Rent the finest South of France villas and prestigious properties in St Tropez, Cannes, Cap dAntibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat. French Riviera Luxury is a blog about all things luxury related on the French Riviera and Cte dAzur, including but by no means limited to: Yachting Luxury yacht charters and boat rentals, popular yachting destinations, new yacht launches etc. As part of a well-known oyster brand, the third and fourth generations have taken over management. 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. Allow Necessary Cookies & Continue 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. Oysters are among the best in France, as they are found in towns along the countrys coast. The French eat oysters as they do in How To Eat Oysters Like the French. 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. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. By combining butter and salt, the oyster brine is enhanced and complimented by the richness and creaminess of the butter. You can very rarely go wrong with a Pouilly Fuisse when eating oysters, or a pale, crisp Provencal rose could also be considered. 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. 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. There are numerous oysters to choose from in Alabama, but the Cancale oyster is by far the best. "Great service, great food!". But a bowl of clam chowder feels particularly restorative on a. 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 Boat International Media Ltd 2008 - 2022. 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. The Isigny oyster is one of the most well-known, with a rich and flavorful flavor. Additionally, the French take great care in harvesting their oysters, using traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries. No BS Guide to Eating and Drinking Like the French. If you want to stay cool this summer, try an aperitif spritz or a Louis Jadot chardonnay, both of which add a touch of sophistication. Ask anywhere in New Orleans and they'll say Gulf oysters are the absolute best. Whether true or apocryphal, these are some mighty fine oysters, famed for their tangy, lingering flavour. Oysters can be eaten raw or, if desired, eaten in warm temperatures, but true oyster lovers prefer to eat them raw. They are definitely an ingrained element of French culture. Picture courtesy of Bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com. Vive la France! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. And if the world is your oyster then Galway, on Irelands west coast, is your home. 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. 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. You will pass by the region if you are cruising on a superyacht from Barcelona to Valencia. A Guide to Oysters. From coastal Virginia to New York and New Orleans, a writer delves into the history and lore surrounding the shellfish, with a focus on the role African Americans . La Subhasta Restaurant, where a dozen will cost you35, Picture courtesy of Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com. "One of the best oyster bars in Paris!". Aquitaine is a thriving oyster-producing region, thanks to the presence of small oyster farms and restaurants specializing in the delicacy. 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. 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. There are many reasons why French oysters are the best. In fact, the oyster beds just outside the Dansk Skaldyrcenter are part of the last large colony of wild European oysters left in the world. 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. They explain every aspect of oyster history and nurturing. Best Overall West Coast Oysters: Hog Island Oyster - CA. If youre looking for the best oysters in the world, you wont be disappointed by deep-sea oysters from the Cotentin Peninsula. Marennes-Olron is famous for its La Pousse en Clair variety, which is elevated in low density ponds and shallow waters. 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. 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. 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. 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 . 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. Many more oysters can be found in France, so you can find them all here. The country has a long history of oyster cultivation, and today there are dozens of different types of French oysters to choose from. These oyster are best served raw with the meat being delicate and buttery with the texture of creaminess and rich mineral taste. Spciales de claire mature for at least two months. With 640 km of stunning coastline it comes as no surprise that Normandy produces some of the world's finest 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. They are large, juicy and have an intense flavour, earning them a place among the finest oysters in the world. 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. Loch Ryan Ostrea edulis oysters can easily be shipped to anywhere in the Mediterranean but a visit to Loch Ryan would be possible as part of a luxury yacht charter in Scotland or you could vacation like Abramovich and take your own superyacht to Scotland. Here are the ones we think you should visit. View all posts by Alex Coles. Small diced red meat radish (about 1 tbsp., with a little for a garnish) Salt, to taste. The town of Isigny-sur Mer and nearby Grandcamp-Maisy are both excellent ports of call for sampling the prized local produce. Not just any oysters, Tarbouriech. Gillardeau Marenne-Oleron Belon (France) Belon River, Brittany French oyster gillardeau is a type of oyster that is grown in the Gillardeau oyster beds off the Arcachon Bay in southwestern France. Although the French eat oysters all year round, in winter you simply can't avoid them because they are everywhere. The oyster is Frances national dish because it was the countrys invention. You will have the most delicious gourmet adventures, as well as the most expensive huatres, on our unique culinary tours. For many oyster connoisseurs, Aquitaine is synonymous with incomparably fresh, delicious huitres (French for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh. Possibly the most famous oyster of them all are the Speciales Gillardeau, grown by the Gillardeau family near La Rochelle in Western France. These oysters are flat and round, with rippled green shells. France is known for its western seaboard with three separate oyster growing regions: Cancale, Marennes-Olron, & Arcachon. - Luxembourg) +33 1 44 41 10 07 Website E-mail Improve this listing Ranked #700 of 19,809 Restaurants in Paris 698 Reviews Price range: $28 - $38 Cuisines: Seafood More restaurant details nyctravelbug6018 Although theyre raised in a few other coastal areas, plates are primarily linked with Brittany. For true oyster lovers, theres really nothing better than tucking into a dozen on the half-shell at a seaside bistro. Going Deep Into Oyster Country. Bluff Oysters from the southern most tip of New Zealand's South Island are some of the most prolific. One of life's little luxuries during summer in Bordeaux is having your toes in the sand while slurping up a dozen oysters in Cap Ferret's no-frills oyster shacks. 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 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. Huitrerie Regis. For centuries, oysters have been grown in France, and fishermen work within a rigid production cycle. Arcachon, Pyla-sur-Mer & Cap FerretThe seaside resort town of Arcachon and its magnificent Bay is renowned for its fresh oysters. Let your tastebuds be your guide! 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. When I wasn't working or sleeping, I was hunting for oysters. 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 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). The Saint-Vaast oyster is distinguished by its nutty flavor, so try it for a different taste. You wont be disappointed. +33 5 56 83 78 81. Let's take a closer look at two of them. 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. The Glidden Point oysters in Maine are known as the gold standard, and they are some of the best oysters in the state. During your next private, high-luxury tour of Brittany, make sure to spend some time tasting and learning about their fantastic oysters. Another popular standard for judging oyster meat is the Worth Index. However, no country in the world can offer a more complete oyster experience than France. 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. Kelly Oysters, based in a small inlet in Galway Bay, have been described as the best flavoured in the world. A large part of the region, whose largest city is Bordeaux, runs alongside the Atlantic coast, a genuine treasure-trove for local oyster-tasting. Enjoying a suite of international oysters with friends in Hong Kong. Elegant Address The very best in luxury villa rentals on the Cte dAzur and French Riviera. This allows them to grow fatter and more substantial than fines de claire. 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. The best place to enjoy Bassin of Arcachon oysters is in Cap Ferret itself. Their stance is visitors and tourists should feel privileged to be served the finest in the world. Many regional dishes include shellfish, which is aromatic and delicious in traditional dishes as well as in excellent wines. 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! Malpeque Oysters Cancale alone produces 60,000 tons of molluscs, accounting for roughly one-third of the nations total. Because of their smoother shells and saltier flavors, the oysters on the East Coast are more popular than those on the West Coast. Oyster Rockefeller, a type of oyster that is popular in the United States, is also a native of France. Oysters, as a side dish, are popular as an appetizer made with bread and butter. The best oysters are available in September through April, but they are unlikely to be found on menus until October. Best for Beach Cultivated: Hama Hama - WA. Find your part of the world and locate oysters with ocean maps or terrain. Restaurants such as La Mare (in Grandcamp-Maisy) are reputed for their excellent, unpretentious and delicious cuisine, including fresh oyster platters. The arctic temperatures and great depths of the southern waters in New Zealand contribute to the Bluff Oysters' rich and succulent flavours. The Portuguese oyster Crassostrea angulata (which is almost extinct in French waters) was used to model his painting. 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. During private tours, you can discover the very best places to eat, hidden away, and at the very least for the first time. The latter two offer types known as Fines and Fines de Claire, although they traditionally hail from the Marennes-Olron region. Are grown at just 10 to the square yard. Ireland's oyster industry is an international powerhouse. 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. This results in oysters that are plump and full of flavor. So if you love seafood, the west coast offers the finest available and is a beautiful spot to come and sample the seafood delights. In 2017, the average price of fresh oysters was between 7.1 and 7.4 euros. The classics in Paris are oysters from legendary French oyster cultivation areas such as Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. Plus Hotels, Restaurants, Beach Clubs, Cars, Sport, Events and much, much more. Among the best Oysters in the world, French Oysters fall into 2 categories: plates (flat shells) and creuse (curved shell). Hailing from Brittany, France these oysters are beloved throughout Europe. Grown by Caminada Bay Oysters, this variety is giant, meaty, and fit for frying. In some places, oysters were easy to find. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. Joel Goldberg for The New York Times. It is possible to find some of the best oysters in France, from Cancale in Brittany to Arcachon near Bordeaux. . Continue with Recommended Cookies. Chez Pierre in Arcachon is also prized by locals for its fine platters and excellent wines. If youre looking for the best oysters in France, the Gillardeau oysters are an absolute must. And justifiably so. Have we managed to intrigue your palate? 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. France is home to four different oyster varieties. Additionally, personal preferences will also come into play. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. But some attain a gorgeous turquoise green hue due to their contact with a bluish-green alga. White Wine: Chablis and Sancerre, if you please. The French produce two types of oysters: oysters on plates and creuses. Denmark Oyster Festival. Each year Cancale produces 5000 tons of oysters farmed in its 'parks' in the bay and 1000 tons fished from the bay generally. 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. The fresh ocean taste of an oyster while relaxing on a luxury yacht is hard to beat. Types of Oysters. Read our No BS Guide to Eating and Drinking Like the French. 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. Oysters taste different depending on where they were grown and how they were processed. These French oysters are raised in deep waters, then transferred to less salty shallow beds called claires to mature. With over 2,000 miles of coastline, France is the largest producer of oysters in Europe. The northeastern French region of Brittany is as famous as Aquitaine for its world-prized, incredibly fresh oysters. Yannick effortlessly shucks oysters Oysters are typically consumed raw, in part due to their high nutritional value. Because of their unique flavor and texture, this type of oyster will satisfy even the most ardent oyster lover. I am cofounder and senior yacht charter broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter. The oysters grown in this harbor are some of the most flavorful and juicy youll ever taste. These oysters cost a whopping $100 each. The half-shell oyster is a standard unit of purchase in these parts because oysters are abundant. 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. I succeeded in finding them in 10 of the 14 countries that I visited. It is the Damariscottas crisp, clean waters that allow the oysters to escape the sand and silt. Review. But which are the ones you should visit this year? Enjoy. 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. The harbour views are are charming and memorable, too. In order to enjoy oysters like the French, you must immerse yourself in the ocean. 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 varieties typically. 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. 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. The waters are cold, fresh and salty and contain prawns, langoustine, lobster, mussels, oysters - and fantastic fish. 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. Pacific oysters and native oysters have different measurement systems in France. Bourdain enjoys oysters from the coast in both regions, as well as seafood from the local region. Best for Wild Oysters: Glidden Point Oyster Farms - ME. The largest city in this region, Bordeaux, is located along the Atlantic coast. At sunset, follow the Rance west to St-Malo, a fortified citadel with ramparts at the mouth of the Rance. French restaurants often offer a perplexing miscellany of oysters, at prices that differ according to shape, size and provenance. Matunuck Oysters are grown in Potter Pond, an aquaculture farm in East Matunuck, Rhode Island. Certificate of Excellence. This unique terroir produces oysters that are delightfully fresh and full of aromatic flavours. Olron and Marnenet oyster La Fine (the fine) is a type of oyster that is finished in old salt marshes. Because they live in different parts of the world, they have different dialects. Determined by a complicated calculation that only the French understand; this designation means small- to medium-sized. Find Oyster Bars; . It produces two types of oysters: flat oysters (which are native to the region) and rounded oysters (which are imported from Japan). "Always begin by loosening the oyster. There are many factors to consider when determining the best oysters in Brittany, France. Oyster regions of France Normandy Oysters Known for its highly iodised and fleshy oysters. Sancerre is another excellent pairing. Finally, there's no need to worry about calories whilst eating oysters! Its flavour is easy, fresh and sprightly, evoking bracing sea breezes and sea water. Because French oysters are grown in France, they are considered to be the best. The sea views over the port are also superb. Their boutique in Bourcfranc makes an excellent port of call to procure the houses exquisite oysters for a festive and elegant meal, perhaps aboard a privately chartered boat or yacht. 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. From Strasbourg to Colmar to Paris. The wild huitres found in villages such as Plougastel-Dauolas are more similar to scallop meat than any other type of fish. To get the best sense of oysters' individual flavors, it's best to eat them unadorned before adding garnishes like mignonette or cocktail sauce. 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. Due to their unique taste, their longer maturation (up to 6 years), as well as their relative scarcity compared to the Pacific oyster, the native Kelly Galway oysters are prized by connoisseurs and chefs alike. 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. A letter from Julius Ceaser reportedly claims that Loch Ryan oysters are the best in the world. 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. Then, the only species available was the plate, or flat oyster (Ostrea edulis), more commonly known as the Belon. . Although some of these areas are far more famous than others, they all produce excellent oysters. Oysters have been grown in France for centuries and it was the first country in Europe to begin producing them on a large scale. 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. Oysters from the East Coast are unquestionably the most popular in the seafood world. These are just a couple of the local experiences we recommend others are closely guarded secrets that we reserve exclusively for our clients. Tut, tut.). oysters from France are typically served raw with a squeeze of lemon, but they can also be cooked in a variety of ways. 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. The plants are difficult to grow and require a small amount of production, so they are more expensive to produce. An American oyster, as opposed to a French oyster, has a distinct brininess. 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. When they are three years old and fully mature, they are transferred to an estuarial environment. The plates have flatter shapes than usual, and they are also known as Marneens or Belons in the two places where they are produced. By . "It has a strong, earthy brininess that is perfect for the steak lover," Brownlee says. France is well known for its delicious oysters, which are prized by gourmands around the world. This sweet, fruity oyster grows in Marenne-Oleron on the west coast of France, the largest oyster growing region in Europe. Manage Settings 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. 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). 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. Read related: 4 Destinations for Luxury Travellers on the West Coast of France, Read related: Experience Our Luxury French Cheese Tours, Read related: Luxury Tours of Mont Saint-Michel, Normandys Natural Wonder, Protected: West Coast of France: 4 Luxurious Destinations, The Interview : Richard Pfister and the art of Oeno-Perfumery. 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 .