition to being a source of nutrients, have been linked to aphrodisiac properties. Around 164,000 years ago, it was common for humans to consume oysters, which were introduced to Europe by hominids. The legendary French oyster cultivation areas are Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. The French oysters are meaty and nutty in taste. Get yourself a coffee and a pastry because its a long read. Despite the fact that oysters are a small but important part of the French culinary culture, they can be quite pricey. These are refined oysters, grown in marshes (claires) that allow for optimum production and a controlled growing environment. Let's take a closer look at two of them. Oysters grow all around the globe on rocks and piers in the saltiest of waters. You can very rarely go wrong with a Pouilly Fuisse when eating oysters, or a pale, crisp Provencal rose could also be considered. (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. For many oyster connoisseurs, Aquitaine is synonymous with incomparably fresh, delicious huitres (French for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh. They taste slightly different depending on where they came from: salty and nutty in Normandy, iodiney and delicate and invigorating in Brittany. Meanwhile, in nearby Plougastel, a trip to the tasting room of prestigious oyster producers Thierry Larnicol and Jean Le Moal (Keraliou) is a wonderful place to try creative regional cuisine from chef Philippe Lambert, with dishes such as beef tartare with oysters certain to please gourmet palates. France has some of the best oyster experiences in the world. Although fabulous oysters are still served in London and New York, Paris remains supreme. And the French know this. However the area of the Delta de l'Ebre in Catalonia, produces such excellent oysters that actually 80% of these are exported to France. Best for Wild Oysters: Glidden Point Oyster Farms - ME. 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. 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. When they are three years old and fully mature, they are transferred to an estuarial environment. The Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre does nicely here. French oysters are known as the best oysters in the world and are served in a variety of restaurants across the country. When I wasn't working or sleeping, I was hunting for oysters. He takes the time to appreciate the natural beauty of the region not only because it is rugged on the coastline but also because it is rolling and rural. If youre looking for a more intense oyster flavor, consider California oysters. If youre looking for the best oysters in France, head to Marennes. It is simple, but delicious, to serve as a showcase for each of the ingredients. 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. Oysters, according to popular belief, have a distinct flavor that is influenced by the Mediterranean's salty taste and the River Ebro's sweet freshness. 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. Fine de Claire, Spciale de Claire, Belon, Gillardeauyou name it! 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. Bourdain enjoys oysters from the coast in both regions, as well as seafood from the local region. Huitrerie Regis. Olron and Marnenet oyster La Fine (the fine) is a type of oyster that is finished in old salt marshes. France has some of the best oyster experiences in the world. These oysters cost a whopping $100 each. Australia is famed for its Sydney Rock oysters which are found in a variety of locations around the country including - Shark Bay, the Wingan Inlet and the east coast of New South Wales. 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. The half-shell oyster is a standard unit of purchase in these parts because oysters are abundant. France controls more than 2,000 miles of coastline, featuring some of the finest oyster beds in the world. These are among the most sought-after. The family-run business delivers oysters with a big bold ocean flavour. Every coastal community in Brittany produces non-plus ultra oysters. The oysters alone (from a farm up the road) are worth the hour-long drive from San Francisco to a dockside shanty on Tomales Bay. Oysters are calibrated from 000 to 6, with the smaller number indicating the larger-sized oyster. 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. 3 rue de Montfaucon, 75006 Paris France +33 1 44 41 10 07 Website Menu. Allow Necessary Cookies & Continue 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. Vive la France! Oysters are a popular food in France, and are often eaten raw with a squeeze of lemon juice. On the island of Capers in South Carolina, a robust and juicy oyster known as the Capers Blade is produced. There are around 350 oyster farmers in the Arcachon Bassin and they produce 8000 - 10,000 tonnes of Pacific cupped oysters per year. In addition to eating and drinking with locals, he learns about their traditions and their cuisine. Cancale alone produces 60,000 tons of molluscs, accounting for roughly one-third of the nations total. Seating at the outdoors Marker 13 Buoy Bar is first-come,.