Their Rappahannocks are part of a long legacy of oyster growing (started in 1899) and carry with them a mild minerality and lingering sweetness. Oysters cost between 8 and 20 euros per kilogram, but they are not as affordable as sushi. Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Brittany? The general rule for oysters is the accompanying beverage must be crisp, and it must be dry. Full of flavour and ideal for tastes that are a bit adventurous, these iodine-rich varieties are said to leave a subtle hint of almond on the palate. Antisan Yacht Antisan is an exceptional charter yacht based in Cannes and available to rent on the French Riviera and other Mediterranean destinations. If you want the best oysters in the world, you must visit the Delta de l'Ebre, which is located between Barcelona and Valencia and is a top contender. Oyster prices vary significantly from one location to the next. Continue on the D116 south to the turn off for the Port de Belon to visit the port side of the river or turn onto the D24 toward Riec-sur-Belon to . The Chesapeake Bay used to appear as if it were teeming with oysters as if it were a giant Milky Way. There are many other deserving candidates further afield, such as in Australia, New Zealand and America, but as we know, the freshness of an oyster is paramount, so this list will concentrate on the best of European oyster growers.). 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. The Portuguese oyster Crassostrea angulata (which is almost extinct in French waters) was used to model his painting. 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. As the only oyster fishery still operating in Scotland, and a very slow maturation time of up to 8 years, the Loch Ryan oysters are a true delicacy to savour over Christmas and New Year. That means a standard order of a dozen Coffin Bay oysters on the half shell would add up to $1,200. They have a flatter shape and are known as Belons or Marennes in two of the places where they are made. You can even taste them onsite in the areas many informal yet wonderfully authentic cabanes huitres (oyster-tasting cabins), where you might enjoy breathtaking views over the Arcachon Bay, the astrounding Dune Pilat and the Cap Ferret. Utah Beach is said to produce sweet oysters. If you want to try something new, you can begin with Anthony Bourdains journeys; his travels are a great place to start. 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. This is an occasion where you dont need to fork out hundreds for a bottle of Cristal- and in fact shouldnt, as the complexity of a vintage champagne will only compete and clash with the oysters flavour profile. Because most oysters raised in aquaculture do not spawn, they have a good season. Let's take a closer look at two of them. You should only consume oysters from the months of septembre, octobre, novembre, and novembre the three most common times to consume them. 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. There, their golden flesh firms and the shellfish attain their full wild flavour. Hailing from Brittany, France these oysters are beloved throughout Europe. Although fabulous oysters are still served in London and New York, Paris remains supreme. Oyster regions of France Normandy Oysters Known for its highly iodised and fleshy oysters. 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. Alternatively, their recently opened tasting room on the Ile de la R off the Atlantic coast offers superb views over sea and sky. Oysters Shallots Butter Flour Mushrooms White Wine Cayenne Pepper Salt Breadcrumbs Parmigiano Reggiano WHERE TO EAT THE BEST Oysters Bienville View more 1 Arnaud's New Orleans , United States of America 2 Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar New Orleans , United States of America 3 Antoine's Restaurant New Orleans , United States of America 4 5. Heres a summary of some of the terms you are likely to encounter: France produces two types of oysters, plates and creuses. The number of oysters in France varies from 1000 to 6, with the smaller the number, the larger the oyster. If youre having an event, pair your oyster with a cold Chablis or ros to make it extra special. Oysters have been consumed in France since the Roman Empire. Pair them with a Guinness. Kumamoto oysters have gained popularity due to their sweet taste as well as their mild brininess. These French oysters are raised in deep waters, then transferred to less salty shallow beds called claires to mature. 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. Cupped oysters come in a variety of sizes and come in a numbered box. Like wine, terroir and variety matters when . There are many oyster varieties to choose from, but the French oyster is the most popular. Rent the finest South of France villas and prestigious properties in St Tropez, Cannes, Cap dAntibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. They can be found in the coastal areas of the country, as well as in the rivers and lakes. The Hog Island Oyster Company of Tomales Bay, California, is famous for its hog Island Sweetwater oyster. It was in 1825 that the first oyster restaurant in France opened, as oysters were a popular dish in ancient Rome. It has been a part of French culture for a long time. There is no doubt about it: oysters are extremely popular in France. You will pass by the region if you are cruising on a superyacht from Barcelona to Valencia. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Although some of these areas are far more famous than others, they all produce excellent oysters. Oysters are grown in seven different regions in France, including Normandy, Brittany, Arcachon, and Aquitaine. 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. 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. Also raised on the Cotentin Peninsula but further to the east, the huitre de Saint-Vaast la Hougue is another noble oyster with a fleshy texture, rich in iodine and featuring a subtle suggestion of hazelnut. If you like buttery Chardonnays, these pair well . Whether true or apocryphal, these are some mighty fine oysters, famed for their tangy, lingering flavour. 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. Many regional dishes include shellfish, which is aromatic and delicious in traditional dishes as well as in excellent wines. The word Aquitaine is derived from the French words Bonjour (for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh). Our favorite is Emile et une Hutre in Village l'Herbe. Small diced red meat radish (about 1 tbsp., with a little for a garnish) Salt, to taste. It is thought some of them even return to Catalonia but under a Gallic guise. 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. They have a flavor reminiscent of brine and an intense copper finish, and they are full of umami. 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. Its flavour is easy, fresh and sprightly, evoking bracing sea breezes and sea water. He opened his first restaurant in Paris in 1980 before moving it into a more spacious space in 1987 and . In appearance creuse are typically a pale ivory lined with black and brown. Share. Not just any oysters, Tarbouriech. Comptoir Saouf, where a dozen oysters will set you back15.30. They are typically served raw, with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drop of Tabasco sauce. . The region, with roots in Celtic roots that stretch back thousands of years and fishing practices that are just about as ancient, has perfected the art of the huitre through a combination of treasured tradition and present-day innovation. Manage Settings Arcachon, Pyla-sur-Mer & Cap FerretThe seaside resort town of Arcachon and its magnificent Bay is renowned for its fresh oysters. When it comes to Christmas and New Years Eve in France, oysters (Hu*tres) are the second most popular product. Finally, there's no need to worry about calories whilst eating oysters! However, no country in the world can offer a more complete oyster experience than France. Although the French eat oysters all year round, in winter you simply can't avoid them because they are everywhere. Born in 1953, Savoy began training to be a chef at the age of 15 and spent the next few years working with chefs around the world. Many more oysters can be found in France, so you can find them all here. 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). We are a London and French Riviera based yacht brokerage offering crewed luxury yacht charters and boat rentals in the south of France, throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. 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. In France, oyster butter is a simple and tasty way to enjoy seafood. A large part of the region, whose largest city is Bordeaux, runs alongside the Atlantic coast, a genuine treasure-trove for local oyster-tasting. 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. Save. According to Michelin, as a child, Savoy would peek into the pans in the kitchen of his family's restaurant, La Buvette de l'Esplanade, in Bourgoin-Jallieu.. Bretagne produces a wide variety of oysters, many of which are prized by gourmets. 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. 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. 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. Well tell you why the oysters in France are so good, the different types, where you can enjoy them and how to eat them. 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. How to Eat an Oyster Like the French: This is a list of some tips for how to eat oysters like the French. Antisan is also a very popular yacht rental choice for events such as Cannes Lions and MIPIM. Oysters from France are prized for their delicate flavor and freshness. France is known for its western seaboard with three separate oyster growing regions: Cancale, Marennes-Olron, & Arcachon. Oyster shells are usually oval or pear-shaped, but will vary widely in form depending on what they attach to. The oysters from the glandardeau saucisson are among Frances best oysters, and they rank third among the top three. For centuries, oysters have been grown in France, and fishermen work within a rigid production cycle. Improve this listing. Frances most renowned oysters are Speciales Gillardeau, which are produced by the Gillardeau family. It produces two types of oysters: flat oysters (which are native to the region) and rounded oysters (which are imported from Japan). Denmark Oyster Festival. Their stance is visitors and tourists should feel privileged to be served the finest in the world. For a more formal gastronomic experience, we particularly recommend lunch or dinner at Tabl Breizh Caf in Cancale, a Michelin-starred address whose Brton and Japanese menu fuses traditions beautifully; the menu includes oyster platters and fusion specialities using the delicacy as a key ingredient. Despite the fact that oysters are a small but important part of the French culinary culture, they can be quite pricey. The best way to get to Belon, France is by car. Gillardeau Marenne-Oleron Belon (France) Belon River, Brittany French restaurants often offer a perplexing miscellany of oysters, at prices that differ according to shape, size and provenance. In the flavor of the Hama oyster, there is a cucumber aftertaste and a pleasant salinity. 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. Beauregard. The oyster has been revered by kings and peasants in France for thousands of years, and it is still loved today as a salty and briny treat from the sea. 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. For eating raw, sizes 3 - 4 are best. From the direction of Lorient, take the exit for the D16 (Quimperle Centre) off the N165 then follow the D16 and the D116 south towards Moelan-sur-Mer. Certificate of Excellence. The laws in place are aimed to prevent food waste at large. 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. 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. For many oyster connoisseurs, Aquitaine is synonymous with incomparably fresh, delicious huitres (French for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh. As coastal Normandy is home to some of the finest oyster beds in France, the region is brimming with raw bars, seafood restaurants and oyster farms that serve these local delicacies in style! The oysters are harvested when they are three years old and have a slightly briny taste with a hint of sweetness. They are also delicious when cooked with herbs, garlic, or other seasonings. 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. Easily accessible by superyacht, these oysters alone make Rhode Island a destination to cruise by. The oysters from Cancale France are thought to be some of the best oysters in the world and in 1994 Cancale was classified as a 'Site remarquable du got', a town remarkable for the taste of its oysters! The production is small, really, considering that Brittany produces 35,000 tonnes of France's annual 150,000 tonnes of 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. This results in oysters that are plump and full of flavor. Picture courtesy of Bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com. 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. Many consider theirs to be the Rolls Royce of French huitres. the oyster in France. Oysters can be eaten raw or, if desired, eaten in warm temperatures, but true oyster lovers prefer to eat them raw. Brittany Oysters 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. Loch Ryan is the only active oyster fishery remaining in Scotland and has been run by the Wallace family since 1701 when the beds were given a royal charter by King William II. It should be mentioned that oysters are produced in an environmentally friendly way. Why not hire a private boat and embark on a tour of the areas fascinating oyster farms, implanted around the bay and visible at low tide? The Glidden Point oysters in Maine are known as the gold standard, and they are some of the best oysters in the state. Bretagne produces several different varieties of oysters that are treasured by gourmet connoisseurs and fans of authentic, simple regional cuisine alike. The town of Isigny-sur Mer and nearby Grandcamp-Maisy are both excellent ports of call for sampling the prized local produce.