Antisan is also a very popular yacht rental choice for events such as Cannes Lions and MIPIM. Delta de l'Ebre, Catalonia, Spain When you think of eating oysters in Europe, you may automatically think of France. White Wine: Chablis and Sancerre, if you please. Possibly the most famous oyster of them all are the Speciales Gillardeau, grown by the Gillardeau family near La Rochelle in Western France. Oyster regions of France Normandy Oysters Known for its highly iodised and fleshy oysters. Norway. Healthy pinch . France is well known for its delicious oysters, which are prized by gourmands around the world. The Saint-Vaast oyster is distinguished by its nutty flavor, so try it for a different taste. 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. In particular, the French coast is famous for its oysters, particularly in Bouziques, France. Some say a crisp, dry pilsner is just the ticket, but the Irish beg to differ. Because French oysters are grown in France, they are considered to be the best. 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. 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. Cupped oysters come in a variety of sizes and come in a numbered box. There are both flat (native European) and creased (Pacific rock) varieties cultivated in the lake, some have an almost hazelnut aftertaste, while some are reminiscent of watermelon. 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. 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. In addition to visiting local oyster producers in Arcachon and the nearby Cap Ferret, your gourmet adventure in the region might include lunch onboard a privately chartered yacht, prepared by a local chef and featuring freshly caught oysters accompanied by crusty bread and salted butter and some of the regions finest, crispest white wines. Huitres et Saumons de Passy. For centuries, oysters have been grown in France, and fishermen work within a rigid production cycle. The meat is chewy and sweet, with a umami aftertaste and brininess to it. Oysters are a common ingredient in most restaurants, from humble bistros to fine dining establishments. A letter from Julius Ceaser reportedly claims that Loch Ryan oysters are the best in the world. How to Eat an Oyster Like the French: This is a list of some tips for how to eat oysters like the French. Real Estate The finest villas and apartments on the Cte dAzur and where to find them. Oysters are popular among the French, and there are a variety of ways to enjoy them. Oysters are best found on the coasts of the Northeastern and Eastern United States. For more information about oysters around the world, check out my new live show Around the World in 80 Oysters. 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. The iconic river ships of No. And if the world is your oyster then Galway, on Irelands west coast, is your home. 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. Comptoir Saouf, where a dozen oysters will set you back15.30. The latter two offer types known as Fines and Fines de Claire, although they traditionally hail from the Marennes-Olron region. 3 rue de Montfaucon, 75006 Paris France +33 1 44 41 10 07 Website Menu. It was in 1825 that the first oyster restaurant in France opened, as oysters were a popular dish in ancient Rome. Anthony Bourdain takes great pleasure in traveling because he respects people and food. 22 boulevard Veyrier Montagneres, 33120 Arcachon, France. 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. Furthermore, because they are grown without the use of pesticides or herbicide, they are one of the most environmentally friendly crops available. 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.). 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. The Hog Island Oyster Company of Tomales Bay, California, is famous for its hog Island Sweetwater oyster. 5. Of those oysters, 50% are eaten in the single week between Christmas and New Year. The best way to get to Belon, France is by car. And while the three regions above are perhaps the most popular ones for sampling superb shellfish, other areas, including the French Cote dAzur and Sicily, harbour some excellent oyster-tasting opportunities as well. With 640 km of stunning coastline it comes as no surprise that Normandy produces some of the world's finest oysters. 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. A large part of the region, whose largest city is Bordeaux, runs alongside the Atlantic coast, a genuine treasure-trove for local oyster-tasting. Because of their smoother shells and saltier flavors, the oysters on the East Coast are more popular than those on the West Coast. Like wine, terroir and century . Visit the picturesque seaside city of Cancale, exposed to the Atlantic Ocean but featuring a tranquil harbour where the oysters are protected from the harsh currents, and experience the culinary traditions that the city is quietly famous for. Many people believe French oysters are the best in the world, and raw oysters are available at bistros and brasseries across the country. For those of you celebrating the festive season in Europe, here are a selection of the finest oysters available in Europe this Christmas, as well as what to drink with them. When raw oysters are served, they are typically chilled or heated at room temperature, or they can be served raw in a cold or room temperature dish. Learn how your comment data is processed. Favorite varieties include Capital and Shigoku oysters from Washington, Kusshi oysters from British Columbia, and the coveted Hog Island Sweetwaters from California. In particular, the French coast is famous for its oysters, particularly in Bouziques, France. The process is known as Lostriculture and the growers are known as Ostriculteurs. Some oysters in particular, known as La Gravette feed on local plankton that lend them a unique, highly-prized flavour. It's all due to the unique farming process they developed. Terroir (pronounced "tehr-wahr") means the characteristics of a placeits climate, geology, and wildlife, for examplethat impact . Denmark's second oyster is the Pacific oyster ( crassostrea gigas ), a foreign species that was accidentally introduced to the . Here is our guide on where to find six of the best oysters in the world. There are numerous other good oyster farms in Europe, but the Delta de lEbre, a region between Barcelona and Valencia, is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Prized by the Parisians, this delicate oyster is found in fine restaurants around the world. 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. That means a standard order of a dozen Coffin Bay oysters on the half shell would add up to $1,200. 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? Ask anywhere in New Orleans and they'll say Gulf oysters are the absolute best. E-mail. Dishes such as Cancalaise oysters with apple pure, Japanese vinegar, pink onion flan and langoustine bisque are both delicate and full of gourmet flavour. Because oysters have unique flavors and textures, you should chew them (not swallow them whole) to get a full taste. The arctic temperatures and great depths of the southern waters in New Zealand contribute to the Bluff Oysters' rich and succulent flavours. Fans may have their favourites such as the special oysters of Isigny, tasty and pulpy, and those of Saint-Vaast, which are known for their nutty flavour. As an affiliate and publisher, we earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post and third party advertising. Blog all about Luxury Travel on the French Riviera and Cte d'Azur. It produces two types of oysters: flat oysters (which are native to the region) and rounded oysters (which are imported from Japan). They are difficult to grow and are produced in small quantities, and so they are more expensive. The country has a long tradition of oyster farming"L'ostriculture," and eating them, of course. In 2017, the average price of fresh oysters was between 7.1 and 7.4 euros. Oyster production accounts for 90% of the total oyster harvest in Europe, with French oysters accounting for the remaining 10%. The fresh ocean taste of an oyster while relaxing on a luxury yacht is hard to beat. 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. However, these oysters are truly massive, which means you likely won't want to order that many. The native Knysna oyster, nutty and creamy and utterly unique, is the speciality of 34 South, a bustling warehouse-style waterfront restaurant on the Knysna Quay. I am cofounder and senior yacht charter broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter. Theyve drunk malty, creamy stout with their oysters for generations, and it works surprisingly well with the salty hit of the oysters. It's a French word that you may have heard used with wine. Even though there aren't many of these oysters out . Picture courtesy of Bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com. Oyster shells are usually oval or pear-shaped, but will vary widely in form depending on what they attach to. 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. 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. Oysters are prized for their soft, delicate flavors and firm texture due to their origins in the plankton-rich Bay of Veys. The French eat oysters as they do in How To Eat Oysters Like the French. You can even board a 2CV vintage Citroen on embark on a rustic yet elegant tour around the landing beaches and picturesque natural sites such as the Cliffs at Etretat, stopping to taste oysters and other authentic Norman products (calvados, wines, cheeses, ciders) along the way. The coast of France also offers fantastic oyster experiences. These oysters are lauded as being unusually sweet and as having a pleasing, complex texture. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The rolls Royce of French huitres are the oysters from Maison Gillardeau. Arcachon Bay Oysters in France Piret Ilver Oysters are "affordable luxury" - always special, different in every corner of the world, and every moment while eating oysters is special. These farmed oysters are harvested in a salt pond to give them their characterful, briney flavour and slightly sweet finish. 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. This sweet, fruity oyster grows in Marenne-Oleron on the west coast of France, the largest oyster growing region in Europe. Labelled according to the same calculation as the fines, these oysters are a larger and fleshier. Whether true or apocryphal, these are some mighty fine oysters, famed for their tangy, lingering flavour. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. As one of Scotland's largest oyster beds, both wild and farmed Ostrea edulis oysters are still harvested at the site and they are famous for having a tangy long-lasting flavour and are more round and flat in appearance. 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". If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. They look identical at first glance, coming in some shade of grey with a similar briny 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. 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. They are also delicious when cooked with herbs, garlic, or other seasonings. 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. Gillardeau Marenne-Oleron Belon (France) Belon River, Brittany There are many oyster varieties to choose from, but the French oyster is the most popular. There are many reasons why French oysters are the best. But a bowl of clam chowder feels particularly restorative on a. Like wine, terroir and variety matters when it comes to the world of oysters. 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. 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. The oyster industry is rich in history, as can be seen by dipping your toe into the briny waters. If youre looking for the best oysters in France, head to Marennes. If you want an unforgettable seafood experience, visit the East Coast. In the 19th century, there were three oyster capitals in the world: Paris, London and New York. These French oysters are raised in deep waters, then transferred to less salty shallow beds called claires to mature. This results in oysters that are plump and full of flavor. 1 medium jalapeo, minced (about 1 tbsp.) the oyster in France. From North to South there are seven distinct growing regions: Normandy, North-Brittany, South-Brittany, West-Central, Marennes-Olron, Arcachon, and the Mediterranean. Because of their unique flavor and texture, this type of oyster will satisfy even the most ardent oyster lover. Certificate of Excellence. It is simple, but delicious, to serve as a showcase for each of the ingredients. The oysters are harvested and sorted by size after being hand-harvested. Because most oysters raised in aquaculture do not spawn, they have a good season. McDonagh's, where a dozen oysters will cost you22. The larger oysters are used in molluscan dishes such as bouillabaisse, while the smaller ones are used in chowders and Rockefeller oysters. The Chesapeake Bay used to appear as if it were teeming with oysters as if it were a giant Milky Way. Expect some competition, as for the French, getting the best oysters is somewhat of a national sport. On your private tour of the region and its noteworthy oyster farms, you can enjoy informal but authentic tastings at local sellers where you can order a few oysters accompanied by a glass of crisp white or try them cooked in apple cider and/or calvados, a local specialty. 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. Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tbsp.) 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. This episode of How We Eat explores the complex history of this beloved bival. Going Out for Oysters. 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? Although theyre raised in a few other coastal areas, plates are primarily linked with Brittany. Save. Oysters are typically consumed raw, in part due to their high nutritional value. The Glidden Point oysters in Maine are known as the gold standard, and they are some of the best oysters in the state. 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. They explain every aspect of oyster history and nurturing. The oysters are famous for their meaty flesh which supplies an endless ocean of flavours. "One of the best oyster bars in Paris!". Mont-St-Michel Bay, located between Normandy and Brittany, is a stunning sight to see. 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. 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. In France, the oyster has been beloved by kings and peasants for thousands of years and today, the French continue to love these salty and briny treats from the sea. Oysters are still popular in France, despite the fact that they have been replaced by other foods. France produces two types of oysters: the flat oyster (in French known as the hutre plate), a variety native to the region, and the rounded oyster (in French, hutre creuse), which is imported from Japan.Though the flat oyster, also known as Belon, originates here, most of the oysters harvested in Cancale are the rounded style, with the flat-shelled Belon making up approximately 2% of . 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 general rule for oysters is the accompanying beverage must be crisp, and it must be dry. For one, they are grown in some of the cleanest and most pristine waters in the world. This unique terroir produces oysters that are delightfully fresh and full of aromatic flavours. 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. There is no doubt about it: oysters are extremely popular in France. There are 4.5 square miles of oyster beds in a natural harbor where the oysters are grown. Today, France produces between 130,000 to 145,000 metric tons of Pacific oysters . Although some of these areas are far more famous than others, they all produce excellent oysters. Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Normandy?Normandy is known for its unusual variety of excellent oysters. 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. When it comes to Christmas and New Years Eve in France, oysters (Hu*tres) are the second most popular product. 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). By . oysters from France are typically served raw with a squeeze of lemon, but they can also be cooked in a variety of ways. Oysters are calibrated from 000 to 6, with the smaller number indicating the larger-sized oyster. There, their golden flesh firms and the shellfish attain their full wild flavour. 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. Improve this listing. Brittany Oysters Spciales de claire mature for at least two months. If you prefer to enjoy lunch or dinner at a nearby, high-end table, there are numerous options for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.