Furthermore, because they are grown without the use of pesticides or herbicide, they are one of the most environmentally friendly crops available. 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. In Europe, raw French oysters are frequently served with a squirt of lemon juice and a squeeze of Tabasco sauce. 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. Since Roman times, they have been farmed in the Lagune de Thau, in the Mediterranean, and in the Bay of Arcachon. No matter how you enjoy them, French oysters are a truly delicious treat. These are refined oysters, grown in marshes (claires) that allow for optimum production and a controlled growing environment. Matunuck Oyster Bar, where a dozen oysters will cost you $24. This sweet, fruity oyster grows in Marenne-Oleron on the west coast of France, the largest oyster growing region in Europe. 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. It was in 1825 that the first oyster restaurant in France opened, as oysters were a popular dish in ancient Rome. Around 164,000 years ago, it was common for humans to consume oysters, which were introduced to Europe by hominids. 5. When oysters spawn in the spring and summer, their meat becomes soggy and thin. These are just a couple of the local experiences we recommend others are closely guarded secrets that we reserve exclusively for our clients. The country has a long tradition of oyster farming"L'ostriculture," and eating them, of course. Certificate of Excellence. Here is our guide on where to find six of the best oysters in the world. For many oyster connoisseurs, Aquitaine is synonymous with incomparably fresh, delicious huitres (French for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh. 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. If youre going to eat raw oysters, allow 6 to 8 oysters per person, and 5 if theyre going to be served warm. 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. You should make sure you sample Sydney Rock oysters if your are cruising in the country on your own yacht or enjoying a luxury yacht charter in Australia. Then, the only species available was the plate, or flat oyster (Ostrea edulis), more commonly known as the Belon. Monaco Grand Prix yacht hospitality, MIPIM yacht charters, Cannes Lions boat rentals and Cannes Film Festival corporate yacht charter specialists. 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. "One of the best oyster bars in Paris!". It's all due to the unique farming process they developed. The oysters are harvested and sorted by size after being hand-harvested. When youre ready to eat the oysters, use a short, sharp knife with a short, sharp blade. 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. France is known for its western seaboard with three separate oyster growing regions: Cancale, Marennes-Olron, & Arcachon. 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. There are numerous oysters to choose from in Alabama, but the Cancale oyster is by far the best. Whether true or apocryphal, these are some mighty fine oysters, famed for their tangy, lingering flavour. The Glidden Point oysters in Maine are known as the gold standard, and they are some of the best oysters in the state. This restaurant has been owned by the Moran family for seven generations, and the oysters served here are farmed locally. The oyster industry is rich in history, as can be seen by dipping your toe into the briny waters. If you want to try something new, you can begin with Anthony Bourdains journeys; his travels are a great place to start. If youre looking for the perfect French oyster, the Gillardeau oyster is without a doubt the one to go with. Many regional dishes include shellfish, which is aromatic and delicious in traditional dishes as well as in excellent wines. Theyve drunk malty, creamy stout with their oysters for generations, and it works surprisingly well with the salty hit of the oysters. 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. These are among the most sought-after. You can very rarely go wrong with a Pouilly Fuisse when eating oysters, or a pale, crisp Provencal rose could also be considered. On the federal level in Norway, strict sustainability laws have been in place for fishermen since the 80s. Like wine, terroir and variety matters when it comes to the world of oysters. Olron and Marnenet oyster La Fine (the fine) is a type of oyster that is finished in old salt marshes. The town of Isigny-sur Mer and nearby Grandcamp-Maisy are both excellent ports of call for sampling the prized local produce. But which are the ones you should visit this year? Description: Temporary closure of the restaurant for annual leave from Monday November 15 to Thursday December 9. The French oysters are meaty and nutty in taste. From Strasbourg to Colmar to Paris. . Antisan is also a very popular yacht rental choice for events such as Cannes Lions and MIPIM. This is a slight increase from the previous year, when the average price ranged from 7.1 to 7.3 euros. The half-shell oyster is a standard unit of purchase in these parts because oysters are abundant. Even though there aren't many of these oysters out . The meat is chewy and sweet, with a umami aftertaste and brininess to it. 1 medium jalapeo, minced (about 1 tbsp.) There is no doubt about it: oysters are extremely popular in France. Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Brittany? The laws in place are aimed to prevent food waste at large. 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. 2 spot with an eye-popping score above 96. The meat is briny and firm, with only a hint of sweet sweetness and a refreshing acidity, as compared to cucumbers. Determined by a complicated calculation that only the French understand; this designation means small- to medium-sized. 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. Bourdain enjoys oysters from the coast in both regions, as well as seafood from the local region. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Best Overall West Coast Oysters: Hog Island Oyster - CA. Are grown at just 10 to the square yard. 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. Because of their smoother shells and saltier flavors, the oysters on the East Coast are more popular than those on the West Coast. Located next to a multi-deck boat house on Skull Creek, this landmark waterfront restaurant features an extensive cocktail and food menu. 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. 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 has been a part of French culture for a long time. Years ago, there was an attempt to bring the Belon to Maine, and although the oyster farming failed, they survived in the wild. 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. In particular, the French coast is famous for its oysters, particularly in Bouziques, France. Keep in mind that the tides here raise and lower the water by about 15 meters. 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. Antisan Yacht Antisan is an exceptional charter yacht based in Cannes and available to rent on the French Riviera and other Mediterranean destinations. Although theyre raised in a few other coastal areas, plates are primarily linked with Brittany. Picture courtesy of Bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com. The plates are flatter in shape and are also known as Belons or Marennes, two of the locales where they are produced. Exceptional but relaxed tastings can be enjoyed at places including Au Pied dCheval on the Cancale Port, whose oyster platters (sourced from the restaurants own local production site) are remarkably fresh and delicious; the seaside views are breathtaking, too. 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 oysters are said to have a unique flavour as they combine the saltiness of the Mediterranean with the sweet freshness of the River Ebro. If so, get in touch with now. - 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 A Brut Blanc de Blanc (100% chardonnay) is a very good choice, such as either Pierre Gimonnet Premier Cru Brut NV, or Chapuy Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne. They are generally whitish-gray in outer shell color, and their inside shell . 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. A letter from Julius Ceaser reportedly claims that Loch Ryan oysters are the best in the world. Use the small fork. 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 oyster is Frances national dish because it was the countrys invention. Set in oyster parks with only five to the square yard, these oysters, prized by gourmets, grow for at least four months and double in weight during that time. Sancerre is another excellent pairing. Bretagne produces a wide variety of oysters, many of which are prized by gourmets. 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. Real Estate The finest villas and apartments on the Cte dAzur and where to find them. 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. 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. 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. It is thought some of them even return to Catalonia but under a Gallic guise. Level 1 has the highest weight, but level 2 has the most texture. 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. No BS Guide to Eating and Drinking Like the French. Tempura oysters are a speciality here. From North to South there are seven distinct growing regions: Normandy, North-Brittany, South-Brittany, West-Central, Marennes-Olron, Arcachon, and the Mediterranean. The country is well-known for its oyster farms, which are an important part of the French culinary culture. Although not a traditional superyacht destination, the oysters in Ireland are reason enough to make a visit. French oysters are known as the best oysters in the world and are served in a variety of restaurants across the country. Here are the ones we think you should visit. Many more oysters can be found in France, so you can find them all here. 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.). Make it a young wine, as youll again run into the pesky complexity clash with older vintages, and dont overchill, or youll ruin the flavour. The best oysters are available in September through April, but they are unlikely to be found on menus until October. We'd like to introduce you to one of the best oysters in the world: the Belon oyster. In particular, the French coast is famous for its oysters, particularly in Bouziques, France. Find Oyster Bars; . Interested in oyster tasting in France? Pair them with a Guinness. The larger oysters are used in molluscan dishes such as bouillabaisse, while the smaller ones are used in chowders and Rockefeller oysters. If youre having an event, pair your oyster with a cold Chablis or ros to make it extra special. Some people prefer a saltier oyster, while others prefer a sweeter oyster. The majority of the plates oysters come from Brittany or at least France, but the creuse may be imported. Bretagne produces several different varieties of oysters that are treasured by gourmet connoisseurs and fans of authentic, simple regional cuisine alike. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Best Places To Use Your Oyster Freedom Pass, Oysters As A Potential Treatment For Cancer, The Florida Keys: Home Of The Worlds Largest Oysters, The Pros And Cons Of Eating Snails And Oysters. Oysters are popular among the French, and there are a variety of ways to enjoy them. Yannick effortlessly shucks oysters The oysters are famous for their meaty flesh which supplies an endless ocean of flavours. In order to enjoy oysters like the French, you must immerse yourself in the ocean. Chez Pierre in Arcachon is also prized by locals for its fine platters and excellent wines. For eating raw, sizes 3 - 4 are best. "Great service, great food!". There, their golden flesh firms and the shellfish attain their full wild flavour. There are many places to eat oysters in France. Oysters are a common ingredient in most restaurants, from humble bistros to fine dining establishments. Ultimately, the best oysters in Brittany, France are the ones that taste the best to you. 3 Viking Cruises also fared well this year, with readers . To this day, the city offers many opportunities to enjoy oysters, in restaurants or from side walk vendors. (N.B. Sign up to BOAT International email newsletters to get the latest superyacht news, business analysis, exclusive event invitations, and more. Small diced red meat radish (about 1 tbsp., with a little for a garnish) Salt, to taste. Seating at the outdoors Marker 13 Buoy Bar is first-come,. The best place to enjoy Bassin of Arcachon oysters is in Cap Ferret itself. This unique terroir produces oysters that are delightfully fresh and full of aromatic flavours. Because French oysters are grown in France, they are considered to be the best. 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. Oysters from France are prized for their delicate flavor and freshness. 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. 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. White Wine: Chablis and Sancerre, if you please. An American oyster, as opposed to a French oyster, has a distinct brininess. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. Ask anywhere in New Orleans and they'll say Gulf oysters are the absolute best. Chablis is one of the finest choices, as its chardonnay grapes are grown in soil that was once the ocean floor, lending it a flinty, racy, palate cleansing acidity which complements the oysters of that region supremely. The number of oysters in France varies from 1000 to 6, with the smaller the number, the larger the oyster. The legendary French oyster cultivation areas are Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. The most important part of the Texas oyster harvest is in Galveston Bay. Because most oysters raised in aquaculture do not spawn, they have a good season. France is well known for its delicious oysters, which are prized by gourmands around the world. 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. This flat, rounded and wild oyster variety has a fresh, fleshy interior and is appreciated for its unique flavour as well as its rarity. But some attain a gorgeous turquoise green hue due to their contact with a bluish-green alga. oysters from France are typically served raw with a squeeze of lemon, but they can also be cooked in a variety of ways. And if the world is your oyster then Galway, on Irelands west coast, is your home. Kelly Oysters, based in a small inlet in Galway Bay, have been described as the best flavoured in the world. Oysters have been consumed in France since the Roman Empire. A large part of the region, whose largest city is Bordeaux, runs alongside the Atlantic coast, a genuine treasure-trove for local oyster-tasting. Oyster shells are usually oval or pear-shaped, but will vary widely in form depending on what they attach to. 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. Christmas is almost upon us, and villages and cities across France are preparing for the seasonal Gallic rush on oysters. 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. The plate is the oyster lovers oyster. Oysters are calibrated from 000 to 6, with the smaller number indicating the larger-sized oyster. Claimed. 5. 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 countrys long coastline and diverse climate provide the perfect conditions for oyster farming. 9. The best oysters are available in September through April, but they are unlikely to be found on menus until October. For centuries, oysters have been grown in France, and fishermen work within a rigid production cycle. Going Out for Oysters. France is known for producing oysters in three forms: plates, creuses, and fines. 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. Bluff Oysters from the southern most tip of New Zealand's South Island are some of the most prolific. 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. Especially when you can look out and see the sparkling waters the shellfish were plucked from just hours before. 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? Elegant Address The very best in luxury villa rentals on the Cte dAzur and French Riviera. The process is known as Lostriculture and the growers are known as Ostriculteurs. Oyster & Chop, where a dozen bluff oysters costs $54, Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com / Farris Noorzali. During a private oyster-tasting tour, you may also visit oyster producers and local restaurants. 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. These oysters are flat and round, with rippled green shells. Finally, another destination in Nouvelle Aquitaine that reserves some of Frances 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. Oysters have been grown in France for centuries and it was the first country in Europe to begin producing them on a large scale. In France, oyster butter is a simple and tasty way to enjoy seafood. 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. The wild huitres found in villages such as Plougastel-Dauolas are more similar to scallop meat than any other type of fish. Hennessey also provides the restaurant with big, meaty seven- to 10-year-old oysters, which chef Andrew Taylor roasts in a thick, Korean-style barbecue sauce.